What do ya'll do to maintain your reels? Is there something you do after every trip, or maybe once a month, etc?

I'm starting to purchase more expensive equipment and I want to make sure I am taking care of it. What do you do to keep your reels in good working condition?

I take mine apart and clean them once a year but I don't get to fish as much as some cause of my job but I would say 1-2 times a year atleast.

I fish 2-3 trips a week and a drop of oil weekly and wipe down every trip, tear down and clean 2-3 times a year.

First off I use no grease in my reels,strictly oil
I primarily bank fish and the reels are subject to blowing dust/sand etc therefore they get a cleaning no less then once a month.Twice a year they get blasted with carb cleaner to cut any build up of grime and lubed with ICS Pure Silicone*(same stuff I use in my PCP Air Rifles)
I use Crown Royal bags as reel covers and they help keep alot of
crude off the reels while transporting and storing.

or here's another suggestion. We have produced a video for anglers just like you who want to maintain their own reels without sending them to folks like me. This is a very good detailed video and we have simplified the process. It also is cost savings to angler. Good luck.

PlentY of free online vids to help folks get started
cleaning reels,isnt hard by any means

The best video you will ever find.

I have even used the video to train other techs.

thank you late for lake. appreciate the kind words of support.

I do a full cleaning on reels twice per year, and perform �touch-up� maintenance about once a month on all reels. With a full cleaning, everything gets tore down and soaked in the ultrasonic cleaner for a bit and then everything is reassembled and lubricated. With a simple touch up, I simply clean the inside of the brake ring and re-oil and also add a drop of reel oil to each bearing and two drops on the worm gear. This keeps the reel performing perfect in between regular cleanings. I recommend using the Reel Butter Products from Ardent. If you are just getting started, they offer a reel cleaning kit that includes everything you need.

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/fishing-reel-lube/753306.aspx