How Long Should a Reel Last?

[Squarebill79]

Hello all, just got back into bass fishing heavily in 2014, bought my first baitcaster in 2015, a BPS Pro Qualifier. Last night I had it out and the line roller is stuck in one spot so at all spools up in the same area. Now, Ive been using this reel extensively from about May-November the last 3 summers so its gotten heavy use and this isnt the first thing that has gone wrong. 

 

My question is this, what do you guys do with you old reels that finally give up? Is it worth fixing? Should I just buy a new one? Some of you guys that have been fishing for 30-40 years, how long does a baitcaster last usually? Should I be happy with getting 4 years out of it and retire it?

[LionHeart]

If replacing the level wind is all that's required to fix it, absolutely fix it.  Since there is a fair chance that's all that's needed it is definitely worth a shot.  YouTube baitcaster level wind, better yet Tacklejunky81 has a couple of really good videos on taking apart and servicing reels.

 

I highly recommend you check them out.  If properly cared for, a decent baitcaster should last for many years, but like anything else, parts wear out/break.  4 years is a fair life from a hundred dollar reel but if it were an easy fix, no reason to abandon it.

[Boomstick]

Replacing a level wind is still much cheaper than a new reel. Even if you go out and buy a better reel, I'm sure you will find some use from your old one, even if you buy a cheap 2 piece rod to keep in your trunk or something so should you pass any lakes when you weren't planning on fishing, you can always give it a shot.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It depends on the reel and how it's cared for. A well built reel services annually and cared for in the interim can last a lifetime and be handed down. On the other end you can get throw away reels and replace them every couple seasons. The PQ is a good reel at nearly throw away price when on sale. For about 1/3 the cost of a replacement I can replace the levelwind and go through the whole reel. The level wind itself done right requires opening the side plate to do right. 

[OkobojiEagle]

Your problem may be as simple as replacing a $3 - $4 pawl.  Pawls get a lot of wear, especially if not lubricated frequently.

 

oe

[Log Catcher]

Your reel is worth fixing. I have several Shimano Curado B reels. When one developed problems I retired it and robbed parts from it for my others when they needed repairs.

[Smalliefan2]

Quality reels, if cleaned and lubed properly can last forever. I fish  with 20+ year old 4600C's and they work just fine. I tear them down during the " slower"  fishing season on Tennessee clean, lube and replace or install better parts as needed. I also have spare parts, like springs which disappear, pawls, screws, "C" clips etc. so when needed I can complete a cleaning w/o waiting for parts. Then I order my spares. Also, using several of the same models, my parts supply doesn't need to be very extensive.

[soflabasser]

I have Penn Senators that are +30 years old and still work great.These are not bass reels but still prove that quality reels can last very long if taken care of.

[Bluebasser86]

Sounds like the pawl is worn out. Very easy fix and inexpensive. I've done it to a couple reels, takes 5 minutes and you're good to go again. 

 

If you're not confident doing it yourself, send it to DVT and have him fix it and clean it while it's there. PQ's are good reels that will last if taken care of, which includes regular cleaning and serving. 

[roadwarrior]

As others have already stated, a quality reel, well maintained will last 

a lifetime. 

 

[Squarebill79]

Thanks for the replies. I was able to do a temporary fix myself until my new pawl arrives. I ordered a new Pro Qualifier 2.0 as they are on sale now for $79.99, so now Ill have a backup reel. 

[OkobojiEagle]

Now that this thread has run it's course, it might be a good time to mention the importance of level wind maintenance.   The worm gear in the level wind is more exposed than the spool bearings and should be more frequently cleaned and lubed.  It's exposed in the front of the reel where the line will bring water and lake gunk to deposit in the gear housing.  Without taking anything apart on the reel the worm gear can be cleaned with a little soapy water and a child's nylon toothbrush.  After thoroughly scrubbing the gear, I use a can of compressed air and blow out the housing. I let it dry for a bit and liberally lubricate the worm gear on both sides of the pawl running the pawl across the worm gear several times.

 

Obviously, cleaning the level wind worm gear should be done as often as a build-up of gunk can be seen and that might be after every trip if the fishing conditions are very sloppy, but even if you fish really clean water it should be re-lubed more frequently than you'd realize as the water carried and deposited by the line in the housing will wash off the lube quickly.  The result isn't apparent immediately, but a pawl will wear and need replacement much more quickly when not well lubed.

 

 

oe

[OnthePotomac]

As a tinkerer, when I retired and got into bass fishing it became obvious to me that I had better learn how to take down a bait cast reel and properly lubricate it and not wanting to pay for it, but no way was I going to just start opening the reels and feel my way. I wanted my reels to last forever.  I lucked out and found a detailed video on what to do from A to Z produced by a reel repair service (now retired) for $20 and it was the smartest thing I could do.  They also encouraged me to call if something stumped me and they walked me through it.  That was 18 years ago.  Then you learn that every one has their own preferences on how to clean bearings, reel frames and everything else.   The extreme was a post by a fellow on another site discussing reel cleaning who said his granddad just put his reels in a bucket of kerosene and swished them around and that was good enough for him. I am sure DVT has seen some reels that came to him with similar logic.

[NYWayfarer]

How long should a reel last? In my case I want it to last until the bait monkey entices me into buying another one.

 

So I would say two weeks, three tops...