Good lube

[BottomBouncer]

I use the Rocket oils on my..........Reels, but what kind of lube or grease do you guys recommend for drags? The drag on fishing reels, not referring to anyone:rolleyes:


Could have done without that:D

[Flatheadmaniac]

also makes a GREASE for the gears and drags..lOOK on that site you sent me before that has all the "reel candy" i think its on that one..i highly recommend that brand of oil and grease.

[BottomBouncer]

Mark turned me on to the red label Rocket oil........I put that stuff on my OLD Penn longbeach grouper digger. This things acts like it has 10 bearings!!!!!!!! Super smoooooottttthhhhhhh:cool:

[Ðe§perado™]

Where did you guys say you got that stuff at?

[BottomBouncer]

You can order it online at hatterasoutfitters.com or at Fisherman's Warehouse.

[Flatheadmaniac]

where i get all my "goodies"..i use both the RED and YELLOW Rocket Fuel along with the Rocket Grease..top quality stuff..best there is.
BB try it on all your reels..would beleive the improvement ..my Stradics feel smoother than Sustains now..lol
Best way to start using these oils is to take your stock bearings out..totally clean your reel and bearings of all the old stock lube before applying the rocket fuel..works much better this way and is recommended by Rocket Fuel. ONLY draw back to the red rocket fuel is it is VERY fast and is used mostly for Distance Casting competition...WARNING VERY FAST OIL, NOT recommended for just REGULAR fishing use!! Most should stick to the YELOW rocket fuel.
Hatteras is also where i got my ceramic & #7 ABEC bearings for my Calcutta's and Abu's. Plus the extreme smoothie drag washers(they dont need grease or oil compared to other drag washers!)

The quantum "hot sauce" is another good oil, not as good as the rocket fuel in my opinion, but much better than the stock lube that comes in your reel.

[mrfish/OH]

I had that link (click) (http://www.hatterasoutfitters.com/index1.html) in my favorites list. Click on the Misc. link on the top of the page, then to Reel Candy for the oils, etc. There's also a guy on ebay I deal with. He specializes in Abu & Shimano reels (big savings on Calcuttas, etc). Has the bearing upgrades & smoothie washers. I'll be happy to send you his email if you send me a PM. You could also compare prices on the bearings if you upgrade.
Some reels you're not supposed to lubricate the drag washers. I think Abu says no ( baitcasters), while the Ahabs say use a teflon based grease on the cork drags (spinning reels)
For power handles, call Abu at 1-877-777-3850 they are about $12.00 each.......
Here's a link for smooth drags(click) (http://www.smoothdrag.com/) where you can see how to install them ( you don't have to buy them there ;) ).........Jim :)

[Ðe§perado™]

So Scott your saying that it would be better for the reg. fishing crowd to use the yellow rocket fuel?

[Fish]

I haven't ever tried Rocket fuel before.

I use Hot Sauce now, so is the consensus here that rocket fuel is better? :confused:

[Ðe§perado™]

I have never use either one. I just have been using the lubes the companys say in there instructions. But would like to try some others if they can improve my casting and distance.;)

[Fish]

I can speak for hotsauce, Desperado. It's the best I've ever seen.

I haven't used rocket fuel yet tho.

[Ðe§perado™]

You put that in all your reels or just baitcasters?

[Flatheadmaniac]

I got it backwards....guess i should have put more thought in my last reply...The RED rocket fuel is better for REGULAR fishing needs..the YELLOW is not...here's what HO says..
"Yellow Formula is recommended for more experienced casters and/or those willing to maintain their reels a little more than required with the Red Label above, however it's a great oil for long distance fishing applications and still very durable. It may also be used on level wind parts but again, a little more maintenance may be required. ~ Watch out, this stuff's fast! ~ "


RED fuel.."The Red Formula is a tad easier to control and will last a little longer than the Yellow or Tournament Formulas listed below. When used in conjunction with centrifugal brake blocks or magnetic controls it enables the caster to achieve great distance time after time without using the mechanical/end cap spool control on a totally free running reel. This is the one we recommend to slow down those reels that are a little unruly and for the less experienced caster in most fishing applications.'


