Help please

[PressuredFishing]

So I have a pfluger presidential xt and I noticed the reel was not bringing line in smoothly and was grinding. I reeled in for about 15 minutes and it slowly fixed itself but I dont know what happened. My one theory is this was my first time storing a rig on the pole, and maybe I had the line too tight holding onto the hook holder, maybe this messed up the gears? Also do you think this will be a permanent damage or did just reeling it untill it went back to normal fix everything? It is my new trout reel and have only had it for 3 months, any ideas on why this happened?

It could also be maybe because it's been raining and super cold so the reel grease froze up, but I have two other pfluger and only the two with rigs tight on attached tightly effected the reels, does this cause permanent damage?

 

Also could it be because I rinsed them off in water and they dont like water? I only did a light mist cuz they needed it but maybe it's the water because I sprayed water on the two as well

[WRB]

Welcome to BR from another SoCal angler. 

First there isn't any reason to keep lures or rigs tied on over night, cut them off. If you want the line kept in the rod giudes simply tie a slip knot loop and place it over the end of the rod butt and snug up the line with slight tension and wrap the line around the guides by pulling out the line like a bow and spinning the rod.

The slight tension you discribe shouldn't affect the reels gearing, more then likely some dirt got into the rotor. Take off the spool and clean the spool and inside rotor surfaces.

Tom

PS, always back off the drag tension after use.

[JustJames]

Welcome another SoCal anglers, I always have a lure tie on ready for next day. I never loosen drag but I didn’t lock down drag either. As @WRBmentioned slightly tension or slightly wet the reel shouldn’t cause the reel to act like your described. When the last time you have the reel service? Maybe low on grease? Why rinse off the reel?, use in Saltwater? Try it a couple more time to see if the issue still there then might be the time to service the reel.

[Crestliner2008]

After a water bath like you describe, I'd have a pro strip it down for a good cleaning & re-lub. NEVER wash a reel in water.

[WRB]

The reason everyone should retie knots after 24 hours using mono/Copoly/FC line is cold flow weakens the line at the knot. Drag washers under constant tension also take a set requiring higher forces to initially break the materials loose to begin slipping smoothly. 

It's your choice.

Reels are made to be around water and shouldn't cause any permanent damage by lightly rinsing them in fresh water. Submersing in water is a different story, the reels should be taken down to remove any trapped water inside.

I have rinsed off my salt water reels after use in fresh water and strayed them with WD-40 then wiped them off for decades without any issues. Reels should be serviced annually when used several times.

Tom