Dunking Spinning Reel In Water - Harmful?

[hoosierbass07]

 I took my nephew out canoe fishing for the first time last week. I was mostly focused on him not dumping us over than actually fishing.  Anyway, I let use one of my Shimano Sahara spinning rods on an Ugly Stick.  He caught a couple of bass.  But, one time when he had to fix a the line at the top of the rod, he put the reel in the water so he could reach up and grab the rod tip and get the line untangled.  I told him to pull the reel out of the water!  Reels don't belong in the water!  

 

 OK, that was last week, the last time that reel had been used.  I went fishing last night for a little bit and used that reel a few times an I could tail it was wanting to freeze up sometimes.  It worked but when the handle got to a certain position it seemed like it wanted to get stuck and took more effort to move it.  I figured it was because of the water dunking.  I took it home and oiled it up and from what I can tell it seems OK.  

 

 My questions - how much harm can a dunking in water do on a spinning reel?  Will a good oiling solve most basic reel problems or will I have to take the reel apart and and give it a good cleaning?  

 

Thanks! 

[paleus]

Should be fine if it was not saltwater. Just make sure it is lubed properly.

[Capt.Bob]

If it was submerged and you can feel a difference the next time out, it has been contaminated with water. Regardless if it is freshwater or saltwater, neither one has a place inside your reel. You should tear it down dry it out and relube.

[Tywithay]

I've never had any issues when I am wading and my reel gets dunked. I might rinse it off if I am fishing really nasty water, or a sand pit, but usually I just fish with it. If it feels rough, clean it. Otherwise, it's more than likely fine.

[Scott F]

It normally isn't a problem when a reel goes under. Dunking reels is pretty common among river fishermen. Would the reel be a Shimano?  It seems like for a while, Shimano spinning reels were prone to binding up after they got dunked. On river fishing boards, they were known as Shimbindos it was so common. I've dunked reels many times and I've never had a problem. But, I don't own any Shimanos. I don't do any cleaning or anything else if they just take a quick plunge. 

[F14A-B]

If it was submerged and you can feel a difference the next time out, it has been contaminated with water. Regardless if it is freshwater or saltwater, neither one has a place inside your reel. You should tear it down dry it out and relube.

Sound Advice right here.

[hoosierbass07]

 I took the spool off and watched a couple of videos on oiling up spinning reels.  I wiped it down a little and put some new oil on.  I've not fished with it yet since I put the oil on but from cranking the handle it seems to be working fine.  

[Capt.Bob]

When a reel starts binding up, as the OP stated,,,,,it is a good indication water is where it shouldn't be, or it stirred up the bottom and there is something more serious than water contaminating it, I would service it,,,,,if I cared about further damage,,,,,,,,   

[CDMeyer]

I have nocked one of my spinning reels in the water this year and then I dropped it in another and it feels different the next cast but I cleaned it all up and it works like a charm

[Fisher-O-men]

I hate to admit this but if my reel is sounding or feeling rough, I dunk it on purpose!  Usually clears it up. Never had any ill effects.

[SirSnookalot]

I would have the real stripped downed, cleaned, oiled and lubed.  Even in the clearest of freshwater there can be fine sediment that can't be seen with the naked eye.  Saltwater is called saltwater because there is salt in it, salt will leave a grit for sure. 

[F14A-B]

I keep reading should be fine, just make sure it's properly lubed...... How you going to make sure it's properly lubed if you don't tear it down? Plus I wouldn't tear it down, without, having someone clean it with ultra.... Then properly lubed, to each there own, I am looking to pick up a sweet little ci4+ stradic, if I dunked that ? It's getting cleaned and serviced properly, otherwise, what's the point? Exactly why I won't buy used reels unless I know the owners ideals on reel maintenance, truly

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A brief occasional dunk in clear water isn't usually critical, but since there are symptoms I recommend a deep cleaning. If you you'd like to send it in the cost is <$20 after the BassResource.com members discount.

For future reference, contact with salt or dirty water, laying on the bottom or dropped in the sand require more immediate attention. Dunking to quiet a noisy reel is only temporarily masking the problem and likely making it worse.

[.RM.]

A brief occasional dunk in clear water isn't usually critical, but since there are symptoms I recommend a deep cleaning. If you you'd like to send it in the cost is <$20 after the BassResource.com members discount.

For future reference, contact with salt or dirty water, laying on the bottom or dropped in the sand require more immediate attention. Dunking to quiet a noisy reel is only temporarily masking the problem and likely making it worse.

X2  Get er done right!!!  

[K_Mac]

I have had reels on the deck of my boat for several days running in very wet weather with no ill effects. As DVT said, it is the symptoms that indicate more is needed. If a little dirt or water hurt reels I would have to find another hobby...

[crazyjoeclemens]

My reels get soaked regularly and they haven't failed yet.  I actually just started going through all of them to clean out the old grease and dirt and re-lube them.  Whether they get dunked or not, I'd recommend doing that regularly.  Mine felt like new reels after adding some fresh grease to the gears and a little oil to the bearings.

[EmersonFish]

Like others have said (so why am I saying it?), if a reel is submerged, and water is trapped inside, it will eventually dry out. So the water will be gone, and the reel will perform fairly well again, but the sediment, or whatever else was in the water will still be in the reel, and having been submerged, that stuff will get into places it normally wouldn't get. The lube will protect most of the moving parts, but there are always parts where lube has worn off, unless you are very diligent. A dunk or two won't be that huge of a deal, but depending on the water quality, and how much time it spends in said water, eventually the reel will need a more thorough cleaning.

 

Some reels handle being dunked better than others, but any good quality reel will be fine if you take care of it.

[WdyCrankbait]

I am glad I used the search function in the forums here because my Pfluger Supreme XT got dunked this weekend on a smallmouth trip.  I did not tear the whole reel down, but took off the spool, handle, and handle retaining "plate," and set it outside for the whole day to dry.  But, I probably will tear her apart soon now just to be sure.

 

 

Thanks for the helpful advice and thread everyone!

Wdy

 

PS, it was worth it, I caught about 30 smallmouth.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Wdy

 

Let me know if you have any problems with it. I'll trouble shoot it for ya.