Rod and Reel Maintenance

I am a rook, so I will admit that. Found a good video on the basics of maintenance, and thought I would share:   

I welcome others input.

-Quinn

The reel repair/maintenance bible:

http://www.alantani.com

That video is very helpful, but only applies to FRESHWATER gear.

If gear is used in the salt, it MUST be thoroughly rinsed after each use.

I just got a Garcia Mitchell 302 back from Alan Tani this morning. Unbelievable work! That reel is the smoothest running it's ever been and now has 5 new carbon fiber drag washers. No better reel for crab snaring, as it's truly a beast. Sent another reel and spool to get worked over this afternoon. Can't say enough good stuff about Alan's work.

The reel repair/maintenance bible:

http://www.alantani.com

This is what I use to tear down my reels in the winter.

I thought he retired from reel work.

Take pics of your gear as you go so if you forget which sequence and where the parts go itll be easier. Trust me in the beginning it was very frustrating but now I know the ins and outs of my gear

Nope, Alan is not retired and is still repairing reels. I learned of him from surfing dozens of pier fishing and salt water fishing sites all over the USA. His work is that well known. Spoke to him on the phone this morning and told him of my reel I was sending him. Don't hesitate to utilize his service. The reel I sent him was an old timer and I believe only had a single bearing. It was rough and "tight" feeling. He cured that problem and seriously upgraded the drag.

Thanks Alex and all. Sounds like I will have a place to send my reels as needed. 

I've got a Shimano Corvalus that the drag lost its strength.  I took it apart thinkin I can fix it, I can fix anything. Lol. Now it sits in a small tote in pieces cuz I can't get it back together!  It was my first baitcaster, I'm hoping someday to run across someone who can put the damn thing back together! Doh!

I've got a Shimano Corvalus that the drag lost its strength.  I took it apart thinkin I can fix it, I can fix anything. Lol. Now it sits in a small tote in pieces cuz I can't get it back together!  It was my first baitcaster, I'm hoping someday to run across someone who can put the damn thing back together! Doh!

too bad you live a worlds away.otherwise I think I can put it back together. I take apart my calcuttas apart all the time.if you can get a hold of the schematics it just takes a little patience. Call Larry's reel repair in vacaville. Along time ago when I took apart my first baitcaster that was what I ended up with also plus a couple of missing parts.I shipped hom the small box of parts and noted the missing ones and a week later I got a complete reel back.

I just got a Garcia Mitchell 302 back from Alan Tani this morning. Unbelievable work! That reel is the smoothest running it's ever been and now has 5 new carbon fiber drag washers. No better reel for crab snaring, as it's truly a beast. Sent another reel and spool to get worked over this afternoon. Can't say enough good stuff about Alan's work.

Good to know. I love using the 302/402s for crabbing, and have one in dire need of professional assistance. 

Live2fish

Ive owned a few corvalus and have concluded its a POS reel and the only service i ever do to it is send it into shimano for factory treatment. $25 at last check. Its never my primary rig when OTW too many mishaps. Price is right tho