5 Causes of Noisy Fishing Reel

Have you ever wondered why do you have a noisy fishing reel, and what’s the cause of it? In this article, we will give you the most common causes of loud fishing reels and simple ways on how to fix them. Let’s start by answering the most common reason why some fishing reels get noisy over time.

More often, the primary culprit behind noisy fishing reels concerns with a rubbing surface and internal clicking of the components inside the brake. As a result, it creates noise while actively using the fishing reel. These noises are often caused by rubbing surfaces inside the fishing reels, which only means that there may be some issues with the reel’s brakes. The best way to fix such a mess is to keep your fishing reels clean and light as often as possible. It will save you some buckets in replacing those parts.

Noisy fishing reels are one of the most common issues that you can struggle with your fishing reels. If this is an issue that has been bothering you for quite some time now, keep on reading. This article aims to give you some more insights on how to fix it for good. We’ve also included some other common problems that you may encounter with your fishing reels.

Noisy fishing reels are a problem that most anglers would fear because of the thought that they have to replace the tool already. More often, it is not the case. A noisy fishing reel indicates that there is a problem internally, and you have to check it first before buying a new one. So, here are some causes of a noisy fishing reel and some fixes that you can do to eliminate the problem.

A Dry Reel Brake. As mentioned, such noises are often because of the rubbing surfaces inside the reel’s body. It is a common problem for fishing reels that have centrifugal brakes made from plastic or fiber tabs that rub the interior of a brake ring.
1. How to Fix it? The best way to fix it is to have the reel’s brake lubricated. Otherwise, they would end up rubbing against dry surfaces that make the noise. The worst part is that such a problem can also reduce the casting distance. Make it a habit to wipe some reel oil around the brake ring at least once every month.
Problem With the Reel’s Bearing. When there’s a problem with the reel’s bearings, more often, it will not make much noise. However, you can always check it out because there’s still a tiny chance that the reason for the noisy fishing reels is because of its bearings. See if the reel’s bearings are loose or too tight. Make sure that there’s enough pressure applied to these bearings.
1. How to Fix it? Applying lubricants is the best way to ensure that the bearings won’t be a problem anymore. Also, make sure that they fit the fishing reel snugly. Either too much pressure or too little may cause problems with the fishing reel’s bearings.
A Dirty Fishing Reel. It is another common issue for a noisy fishing reel. A dirty fishing reel doesn’t only create loud noises but also affects the performance of it. The dirt inside the reel’s components may cause dryness, which may result in rubbing of the surfaces that cause noise.
1. How to Fix it? You must do proper maintenance of your fishing reel at all times. At least one or twice a month, it is essential to clean the inside of your fishing reel. Make sure to wash it with fresh water after every fishing trip, especially after every fishing trip.
Old Fishing Reels. Have you ever used a mechanical thing that’s so old it creates loud clunking noises when used? It is because its mechanical components and other parts have reached its due, and may need some lubricating.
1. How to Fix it? You may still use old fishing reels, but it may require some deep cleaning and lubricating to fix it fully. Also, it may affect its casting ability and overall performance. If you can’t set an old fishing reel, don’t hesitate to replace it. You don’t want an old fishing reel to be a culprit for a runaway fish.
A Broken Spring. Some instances require changing of the reel’s spring because it may get broken, which causes the noise. A broken spring will also affect the casting, reeling, and dragging performance.
1. How to Fix it? You can try greasing on the gear, but it is always to replace those parts that get broken.

What are the Different Types of Fishing Reels?

It is essential that you understand the different types of fishing reels so that you can match it according to the kind of fish you want to catch. As a result, it will maximize the chance that you can find more fish and get more fun for every cast and drag. So, we will give you the different kinds of fishing reels, their purposes, and their applications. By the end of it, you can choose correctly for your next fishing trip.