Tournament Rocket Fuel
"CAUTION ~ ULTRA FAST!! ~ Designed for use with magnetically controlled reels in tournament casting applications for ULTIMATE DISTANCE! As an example, an extra bottle of this formula is supplied with the special limited edition Penn 525 TournaMag for you SPEED FREAKS out there! ~ YOU' VE BEEN WARNED! ~ NOT recommended for normal fishing applications. ~ "

That should explain it all .
I would say for someone just looking to upgrade to a better oil..stick with "Reel Lube" brand or Quantums "Hot Sauce".
These oils above(Rocket Fuel) require a lot more maintence than most guys will ever do on thier reels to keep them in tip top shape!
I use the Yellow & Red formulas on many of my reels depending on thier applications, i dont use the Tourny Fuel at this time...until i get a 6500 MAG. that i will be using for 4oz + lures for Hybrids below tailwaters where casting 150 yrds+ is needed.

So to some up this discussion..better? well depends on what YOU want to get out of your reels?? If you just want your reels to perform better for regular fishing needs..stick with the other brands instead of Rocket Fuel...now if you fish a lot below tailwaters where you cast long distance a lot....the the Rocket Fuel will help you a LOT.
I see it this way..i have a lot of money in my reel upgrades(bearing kits, ect.) i cant see using a stock oil on bearings that are way more high performance than stock ones and are designed for these type of oils and function much better with rocket fuel.
On stock reels and bearings..stick with a slight upgraded oil...if not using rocket fuel would be like putting Turbo Blue gasoline(106+ oct.) in your lawn mower..waste of time and money!

Again, this above is just MY own personal opinion.

[Ðe§perado™]

Thanks for the info on those lubes. I think I'm going to try the Quantums "Hot Sauce" and see how it works first before going to the high test of lubes. Can you order it from Fishermans and should I tell them Scott sent me for a discount.;)

[Flatheadmaniac]

to get an idea of how strong this Rocket Fuel is...this is what they recommend before applying it..first remove your bearings and clean with a good degreasing solvent.
Let dry totally...apply ONE drop of Rocket fuel to each bearing...YES only ONE drop..thats how powerful this stuff is....now this needs to be redone a lot more than a regular oils by far.
Reel maint. is the key to these rocket fuels cause they are thin...if you have a reel thats hard to break down or f you have never broken your reel completly down before..you might want to stick with easier oils.

[Ðe§perado™]

With the lube being so thin. How often do you need to open it up to maintain it?

[Flatheadmaniac]

sure wish i could get my friends discounts like i do at Fishermans..but you have to be a Fishermans Warehouse Pro Fishing Team member.;) :cool:

[Ðe§perado™]

I go down there quite a bit to get supplies. Just never inquired about the memebership...lol:D

[Flatheadmaniac]

my reels about 2-3 times a month during prime hard fishing..i then tear down these reels with the rocket fuel if im fishing them a lot the same amount..2-3 times a month.

[Ðe§perado™]

I don't open them up that often.

What kind of solvent do you use to clean out all the old lube??

[Flatheadmaniac]

Ive been buying from them for 12 yrs+...i used to shop there when thier Mom and Dad ran the store(Mark & Matt were too young back then).
Last year while shopping with my buddy Jake..Matt came up to me with a piece of paper and said to fill it out..It was an application to be one of thier pro team members...only 25 anglers will be choosen to represent Fisherman's. After i looked it over i said, hey man im really proud you'd consider me..but as you know i DONT fish for eyes and LM bass...
He said i know , but we wanted guys that cover ALL the different types of species and anglers that know them well.
I filled out the form and he approved it right then giving me gift certificates to use, big decals for my rides and some hats and shirts.
Its a win-win deal..i help promote thier store(which i have sent them a ton of business as far off as Indiana and West Virgina) In return i get "deals" on tackle i'd be buying anyways..just helps save me lots of cash that i can use to buy MORE tackle..lol
Now this coming year im going to give a few seminars on smallmouthbass and Catfish for them(dont think im giving out "SECRETS" or anything..lol;) ) so it should be a fun year1

So next time your in there..tell Mark or Matt that Scott Hollar says HI:D

[Ðe§perado™]

Ok, I will. I didn't know it was a real membership. Thats for telling me about it. I need to go in and get some hooks.;) :D :D

[Flatheadmaniac]

natural type cleaners that cant be found to the public(i cant tell ya where i get them either...shhh)
But the one i use the most is a strong degreaser that doesnt harm plastics and such and is fast drying leaving behind no residue.
NO i DONT steal..i use it WHILE at work..lol..great thing about having a machine that runs VERY well at work....and spare time to do some of my own maint.;) :cool: (hey 12 hr shifts at night get real boring....and im still staying busy..lol)

[Ðe§perado™]

Natural Cleaner/degreaser. I'll have to go to the store and see what I can find. :)

[Flatheadmaniac]

Thats funny...again you thought i was pullin your leg..thats funny stuff there..hahahahahhehehehe..NOPE its real as real can be...the team member stuff is true..just ask them!
You guys are a funny bunch for sure.

