For most fly fishers, their reel isn’t what they think about with great detail until something goes horribly wrong. It locks up. It starts making a weird sound. The screw holding the handle falls into the river, with the handle soon following suit.

Modern fly reels are incredibly  resilient.  But an ounce of prevention between trips or before the season starts can forestall the $200 new reel cure. Or, more importantly, a little work on the front end can circumvent a very frustrating moment on the water.

Below are 6 tips for taking care of your fly reel. Truth be told, it is really only 5 (because #1 ought to be a no-brainer). But if you take care of your reel, it will more than likely take care of you. Whether it is a simple click and pawl trout reel or a mammoth saltwater machine that could stop a midsize sedan, a little bit of maintenance can keep your reel winding and keep you on the water.

1. Take this opportunity to clean your line. Yes, I know that this is an entirely different aspect of gear maintenance. But you’re not going to be reeling in any fish if your line is all nicked, kinked, and otherwise un-castable. Strip it off, inspect your knots, check on it’s integrity, and then give it a good clean and tight rewind.
2. Pop the spool out of the frame and blow. Especially if you don’t subject your equipment to harsh conditions, this will probably be all you’ll need to do to ensure your reel continues to turn. Blow? Yes: dirt and other debris (even dust) has certainly found it’s way into crevices. Get it out. Pay special attention to where the spool and reel attach.
3. Go to the next level with some tiny tools. If a little bit of air doesn’t remove grit and grime, you’ll need friction. An old toothbrush will work for nearly every surface and indentation. Water, Dawn soap, and elbow grease is all you’ll need for virtually whatever will find its way into your fresh or saltwater reel. Vinegar or toothpaste are gentle options for legitimate corrosion; stay away from abrasives like steel wool or a wire brush.
4. If necessary, and only if necessary, look deeper. Popping off the spool should give you access to  almost every reel problem that you can fix. In rare cases, springs bend or sand works its way into an odd place. Over an old towel, disassemble the reel carefully and with purpose. Lay things out in order, and have the assembly diagram on hand. Don’t be afraid to call the company if you’re lost.
5. Lubricate and protect in moderation. Don’t spray your reel with WD40 or coat the spindle with grease. A few drops of fishing reel grade lubricant/protectant in manufacturer-specified spots is all you need. The last thing you want is something slippery on the handle, or worse yet, the drag components.
6. Get in the habit of cleaning and drying. Once more, modern fly reels are incredibly  resilient.  They’ll take a ton of environmental exposure and angler abuse. And the small percentage of damage can be mitigated even more by torquing down the drag after use, taking the spool off the frame, giving it a quick wipe, and letting it air dry.

Do you have any other must-dos for taking care of fly reels? Let me know in the comments below.