Baitcasting Reels. They are the most popular choice for most advanced anglers because they mount perpendicularly to the fishing rod. It gives better positioning, which may increase your comfort as you start reeling. Baitcasting Reels depend on the mass of the lure to propel the fishing line, which makes them ideal for fishing large fish species.
- When to Use Baitcasting Reels? This type of fishing reel is ideal for targeting both small and huge fish. However, it may not be “beginner-friendly” because of their manual controls. Therefore, you should learn its delicate touch of stopping the fishing line as the lure hits the water.
- Why Should You Choose Baitcasting Reels? They offer an incredible amount of control and accuracy whenever you use them right. Plus, Baitcasting Reels offer a great retrieve time so that you can use it with lures that need to be brought in quickly like spinners or crankbaits.
- The Two Types of Baitcasting Reels.
  - Round Style Baitcasting Reels. It is a traditional baitcasting reel with a circular style so that it can hold more fishing line. It allows you to cast further, and they can withstand the rigors of catching more significant and more substantial fish.
  - Low-profile Baitcasting Reels. These Baitcasting Reels upgrade the traditional style of bulky round shapes. They have a lower profile and lighter design to prevent backlash tangled lines.

Spincasting Reels. They are another popular type of fishing reel intended for both amateur and professional anglers. Spincasting Reels are easy to use and operate because they are very light and fixed spool design. Visually, they are almost to spinning reels with a plastic cover to shield the fishing line. This design helps in preventing ling tangles, although it can still happen once in a while.
- When to Use Spincasting Reels? Spincasting reels are very light, which makes them perfect to use in catching small to medium-sized fish species. It may find some big fish at times, but you have to watch out for your fishing reel after a massive fish fight.
- Why Should You Choose Spincasting Reels? Spincasting Reels are the best option for anglers who just started their career. It is so versatile that any age can efficiently operate it. It may not be as advanced as spin-casting or baitcasting reels, but they can still help you catch your target fish.

Spinning Reels. One of the most versatile fishing reels in the market today, spinning reels are also easy to use. Plus, you can use it in many angling settings. Spinning reels have a design wherein you should hand it below and parallel to the fishing rod. Meanwhile, the drag adjustment is usually at the front of the fishing reel. This setup allows the fishing line to spool freely.
- When to Use Spinning Reels? They may not have the power of a Baitcaster fishing reel, but spinning reels is an all-arounder. They can handle massive fishing line capacity, and you will have less backlash when using this fishing reel. They are most useful in casting lighter baits, too.
- Why Should You Choose Spinning Reels? They are suitable for anglers with different skill levels and experiences. Compare to spin-cast reels, spinning reels are more accurate and more comfortable to operate.

Surf Fishing Reels. They are specifically for saltwater fishing. Surf Fishing Reels have high corrosion-resistant substances to fight the elements in saltwater. As a result, it prevents them from weakening even with prolonged exposure to seawater. The sealed features of this fishing reel also prevent sand and salt buildup in its inner parts.
- When to Use Surf Fishing Reels? They are only suitable for saltwater fishing. Therefore, it may not perform well on other applications.
- Why Should You Choose Surf Fishing Reels? You should buy this type of fishing reel if you’re into seawater fishing. Its high corrosion-resistance will help you fight off sand and salt buildup in the fishing reel. Plus, Surf Fishing Reels have a reliable drag system that can face the violent seas and ocean currents.

Offshore Reels. They have almost the same features with surf fishing reels, especially its high corrosion resistance against seawater. The difference is that they are primarily for offshore fishing. In the offshore fishery, it takes you far from the shore in about 10 to 100 miles from the coastline.
- When to Use Offshore Reels? They are suitable if you’re fishing far from the coastline, and aims to catch bigger fish on the open water. Therefore, you can expect that Offshore Reels can handle heavy-duty tasks.
- Why Should You Choose Offshore Reels? They have an excellent drag power capacity that ranges from 20 to 50 pounds. Plus, although you may not have too much sand in offshore fishing, these fishing reels still have high corrosion resistance to protect itself from any active elements and substances.

