How To Fix A Fishing Reel That Won’t Reel In? – [4 Easiest Way]

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Are you facing difficulties with your fishing reel? Won’t it reel in? Well, it’s a widespread issue for all the anglers, no matter how qualified the reel is! Because somehow, it depends on the maintenance and fixing process. 

So, How to fix a fishing reel that won’t reel in? Most of all, problems come with a reel need disassembling and reassembling to restore the interior parts. All the gears, springs, screws, pawls, etc. need to check and test. Thus you can find out where the problem is and then fix the reel according to the issues lying there.

 Here are 4 easy steps that work every time. 

• Step 1: Expose the spool
• Step 2: Examine the Bushing parts
• Step 3: Look for tangles in cast bail
• Step 4: Ensure the bail is not askew

Haven’t you understood it correctly? No worries, here we bring you an in-depth overview on how to fix a fishing reel that won’t lock, and answered some queries that you may need to know! 

4 most straightforward steps on How to Fix a Fishing Line That Won’t Reel

Why your fishing line won’t reel in? – have you noticed it? Well, if there is any problem with the line, first of all, make sure the reel is correctly working or not.

You know, Fishing reels and lines go together, and their functions depend on each other.

Mainly two causes are there why the line won’t reel in-

•      The line may be tangled

•      The cast-bail may askew

To fix these, you need to check the spool and cast-bail mechanism by removing the reel’s housing cover.

If you have some essential hand tools like a set of screwdrivers and knife in hand, you can quickly repair it with no effort. Just follow the steps bellow-

Step 1: Expose the spool:

If yours’ is a bait-casting reel, it includes a cover for housing the internal part and the spool. Remove this by spinning counterclockwise and pull it off the reel. Though this cover will still attach to the line, you can check out the spool. If it’s a case of spinning reel not reeling in, then it already has an open spool, you know. 

Step 2: Examine the Bushing parts:

Check the ends of the spool of your reel. Especially the gears used to pull out or in the line, which may catch the line and makes it won’t reel. Well, this part is so-called the bushing part of a reel. To pry out the line from this, try a flat screwdriver that can get it gently. 

Step 3: Look for tangles in cast bail:

sometimes, it happens to get a mess of line with the cast bail as this liver is attached to the reels’ spool ends. Even if it’s a single turn of line, it lets the reel face a significant problem. If you notice any tangle, pry out it.

Step 4: Ensure the bail is not askew:

If the bail is bent somehow, the reel will not function well to have a quick line move. To check the bail, pinch it and release the ends from the housing. Then find out the skewed, if any, and fix it back properly.

Do a final test of the reel function after examine all the above steps? But for proper maintaining, you need to check and figure out the other problems frequently may face while casting. 

How to Fix a Spinning Reel That Reels Backward?

Your fishing reel has devices like a spool, handle that allows spinning the reel.

In both ways, this reel can spin if the mechanism of these devices is okay. But sometimes these can get jostle and causes your reel to spin in only one way. 

The previous steps can solve the problems with reels backward, as we have mentioned previously. 

At first, try to free the clutch so that it can freely move again. What’s you need for that? Some small screwdrivers and half-inch socket as only tools.

Now try the following steps to fix your spinning reel that reels backward-

• Check out the reverse switch if it is in the right position or not. If it’s in a reverse position, you may have a stuck fishing line. Mostly it is placed at one side or spring bail.

• Turn the head part off the reel; also pull out the cleaner and the rotor nut. Here use the socket to deal with the nut.

• Remove the rotor part too. Then move to the spirals to the head and unscrew them.

• Make sure the pinion does not move while removing the clutch assembly.

• Then check the roller claw ladle, which nests in a complete diameter loop. Ensure the clutch bearings position. It should be perfectly aligned with the anti-revert clutch.

• If it’s not or has any broken part, you must take a fresh one with the same function. 

• Finally, put back all aspects of setting them correctly. It would best if you mark those while removing for easy remembering. Always try to set the part correctly while putting those back. You know its better actually as a bait caster how often you need to select the details for repairing and cleaning.

Still, it’s not working? Then, check the bail spring within the spinning reel that may jostle. 

You need to check it and put it back to its downward position. As it’s a very tiny spring, you can push it with a pin to fix it with the loop. 

Again test the anti-reverse clutches as it’s flipping in both ways or not. Got it, right? 

How to fix a spinning reel bail?

The reel bail plays a significant rule in a spinning reel. If the spring is askew somehow, it will lead the reels won’t work. Most of the time, the spring has to replace with a new one. 

See how you can check and fix the bail spring of a spinning reel.

• First of all, remove the screw of the bail arm that holds with the spool. And slowly pull the arm off the reel body and separate it.
• Remove the bail spring by pushing it downward firstly and then pull it to come away.
• Check the spring and pin if it’s worn out or not. If needed, replace the spring with a new one and put the pin back.
• Then place back the spring on its original position. Use a pin to push the spring on the exact loop.
• Line the bail arm to the reel and fix it as it was. Use the same screw to place the bail finally.

Now test your spinning reel. If there was any problem with the bail movement, perhaps it is solved now!

Why Does My Fishing Line Keep Coming Off the Reel?

If you are a bait caster, you would often face this common issue with your reel. Maybe you have already met! 

Why this happen – line comes off the reel?

Well, it does happen not only for your incorrect type of fishing but also to the kind of the line and reel. 

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An old and low-quality line has a chance to come off the spin while fishing. Again, not paying attention to the line spooling and overfilling the spool may cause me to lead this. 