LOL..they offered me a job a few years back.....but they couldnt match my bring home pay, too bad would have been a fun job!
Can you say DEALER cost!!! Do you guys now just how much mark up there is on fishing gear? its MONSTEROUS...glad i dont pay full price!!

[Ðe§perado™]

That would be a great job for sure. You get to talk, sell and go fishing all the time what a life it would be.;)

[Fish]

Why do I always feel like I'm out of the loop!? :mad:

I want to have connections here in Ohio like I did in Michigan.

Cmon Scott, hook me up? ;)

[Flatheadmaniac]

Buddy your all the way up in Brownsland..i only know a few guys from there and NO tackle shops...if you go over to the gofishohio.com site..look up WormDrowner..hes a really great guy that knows that area well and all its tackle shops..he hunts everything that swims with musky and steelhead being his top 2 species.
If ya ever want to plan a trip to Columbus for the day..i can take ya around to the FEW shops we have here including Fishermans Warehouse and introduce ya to the guys there..just name the day and i'll let ya know if im OFF that day.

[Flatheadmaniac]

"That would be a great job for sure"...."what a life it would be"
You said it..what kind of life would that be..?..hmm..id be single again in about 2 weeks(cause id take out my pay in TACKLE..lol)..which aint a BAD thing..except im "married with children'..lol

[Fish]

Sounds good Scott. ;)

Hey stay married tho. You'll have more money in the long run! :p :D

[mrfish/OH]

I've heard to use WD-40 to clean reels and also brake cleaner. What would you recommend Scott ? You have alot of experiance in that department.
I use WD-40 to clean the gears for a re-lube, but it definately leaves a residue. I've been afraid to use brake or carb cleaner on them, so I've never used them.......Jim

[mrfish/OH]

No thanks.......I'd get fired because I'd only want to sell the "good stuff". I know when I bought my previous boat from Dixie Marine, the salesman said it kills him to drive to work at the dealership & pass the same boats he sold on their way to the river !!:eek:

[Flatheadmaniac]

Yea i caught that remark;)

Anyway WD-40 is a good LUBE and does help prevent rust, loosen up parts..get rid of squeeks, ect. as you say though, it leaves behind a lot of residue.
BRAKE & CARB. CLEANER(very mean stuff) sure it will get rid of any oils, grease and any other junk....along with any rubber parts(o-rings, ect), plastic parts(gears, ect), drag washers , ect..ONLY recommended for complete tear downs..used to clean the FRAME of the reel(will strip the paint off ANY painted parts)..keep away from drag washers and other important parts.

[mrfish/OH]

I'm still lost. so are you saying to only use brake cleaner to clean the bearings after removing them from the reel, or is there actually a cleaning solution you could recommend to us neophytes ? I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so if it has a name (brand name) that would help me. Mean Green or Orange cleaner, Dawn ?
I use the WD-40 as a solvent to clean the frame, etc.

[BottomBouncer]

Yes, you're right......it IS a great job. I worked there last summer, probably be back again next summer.

I wonder how well mineral spirits would work?

[mrfish/OH]

Beats me, mineral spirits sounds good to me.:(
I'll have to email my resident expert.;)

[BottomBouncer]

Don't bother Jim, I have a spy working on it right now. I'll have an intelligence report out in an hour!

[catfishhunter33]

i like to completely degrease a new reel (spinning or baitcaster) and fill the gears with tooth paste.crank them for twenty minute or so then rinse them out under tap water.once they are clean relube them.the toothpaste will polish the gears for an incredible smoothness.
when degreasing i use kerosene and lighter fluid.the kerosene to clean off the old grease an the lighter fluid to clean off the oily residue left by the kerosene.

[mrfish/OH]

Welcome & long time no see. I know you like those Rockets, I got a couple 7000C4 leverdrags, I like them. Interesting as they back off to a total freespool too. :)
Thanks Bottom Bouncer.....someone always comes to the rescue. That's what I love about these boards, there's always good info to learn.

[BottomBouncer]

Catfish Insider had something in there about tooth paste......I didn't read it though...

