So I just came back from a Florida surf fishing trip 2 new Penn SpinFisher reels, a 5500 and 6500LC. They both performed beautifully, and they both got thoroughly splashed, and the 5500 got dropped in the sand.
Every day during the trip, I would hose them off with clean water and let them dry in the shade. I took the spool off a few times during the trip and everything was looking pretty clean. my plan was to come home and do a thorough cleaning.
This is my first pair of high-end reels and I want to do a good job cleaning them. I spent several hours researching and have ended up totally confused on what the best practice is.
The PENN website just talks about a light cleaning with a q-tip, but I already feel like that’s not enough after finding saltwater buildup within the handle knuckle. I tried a little WD40 on the handle knuckle and it cleaned it up, but it seems I might have also effed up the rubber on the handle. The 5500 has a nice smooth handle shine but the 6500 is now a little gummy feeling 😡
I’ve read people using Simple Green, dish soap, WD40, vinegar, isopropyl, toothpaste, soaking the reel, PENN/Ardent/clenzoil reel cleaners. Wtf too many choices.
It seems like I need to fully disassemble and clean out the grease to ensure there’s no grit trapped, then reassemble with new oil/grease.
Would love to know what some of you seasoned pros recommend! I appreciate you reading this.
Thanks in advance 🙏
Posted by dakuzen
4 Comments
Those reels are splash-proof and normal post-trip clenaing is a thorough rinse with fresh water. Dropping one in the sand isn’t great but again a good rinse immediately should flush off any sand. You can run into issues if you use the reel after a drop in the sand as that can pull very fine grit into the reel body.
If there is an obvious issue like grinding noises or feel then you need to take it apart. Otherwise it’s not necessary. Never submerge your reel or any part of it in water.
Make sure you oil the roller bearing too, often missed. Penn has several good reel maintenance videos on YouTube.
Don’t use WD-40.
It’s a grease cutter. Solvent will eat rubber.
Reel fun time