Here the steps you should follow to prevent the fishing line from coming off the reel.

• Choose the right line weight: A too low or too high rated line for the reel will lead to many problems with your spin. Most of the experts suggest using an arbor knot if it’s a monofilament line. But it would not be the best option for a braided line as this knot has a coating that causes to slip away. 

• Correctly spool the line: While spooling fishing lines, try to notice the reel’s movement, if it’s in the right direction or not. If not, reel it in the same order with the filler spool. Otherwise, it will cause difficulties down the road.

• Avoid overfilling the spool: Overfilling can lead the reel to absorb more water quickly; thus, it becomes brittle. But you know it’s not easy to track the amounts of lines going to the reel.  In this case, firstly, you can figure out the inches of the line that will need for every turn of the handle. Then count the spinning rounds to get the particular distance and have the exact lines filling. 

• Keep proper tension: To avoid a loose fishing line, ensure the stress of the line onto the reel. It will also prevent your reel line from bird nest and overturn. If it is loose, there is a chance to tangle the line with other fishing lines and the spool’s side materials that cause a backlash. 

Moreover, it would best if you can secure the line in the spool, and while reeling, you can pinch your finger with the spool down to the rood.

Why Should You Clean Your Fishing Reel?

As an angler, you might know how often your fishing reel has to deal with heavy duties. Right? 

Now, if we ask, how often do you clean your reel? We are sure the answer would not be satisfactory!

Why should you clean it often? Well, see how your fishing reel can damage not to clean it properly and which in results-

• Minerals, dust accumulated on the reel can lead to corrosion, especially if it’s a saltwater reel; it has more chance to damage by salt deposit.

• When excessive junk is placed in the reel’s interior parts or on the spool, you will face difficulties while fishing. Don’t expect a new and quick spinning with this junky reel.

• A dirty handle would make the rod harder.

• Excess grime and junk make your reel rod brittle that sometimes breaks down parts during heavy casting.

Imagine you are on the road to cast a big fish, and suddenly the brittle guides of the reel have broken, and you lose the fish. How do you feel then? Maybe not good!

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How To Clean Fishing Reels?

In which type of water you generally fish? And how often? – Depending on these, you need to maintain the cleaning of your reel.

 If it’s a freshwater reel, you should clean it at least once after every five trips. But in the case of a saltwater reel, it needs you to give more attention to cleaning.

So, How to clean it?

All the parts of your reel should be cleaned with the best way separately comes with each. To clean correctly, all you need to have-

• Some small screwdrivers

• Toothbrush

• Sponge

• Toothpicks

• A Pair of tweezers

• Cleaning products as your choice.

See how you can clean each part in every condition.

#1. Fishing Rod cleaning

The rod’s cleaning process is very straightforward, and there is no need to disassemble parts. Just remove all the dirt and minerals make the rod brittle. 

But yes, if it’s a saltwater fishing, Rod then try to take off the reel from the rod and wash it with warm water and a light cleanser. 

You can use any standard lighter fluids while cleaning, though some best valued cleaning products are available there like Ardent Reel Kleen, Penn Rod cleaner, etc.

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#2. Reel Cleaning

For all anglers, of course, maintaining the reel is more critical.

However, you have to disassemble it for cleaning all the interior parts. Then, With a sponge and warm water, lightly wipe it. 

Yes, lightly, don’t put it under heavy pressure water as it will damage the gearing and drag system. 

Before all, tight the drag with the reel so that water contamination can’t take place. While cleaning the spool, wash the spindles underside and main shaft so lightly. 

Then gradually, oil in the line rollers handles, bail springs, and arms. Use a small brush if there excess grime and junk have been placed between the parts.

After drying all the cleaned parts, you can spray it using reel oil.

Another thing is that cleaning a saltwater reel has to do more precisely and more often. 

Try to wash it first with fresh water before starting cleaning. And never store it until it’s completely dry out.

#3. Guides and Rod handle

Try a soft brush with a Simple Green or WD-40 (if needed) to clean the minerals and vegetation accumulated in the guides. 

While cleaning the handle, it would be best to use rubbing alcohol to scrub. It will make your reel handle always shining. Check out this video for more details.

Tips for Fishing Reel Maintenance

Proper maintenance of every equipment decreases the chance of damage; thus, it lets you not be tense about fixing fishing reel now and then. 

Here, some tips for a better performance of reel you should follow while maintaining-

• Every time after Saltwater fishing, try to clean the rod, and while freshwater fishing, you can clean it once after every five trips.
• To clean reels every time, use fresh water.
• Use a lubricant that is intended only for a fishing reel.
• Make sure it is completely dry out before storing it.
• Use tweezers to hold the spring and clips.
• Don’t place the metal parts together while reassembling the reel.
• Always try to keep the tension of the spool line onto the reel.
• While dissembling the reel, you can use paper scotch tape to mark all the parts by numbering.

You know, how often you need to put out and back parts for fixing it and cleaning.

Is 150 Yards Enough Fishing Line?

Well, it’s a tough query to answer. But, even though most experts recommend using at least 200 yards fishing line, it’s the basic necessity to use at least 150 yards line. 

For a more specific answer, 150 yards fishing line is enough if your reel size is compatible with it, as it depends on the size. And also, the reel type is an important aspect. Got it, right? 

Final verdict

That’s all we have on how to fix a fishing reel. Overall, the discussion, according to restoring and maintaining a fishing reel, would hopefully help make your reel ready for the next trip. 

Here’s a tip for you; Keep in mind that a small faulty setting of the parts will cause more damage than it was. 

Happy fishing!