How long do you soak your reels in fresh water after fishing in the ocean?

Question

Also do you use soap as well, or just pure fresh water?

Answer 1

Soaking is not an entirely bad idea but I've know tightly packed line to still retain saltwater even after soaking which when left on can and will cause oxidation on spools and other parts.  Soaking in a bowl or sink makes a brine solution that can then be forced into other salt free parts of the reel.  Rinsing is a better idea.  Without removing all the line you're going to have to live with the fact that oxidation may occur over time anyway.  Anodization these days on modern reels is tough stuff and should provide ample protection with simply low pressure rinsing.  I own a couple of dozen reels mostly saltwater and I break them down each year unless I don't use one of them.  Besides using Cal's drag grease on them I add a liberal coat of blue (Yamaha) marine grease to all internal components as well as the inside of some of the spools, frame and side plates.  One application is enough but yearly inspections a must.  Just be careful not to get any on the line.  Marine grease won't wash off with water and provides adequate protection against saltwater intrusion.  I will grease all screws prior to reassembly.  I have cracked open reels that were seemingly well kept to find internals one big corrosive mess. Where as one application of marine grease would have been enough to prevent this from happening.

Answer 2

I rinse and soak mine.  Rinse gently right after every use and then soak when I get home.  I usually put each reel in separate tub and soak in freshwater overnight.  I change the water and let soak overnight again.  I do not use any soap.

Comments

This is what I do as well

Answer 3

Generally, you want to immediately give the reel a rinse with fresh water, and as soon as possible after you dunk it you want to get it in a bucket of fresh water. I know that some guys like to soak it in gasoline for a day, and then water for 2 days, but I just like to soak it in fresh water for as long as possible. (At least 2 days)

Answer 4

The most important thing to remember is to tighten up your drag fully before rinsing (I don't soak), then release the drag almost completely to dry and store.  Any water between the washers can effect the performance of the drag, as can storing it tight.

Comments

Hadn't heard this before but sounds like something I should be doing

Answer 5

I rinse, lightly. Careful not to push salt further into the reel. As stated above, tighten the drag before rinsing, and loosen afterwords to relieve pressure off the drag washers etc.

Answer 6

I have never soaked any of my reels in all the years I have fished. I tighten the drag and gently rinse the reels with tap water. I then spray a little Reel Magic on it after it has dried.

Answer 7

I don't soak, just give em a good rinse down with fresh water..
Take em apart and clean and grease every other month

Answer 8

Like another respondent, I never soak, just rinse. Depends on how the day went, what type of fishing I was doing, etc. but if need be will loosen drag, let out a bit of line, spray line spool intently. Always spray down the total reel and rod, of course. Seems to work well for me.

Answer 9

I do not add anything to the water, e.g. no soap or other.