I was a guest on an outdoor sports show recently. The very first question I was asked concerned the main reason fishing reels are brought to me for service. The answer was parts failure due to lack of lubrication.

Lubricate the external working parts of your fishing reel every time you use it. Bail pivot points, handle knobs and level wind mechanisms should be lubed. Rem Oil is still my favorite for providing lubrication frequently without accumulating dirt.

If you use your reel often and hard the internal workings should be lubed once a month.

Loosen your drag when the reel is not in use. Pressure left on the drag washers will result in the drag either being very tight or very loose with not much in between.

Your favorite old fishing reel was not designed to be used with the new super lines, which have no stretch. Gears and level wind mechanisms pay a heavy price when they are used with the no stretch lines. You may love to use the line but your old reel might not last long if you do!