How to Service a Shimano Drag

Shimano Fishing makes a series of fishing products. Among these products are fishing reels. The company's bait- and spin-casting reels come equipped with a drag system that allows for the tensioning of the line during a fight with the angler's quarry. Over time the drag system wears down or gets stuck, necessitating servicing. Drag servicing on the Shimano reels may be done at home, or if need be, in the field when fishing.

• 1

  Pull out 3 to 4 feet of line off the reel and feed it out through the rod.

• 2

  Remove the cover off the reel. If the reel cover is attached with set screws, use the screwdriver to remove them.

• 3

  Push the drag lever back and forth to check for stickiness or tension. Lower the drag setting to the easiest and loosest position. Spray the dry lube onto the drag lever and the connection point of the drag to the reel's spool. Wipe away any excess with the chamois.

• 4

  Pull line out from the reel and feel the drag. Feel for tight or loose line outs. If present, add another dab of lube onto the lever and connection point. Replace the reel cover.

• 5

  Cast the lure and line out and begin a retrieve by turning the handle clockwise. Push the drag lever through the full range to get the lube spread throughout the mechanism.