Center Pin Reels. They are one of the first fishing reels ever used in the history of fishing. Center Pin Reels feature a straightforward design while utilizing a free-spinning system that has no drag. It may be hard to operate at first, but its free spinning action makes it easier to maintain line without loops.
- When to Use Center Pin Reels? These fishing reels are an all-arounder. However, it may not be suitable for beginners. It is because of its manual operation that it may take some time getting used to in casting. Plus, they may come quite expensive.
- Why Should You Choose Center Pin Reels? They are almost similar to baitcasting reels because of their manual line maneuvering. Center Pin Reels have a free-spinning action for maintaining the fishing line without loops.

Fly Fishing Reels. From the name itself, these fishing reels are best for fly fishing – wherein the angler uses an artificial fly as bait.
- When to Use Fly Fishing Reels? If you’re into fly fishing, these reels are the best options for you. They have the right casting durability and strength to catch different fish species in fly fishing.
- Why Should You Choose Fly Fishing Reels? These fishing reels emphasized its drag capabilities. It is an essential function that you can use in fly fishing.
- The Three Types of Fly Fishing Reels.
  - Single Action Fly Fishing Reels. These are the lightest fly fishing reels that feature a 1:1 retrieval rate. It means one turn of the crank equals one turn of the spool. However, take note that they are not suitable for catching large and fast running fish.
  - Multiply Fly Fishing Reels. They have a higher gear ratio compared to the first type, which means that the retrieval rates are faster. Therefore, you can catch more significant and faster fish. These fishing reels are quite heavy and more expensive.
  - Automatic Fly Fishing Reels. They are the most prominent and most massive type of fly fishing reels. However, the automated retrieval system makes it easy to cast multiple times in a row very quickly.

Troll Reels. From its name, they are for trolling and not for casting. Trolling Reels will drop a fishing line behind a moving boat. More often, trolling reels are from graphite that comes with large reel handles. They also have sturdy drag systems and bait clicker alarms for better use.
- When to Use Trolling Reels? These fishing reels are only suitable for trolling because they lack in casting capacities. They come in more extensive and thicker builts, which is also the reason why they have more room for some extra fishing lines.
- Why Should You Choose Trolling Reels? Using this type of fishing reel requires the use of a specific rod for greater effectiveness. It has a large and heavy built makes it accurate for trolling.
- The Two Types of Trolling Reels.
  - Open Style Trolling Reels. These are the most traditional trolling reels that feature incredible strength. They come in for two purposes – for fighting large fish while making it less complicated on an angler’s body as possible.
  - Level Wind Trolling Reels. These reels are more versatile because of its moving line guide that travels side to side while reeling in or out a fish. Level Wind Trolling Reels will also allow you to troll for smaller species of fish as well.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Is My Fishing Line Twisting?

The primary culprit behind a twisting fishing line is because it comes of clockwise. Therefore, you have to line the spool counter-clockwise to help tame some of the line twists. Then, keep the tension on the fishing line by winding the reel and handle and filling the reel spool. Using the right type of fishing reel for the fishing line eliminates the twisting of the fishing line.

How Often Should I Oil My Fishing Reel?

As much as possible, you may oil or lubricate your fishing reel at least twice every month. Just remember to never apply too much oil on it. Otherwise, it will get over lubricated that may cause other sets of problems. When it comes to the reel’s bearings, you can put oil for every two to three weeks to keep them in smooth and in their best condition.

Why Does My Fishing Reels Go Backwards?

The reason why a fishing reel goes backward is probably that its Anti-Reverse feature is not working right. This feature prevents the fishing reel from turning back and engages the drag. Therefore, if your fishing reel has this feature, you have to check it first before going to the service center to get your fishing reel fixed.

Final Words

A noisy fishing reel can be so frustrating. The good news is that you can always fix it at home. There are many reasons why this problem keeps on happening, which includes the following:

A Dry Reel Brake.
Problem With the Reel’s Bearing.
A Dirty Fishing Reel.
Old Fishing Reels.
A Broken Spring.

When you have a noisy fishing reel, a rubbing surface and internal clicking of the components inside the brake is often the primary culprit. As a result, it creates noise while actively using the fishing reel, which only means that there may be some issues with the reel’s brakes. So, you have to keep your fishing reels clean and light as often as possible. Don’t fear this problem because there are ways to solve them, and you don’t have to spend your buckets to get them fixed or replace them.