Daiwa makes a good reel. As a result, Daiwa fishing reels are consistently ranked among the best in the industry in terms of quality and performance, and in some cases they are fairly price-friendly, too.

But, like all reels, it’s critical to care for them properly in order to ensure a greater longevity. On that note, here are 9 things you can do to keep them running for longer.

Lubricate the Line Roller

For spinning reels, there is a little roller on the bail arm over which the line runs as it comes off the spool, before it passes through the eyelets.

This roller must spin freely in its bearing in order to prevent line twist. Unfortunately, it is commonly also one of the first parts of a spinning reel to seize.

The cure is simple – give it a drop of oil or two every few weeks of use, or as needed.

Lubricate the Main Shaft

Take the spool off the reel to expose the main shaft, then let a drop of grease run down the shaft into the bearings. That will help keep the thing running more smoothly for longer.

Remove and Clean the Drag Washers

One of the good things about spinning reels is that the drag washers can be easily removed and cleaned.

Remove the drag tension knob, and then take out the clip that retains the drag washers. Take out the washers (most models have several) and clean and dry them.

Do not oil them. Once clean, ensure they are fully dried and replace them in the top of the spool housing.

Protect the Hardware Against Corrosion

For both spinners and casters, the hardware (mostly screws) that hold the body of the reel together will be at a particularly elevated risk of corrosive attack.

The simple treatment here is to give each a drop of oil, in place. There’s no need to work the hardware out – simply coat the head with oil to protect it from rusting.

Grease the Gears at Least Once Yearly

This is a much more involved  process, but remove the drag knob, then the spool, and then remove the rotor from the body. Remove the screws that secure the side plate from the reel body.

At this point, the main gears will be exposed. These will need some grease in order to keep them working smoothly. Grease the main gears at least once per season, or as needed, in order to keep the reel fluid.

For Spinners: Know How to Replace the Bail Spring

On spinners, the number one part that fails is the bail spring. This part, which is either a small compression or torsion spring, is a piece that sits inside the rotor, under the side of the bail arm with the line roller.

Usually, replacing it is fairly straightforward and you will only need a screwdriver to do so.

However, you will also need a specific part – so contact Daiwa for that when you need to make repairs.

For Casters: Clean and Lubricate the Levelwind Worm

On casting reels with a levelwind, there is a part that keeps the levelwind working properly, a small metal (usually brass) component called the worm.

The worm has a bunch of channels that can get easily gummed up with muck, debris, grease and oil. It must be clean in order to run smoothly, or your levelwind will not work.

Use a nylon brush and some water to clean it out as needed (the part is visible without disassembling the reel) and then give it a light coating of oil.

For All Daiwa Reels: Rinse After Use

Last bit of wisdom here: regardless of whether you use a caster or a spinner (and especially if you fish in saltwater) rinse your Daiwa fishing reels every time you use them. This will help remove surface debris and will help prevent corrosive salt deposits from accumulating.

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