How often do you go out fishing? If you’re anything like me, you probably spend hours every weekend catching fish. And if you’ve ever had trouble locking your reels, then you know how frustrating it can be.
Fishing has always been a favorite hobby of mine. I love being outdoors, especially during summertime. There’s nothing better than sitting down on the beach or lake, casting my line into the water and waiting patiently for a bite.
However, sometimes things don’t turn out quite as expected. Sometimes, even after you’ve spent countless hours setting up your gear, you find yourself unable to get your reel locked. This happens because the gears inside the reel aren’t aligned properly.
Fishing reels are a lot like cars. They both require maintenance, but sometimes things go wrong. Here are some tips to help you repair a broken fishing reel.
Check the Reel Mechanism
First, make sure that the mechanism itself is still intact. There are several different mechanisms used in fishing reels. These include spring-loaded spool systems, friction drive systems, and direct drive systems. Spring-loaded spool systems are the oldest type of system.
Friction drive systems were introduced around 1990, and direct drive systems came out in the mid 2000s. All these systems are fairly similar, so if yours doesn’t seem to function properly, it may just be a matter of replacing parts.
Check the Spooling System
Next, inspect the spooling system. Is the line running smoothly? Are the drag settings correct? If everything seems okay, then it’s probably a case of worn parts. However, if something is rubbing or binding, it could indicate a mechanical issue.
Inspect the Line
Finally, look at the actual line. Does it look frayed or damaged? Do you notice any signs of wear? If so, it may be time to replace the line.
What is a fishing reel and how does it work?
A fishing reel is a device used to bait and reel in fish. It consists of a spool (a cylindrical container with a diameter that varies according to the type of reel) connected by gears or other devices to a rod.
The fisherman holds the rod in one hand and uses the other to turn the reel, which causes the line to wind around the spool.
When enough line has been wound onto the spool, it can be pulled tight, causing the bait attached to the end of it to be pulled up into the air. This process is repeated until a fish is caught.
Causes of a non-locking fishing reel:
Damaged or faulty components, dirty or corroded windings, worn out bearings
Non-locking fishing reels are the most common type of reel. They don’t have a gearshift, so you just turn the crank to pull the line in or let it out.
The main cause of a non-locking reel not working is faulty components. Damaged or corroded windings can also cause a reel not to work. Worn out bearings can also cause a non-locking reel not to work.
Here are the few major reaosns:
1. Overloading the gear box
Overloading the gear box causes the spool shaft to become loose and eventually break off. If the spool shaft breaks, then you have no way of winding the line back onto the spool.
2. Improper maintenance
Improper maintenance of the gears and bearings may cause them to wear out prematurely. When they do, the entire mechanism becomes useless.
3. Poor quality parts
Poor quality parts may not hold their shape well over time. As a result, the gears and bearings start wearing down faster than normal.
4. Bad design
Bad design can lead to problems with the gears and bearings. In some cases, the design may even make the problem worse.
5. Improper lubrication
Lubricants should only be applied to the gears and bearings after they are properly cleaned. Otherwise, they could clog the gears and bearings and prevent them from working correctly.
6. Improper use
The user may apply excessive pressure while reeling in the line. This can damage the gears and bearings.
7. Improper storage
If the equipment isn’t stored properly, it may get damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures.
How To Fix A Broken Spool Or Bail
1. Remove the bail from the spool.
2. If the bail is broken, then remove the entire spool.
3. Clean out any dirt or debris from inside the spool.
4. Place the spool onto a flat surface.
5. Using a pair of pliers, gently pull apart the two halves of the spool.
6. Once the halves have been pulled apart, use a screwdriver to pry them back together.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until the bail is fixed.
8. Replace the bail onto the spool.
9. Reassemble the spool.
10. Make sure the bail is tight enough to prevent the spool from spinning freely.
11. Test the spool by turning it over.
12. If the spool spins freely, then tighten the bail further.
13. If the spool does not spin freely, then loosen the bail slightly.
14. Continue tightening the bail until the spool spins freely again.
15. When the spool spins freely once again, replace the bail.
16. Reassemble the entire spool.
How To Fix The Drag System in a fishing reel
The drag system is the mechanism that keeps the spool of the fishing reel stationary while reeling in line. When you pull back on the handle, the drag system prevents the spool from rotating.
If you have ever tried to cast without a drag system, then you know how frustrating it can be. You may even find yourself trying to fish with no line at all just to get some action!
There are many different types of drag systems out there, but they all work basically the same way. There is a spring-loaded pawl that engages the teeth of the spool.
As you pull back on the rod, the force of the spring pushes the pawl into the teeth of the spools. This causes friction between the pawl and the spool, preventing the spool from turning.
If you want to fix your drag system, here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the spool completely.
- Clean the area around the pawl where it contacts the spool.
- Replace the spool.
- Reassemble the reel.