I prefer using micro spinning reels, the smallest ones I can find with my nine foot fly rod. Great fun!

Problem is, I tube/float fish and sometimes my reel gets dunked in the water. Everytime this happens the reel no longer retrieves smoothly. It feels as though it is getting gummed up or the bearings are not moving freely.

Currently, I have two new Shakespeare 2500. They, like all my others (different brands, models) don't work right when they get dunked.

I tried machine oil, WD40 to no avail. Only thing that works is to let them dry out for a day. This sucks when fishing since I have to switch out reels.

I'd appreciate any advice you can provide me.

SHIMANO

....sorry, but that is the only advice I can offer.

Im goind with singer, shimano all the way, but there is a special reel grease. I think its called rocket fuel or rocket grease or somthing like that works wonders for me!

Shimano or Penn. And you might want to look into getting a noodle rod, the handle is much better suited to what you are doing. Look here.

before and after use reel magic

I wouldnt use wd40, it just removes your lubrication. Try reel oil. ALso, i would try a new reel. Any other brand would do, daiwa, shimano, abu garcia. Anything.

Every now and then, just make sure you go through and clean your reels thoroughly. Take them completely apart, clean them with any generic cleaner...even something like Windex will work. Let the parts air dry, and then grease the bearings, and oil the gears. That should keep even a wet reel in good shape.

If a reel is dunked, and it is already dirty, the water will just loosen up the dirt and allow it to get in all the tiny places that don't want it

Nothing wrong with Shakespeare reels, or any other brand...as long as you keep them clean. Even the most expensive reel won't act right if it is dirty