If you’ll indulge me for a moment, a quick story. About 10 years ago I thought that I’d crack open my 113 4/0 blackie that I’d been using for halibut fishing. I’d used it for 6 years and never opened it up, so I figured it was time. Note that I’d never cleaned or lubed a reel before. So I went at it and tore the whole thing down, not really paying attention to the progression. I cleaned it all up, then realized I had no clue what went where to put it back together. Not to worry, I had an identical backup to use as a guide. Yep, you guessed it. Now I had TWO reels apart with no idea what went where. I bagged up the parts and took them down to a local shop, with an obvious red face, and asked them to reassemble my mistakes.
Flash forward to the day I discovered this forum a couple of months ago. Newly retired I thought maybe I’d try my hand again at tearing down and cleaning/upgrading my quiver of reels. I started with a couple of old Pflueger Interoceans since they had no drags to worry about; a leather thumb pad is used as stopping power. That went well with what I had at hand for lube (Penn grease/oil). Next came those Penns (60 Long Beach, 109, 180, 209, and that pesky 113) Eureka, success. Then I looked at my Ambassadeurs (5000D, 5600C4, and 6500C3). Again, success. Finally the Shimanos (TLD15LD, Charter Special LD, and a newly acquired Tekota 500LC). Bingo. In the mean time I’d accumulated the necessary lubes (Yamaha grease, Corrosion X, Real X, and TSI301) and tools. I wouldn’t have even dreamed to do what I’ve done had it not been for this forum and the incredible participants. Thank you all for all that you have given me. Someday I hope to return the favor. Eric
Second career?
BTW, as far as taking things apart and not being able to put them back together: Been there, done that, many, many, times. The fun is not putting it back. It's taking it apart to see how it works.
