For the people that clean and repair reels for a living, how did you get started and learn....I love taking my reels apart and making sure everything is in tip top shape, and figuring out ways to make them better...In fact I have reels from years ago that I took apart when I was younger and they haven't ever been put back together....

Is there trade books or something like that to help you learn, or is it easier to learn through apprenticeship..The schematics given with the reels help a little but not much...

Super tuning and repair work has always been a big interest of mine, but i'd like to move through the learning curve without costing myself a bunch of money through mistakes....

Advice from people that are in this industry would be great....

Eric Nykamp
903-746-7146

Get in touch with the lady at Lake Fork Tackle. I think she teaches it. Seems like her name is Connie.

Read everything you can, that's a start!

Hands-on experience teaches you something each and every time you take one apart.

There are some subtle nuances to every brand and make of reel that you'll learn about when you take 'em apart and put them back together.

Some are 1,2,3, others are a little finicky! (i.e. Shimano 50 MG's, the thumb release clutch can jump out of place when removing the SF bearing)

Know when to say "No", as you'll run across reels you have no skills or experience tinkering with, leave those to the experts.

The list goes on.....

Good luck, and treat your customer's reels better than your own reels!

This is important. If you are not sure about how it comes apart, a customers reel isnt the one to learn on. A Shimano Magnum kicked my but for 2 hours before I figured it out(I still hate flipping switches)way way back.. But its my reel so I didnt mind. I still have it there on my bench kinda like a trophy.

TRIAL AND ERROR.... In my opinion, practice makes permanent. stay organized and work methodically....

You have p.m.

I have always just went in and studied them. When you take them apart, lay the parts in order from which they were removed. if you get into a hairy situation, just slow down. dont get in a hurry. If you are afraid of going any further, then stop and put it back together. But doing that will let you know how far you can go until you are more comfortable. Many reels are alot alike, even if they are a different brand. There can be subtle differences, but basically the same thing. But if you have an expensive reel, and you are NOT confident, then take it to a professional.

Get a hold of Connie at www.lakeforktacklerepair.com.

They have a great DVD that will take you step by step.

Thanks for the reference folks. Sure do appreciate you.
We will be glad to help you. Our video has helped lots of anglers and saved them money in the process. If you have any questions, just give us a call or e mail us. We always glad to help folks. We offer a two training class here at our shop on Lake Fork. It is a hands on class and we take one client at a time. We teach you 'quality'. If you do not do top notch work, news travels fast. Nothing is any worse than to be out fishing and you just got your reels back from a shop and it fails. Sure makes you want to get that person. Quality is the name of success and we have helped lots of anglers get started in this exciting biz of rod and reel reel repair.