How to prevent aluminium spool corrosion?

[CHUNQX]

Hi all,

One of the reasons I hesitate using reels more than $150 is because I try to clean the reels after fishing in the salt but it seems that the aluminium spools tend to get corroded close to the center. The problem is that there is a bit of salt water on the line and when it is reeled in it "traps" the saltwater inside and when i wash the reel, it doesn't get out. Instead, it comes into contact with the spool and corrosion begins and I don't notice it until I cast out far enough to have most of the line out or when I change the line. What do I need to do to prevent that?

[Dave W]

Howdy CHUNQX

Fireline is notorious for holding salt

Firstly, before you spool up give the spool a liberal coating with a corrosion / water displacing agent such as Inox.

Next, thoroughly (but gently) rinse the spool after each saltwater use - I screw the drag up tight (stops the water getting in) and gently use the end of the hose up against the spool.

After a few decent outings (or a competition), I wind all the Fireline off the spool onto a plastic hand caster and soak it it warm water, change the water and do it again - this is also a good time to change the Fireline over 'end to end' and get maximum life out of it.

Let it dry in the sun, re-coat your spool with Inox, and away you go

Hope this helps

[CHUNQX]

Thanks for that. Your spool never has corrosion problems?

[Dave W]

I do get a bit rarely, but normally just polish it off

[Angry]

I just spray My spool and line with INOX (lightly) after each use. No problems. Doesn't deter the fish.

[panger]

Maybe you could set up a sacrificial anode, ie attach a piece of more reactive metal to the spool somewhere. In theory the more reactive metal will corrode instead of the aluminium spool. I'm not sure how you would attach it. Also it will probably throw the spool out of balance and add a bit of weight to your setup.

[CHUNQX]

Say what's this INOX thing? Is it like WD-40 or its totally different?

[pw-bream]

Inox is similar in use and intent to WD-40, CRC 5-56, etc. The difference is that it is vegetable oil based, it smells a bit odd.

[Angry]

Inox is just the best spray available, I've been using it for years, and its cut my servicing time heaps. Unlike some other spray on lubes it won't damage paint plastic or rubber. It actually seems to foam up a bit when you spray it on really grubby stuff. it just spray it on in a fine mist leave for a while and wipe of excess.

Its been in hardware store for ages, but most tackle and marine places stock it now as well. its more expensive than wd40 and the like, but a shirt load cheaper than that specialist reel spray that was on the shelves a while back.