I bet the baking soda tooth paste would work great.

[Flatheadmaniac]

Jim.."Mean Green or Orange cleaner" will work just fine...id stick to natural degreasers as they wont harm plastics.
I have done that toothpaste thing..didnt make much difference to me.
GAS..holly molly...as im a smoker, thats not a good idea for me..lol
Heck just use paint thinner..or battery acid....it will work the same and peal the paint off your reel just as FAST!!:rolleyes:

Some cleaners will "turn" your paints and anadized parts a different color or dull the finish if it gets on them..just be careful.

[BottomBouncer]

Have you guys ever noticed the amount of dirt that comes off your line? It gets all over the place, especially on spinning gear. I'm looking at my BTR now......it's a mess, needs the soft bristle tooth brush and fast orange. Oh yeah........squid makes your line STINK.....FM, ask Mark and Matt if they remember my stinky squid line......stunk up the whole store......lol :p :rolleyes: :D

[Ðe§perado™]

catfishhunter33, I take it your not a smoker.
:eek: I got my In-Fisherman Mag. I'm going to check it out and see what they use for cleaning.

[Flatheadmaniac]

"Have you guys ever noticed the amount of dirt that comes off your line?'
Buddy how do ya think i feel..i run braided dacron on the dirty Scioto r...talk about making a mess this line slings dirt everywhere
Thats the reason i clean my reels a lot.
Your baitrunner is STILL dirty ..geez, my catfish reels have all been completly torn down, stripped of line, cleaned oiled and lubed and put back together and have been since Nov.
Almost all of my spinning reels too except for the ones i use for winter smallies..those i just pop the full spool off and completly clean too..i just dont strip the line off unless its time to change it.

Since we have been talking maint. on tackle and such..does anyone else check there lures for broken or rusty hooks and replace them during winter too? along with taking inventory on what i need to buy/replace..PLUS getting an idea of how many sinkers i have to start pouring for next season(which is always a lot since i give all my buddys sinkers too).
I will be going into Fishermans real soon and ordering my bulk spools of line for next season again..i like doing this much better since i change line a lot on reels i use the most..i think so far im buying another bulk spool(3500yrds) of G-power in 6 & 12lb test, plus a big 1lb spool of Berkley big game supreme in 20-25lb test. Other than that ive still got a lot of 50lb braided dacron to last me awhile.
I wore out my Orvis neoprene wading shoes this past two years and its time for another pair, plus im going to pick up a new Columbia wading vest..other than that im set for 2003..well except for those unplanned buys..lol

[BottomBouncer]

I buy the bulk Silver Thread. All I have left is 20lb. I'm gonna get 6 and 12.

I think I'm gonna take in my hook box in a see what sizes I need. I never check the actual number on the hook, I just look at it and match the hook to the bait.

[Flatheadmaniac]

Glad you said that..man im out of a lot of my big hooks..got plenty of 3/0-7/0 Kahle hooks for the Ohio. R, lots of 5/0-8/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks, but im in need to restock my 9/0-12/0 Octopus hooks for sure...plus lots of the 4X-strong ones too in 10/0-12/0.
I need to get all my hook boxes out and take inventory for sure..thanks for reminding me!

[BottomBouncer]

Hey, how much would I owe you for some no-rolls? 3oz.

[Flatheadmaniac]

heck for you...just let me know how many you want!!
at $.20 a lb for lead it sure aint gonna hurt me any.

[BottomBouncer]

Um........I am one for a good deal? Free? I'll have to give something in trade.........well, I can't think of anything? How 'bout just let me give you $10 or $15 for one of those bulk bags like fisherman's has......well, how about $20 for your time?

[Flatheadmaniac]

I say when i get them all done YOU have to drive to my house to pick them up..i dont deliver..lol :eek: ;)

I tell ya what Ryan...i have not told ANYONE on the net about where i catch most of my flatheads...BUT i told you and gave you exact directions...you chose to NOT fish my spot and found one of your own around there..you could have, i told you to give it a shot..still you said NO and didnt want to fish it without me...that shows me what kind of angler you are..i'd be glad to pour ya some sinkers for FREE, in return for your respect of my spot that you have shown and for not telling anyone else about it!
Let me say this, i still feel you can fish that spot ANYTIME as its not MY spot, just a place i love to fish..so never think i would think of you differently if you did!

[BottomBouncer]

Oh.....now that ruins it.....YOU DON'T DELIVER.......why you cheap B.......LMAO:p