How Would You Like To Save Hundreds of Dollars?

The next time your reels start grinding a little and/or not casting so good, instead of running out and buying all new ones, why don't you simply replace the bearings in your old ones? That's exactly what Charles "Doc" Murdock did recently, "And now they (both baitcaster and spinning reels) cast like new," he assured me.

However, Doc didn't rush into this project blind. For openers, he carefully read the article found at this link: www.tackletour.com/articlebearings101. He also watched some videos he discovered on YouTube. Then he researched different replacement brands before settling on Boca Bearings.

At that point, Doc downloaded a copy of the "Fishing Reel Ceramic Bearing Guide" from the Boca Bearings website and simultaneously ordered the bearings, as well as the tools he would need to do the work. And to make sure he would have the bearing guide for future reference, he laminated the copy he had downloaded.

For the benefit of all those mechanically-inclined individuals (of which I'm not one) who may be willing to try their hand at following in Doc's footsteps, here are some other web links that you may find helpful:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/supertune-baitcaster.html
http://www.leeroysramblings.com/fishing_reel_maintenance.htm
http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-info/fishing-reel-bearing-maintenance-installation-guide
http://www.bassfishingandcatching.com/fishing-reel-bearings.html

And here's the link to a whole list of videos that you also might find beneficial:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE1FE12F753C6B80E

I think we all can agree that reel maintenance is extremely important. The following are just a few general tips I found online to prolong the life of a reel:

     * Never leave the reel on a rod after use. (Can't say I've ever heard that one before.)
     * Lightly rinse reels with fresh water.
     * Use warm soapy water and a cloth to wipe the reel clean.
     * Spray reel with a moisture repellent.
     * Back the drags off to prevent constant compression of the drag washers.
     * Do not leave in direct sunlight.
     * Reels should be serviced completely once a year.
     * After cleaning, store the reel in a neoprene cover for extra protection.