🟦 Introduction:

What to Grease Fishing Reel With is a common question for anglers who want smooth, long-lasting performance. In this complete guide, you’ll discover the best types of grease for both saltwater and freshwater fishing reels, step-by-step application methods, and the biggest mistakes to avoid. Learn how the right grease can protect your reel from rust, reduce friction, and improve your fishing experience.

Why Grease Matters More Than You Think:

Picture this: You’re reeling in a strong catch off the coast during peak season. All of a sudden, your spinning reel begins to make a grinding noise and feels heavier with every turn. That smooth drag you counted on is now a noisy, rusty mess. This usually happens when your reel’s internal parts are dry or packed with old, worn-out grease.

As a professional fisherman with over 5 years of saltwater and freshwater experience, I’ve seen how proper greasing can be the difference between a successful day on the water and a failed trip.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

• Exactly what to grease fishing reel with
• What grease is safe for saltwater reels
• Best grease brands (Shimano, Penn, etc.)
• Step-by-step reel greasing process
• What NOT to use (like regular car grease or WD-40)

We’ll also answer FAQs like:

• Can you use regular grease for fishing reels?
• What can I use to grease my fishing reel if I don’t have any reel grease?

Whether you’re new to fishing or have been casting for years, this guide is built to keep your gear smooth, protected, and long-lasting. 🎣

🟩 Why Greasing a Fishing Reel Is Important

If you’ve ever asked why we even need to grease reels—here’s why:

✅ 1. Protection Against Corrosion

Saltwater is brutal. It eats away at metal like acid. Without proper lubrication, internal reel components rust quickly. That’s why saltwater reels need salt-resistant, corrosion-blocking grease.

✅ 2. Smooth Operation

Nothing ruins a catch like a jammed gear or noisy drag. Applying the right grease keeps your gears running smoothly, preserving drag pressure and maintaining the reel’s balance.

✅ 3. Extends Reel Lifespan

I’ve seen reels last 2 seasons without grease and break down—versus 5+ years with regular maintenance. The difference? Consistent use of high-quality fishing reel grease and oil.

✅ 4. Prevents Wear & Tear

Friction wears down your reel’s moving parts over time.  Grease creates a protective layer between metal parts, reducing friction and preventing wear or damage.

✅ Pro Tip: Reel maintenance isn’t just for pros. No matter if you fish just a couple of times a year or every weekend, keeping your gear greased is the smartest way to safeguard your equipment.

🟨 Types of Grease for Fishing Reels

Let’s break down the different types of greases you’ll come across—and which ones are worth your money.

✅ a. Manufacturer-Specific Grease 

If you own a branded reel, always check what the manufacturer recommends. These greases are specially made for your reel’s internal design.

• Shimano Reel Grease
  Designed for Shimano’s fine-toothed gearing system. It’s lightweight, non-toxic, and extremely corrosion-resistant.
  → Ideal for use on both freshwater and saltwater reels

 

• Penn Reel Grease
  Thicker and tackier. Ideal for saltwater reels like Penn Battle or Slammer series.
  → Offers long-term protection even under harsh salt conditions.
• Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Okuma
  Each has its own brand of grease. If you can’t find those, use Penn Precision Grease as a universal fallback.

✅ b. Synthetic vs Petroleum-Based Grease 

Synthetic Grease
✔ Long-lasting
✔ Designed for fishing reels
✔ Great for cold and hot temperatures
✔ Won’t break down like natural oils

Petroleum-Based Grease
✘ Breaks down faster
✘ May harm plastic parts inside the reel
✘ Can thicken in cold conditions

✅ My Choice: Synthetic grease every time. It’s smoother, lasts longer, and doesn’t harm internal parts.

✅ c. Saltwater vs Freshwater Grease 

Saltwater reels go through more abuse—so they need grease with corrosion inhibitors.

• Saltwater grease is thicker and more water-resistant
• Freshwater grease can be lighter and quicker to apply

🟦 What to Avoid When Greasing a Fishing Reel

Not all lubricants are safe for fishing reels. Using the wrong product can damage internal components, strip gears, or cause sticky performance.

Here’s what to avoid:

❌ 1. WD-40

This is a penetrating oil, not a lubricant. It displaces water but evaporates quickly and leaves little protection behind. Even worse, it can break down the existing grease inside your reel.

“WD-40 is great for corrosion cleanup but not for internal lubrication.”

❌ 2. Automotive or Bearing Grease

Car grease is made for high-heat engines and thick metal components—not for small precision reel parts. It’s too heavy and often contains chemicals that may damage plastic or rubber seals.

❌ 3. Cooking Oil or Household Lubes (Vaseline, Olive Oil)

Over time, they can thicken, collect dirt, and harden inside your reel.. NEVER use them, even in an emergency.

❌ 4. Mixing Greases

Don’t mix different grease types (synthetic with petroleum). This can cause chemical separation or create a clumpy mess inside your reel.

🟩 Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before you grease your reel, gather these tools to make the job smooth and clean:

✅ Essentials:

• Fishing Reel Grease (Shimano, Penn, Daiwa, etc.)
• Fishing Reel Oil for bearings and handle knobs
• Screwdrivers (small Phillips or flathead depending on reel model)
• Cotton swabs or Q-tips (for applying grease in tight spots)
• Microfiber cloth or shop towels
• Toothbrush (for scrubbing off old grease)

✅ Optional: Magnifying glass, tweezers, reel schematics from manufacturer

🟨 Step-by-Step: How to Properly Grease Your Fishing Reel

Greasing your reel isn’t rocket science—but it does require patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps whether you have a spinning, bait caster, or trolling reel.

🔧 Step 1: Disassemble the Reel

• Unscrew the reel handle and side plate carefully.
• Keep the parts organized to avoid losing tiny components.
• Take photos during each step so you remember how to reassemble.

🧽 Step 2: Clean the Internal Parts

• Use a microfiber cloth or Q-tip to remove old grease, dirt, and debris.
• For sticky buildup, use a soft brush and rubbing alcohol or reel cleaner.

⚙️ Step 3: Apply Grease to Gears

• Lightly apply grease to the main drive gear, pinion gear, and oscillating gear.
• Use a small brush, toothpick, or Q-tip. Don’t over-grease!

✅ “Just enough to coat the surface—too much grease can slow down the reel.”

🛢 Step 4: Apply oil to the bearings and the handle knob.

• Drop 1–2 drops of reel oil (not grease) onto bearings, bail arm, and knobs.
• Oil is for parts that spin freely, while grease is for gears and pressure points.

🔩 Step 5: Reassemble and Test

• Carefully put all parts back in the correct order.
• Spin the handle and feel for smooth, quiet rotation.
• Wipe away excess grease around the seams.

⏱ How Often Should You Grease?

• Saltwater reels: every 2–3 months (or after every 3–4 trips)
• Freshwater reels: every 4–6 months
• Light greasing after off-season storage is also recommended

🟦 Best Grease Brands for Fishing Reels (Reviewed)

Here’s a breakdown of the top-rated and widely trusted fishing reel greases:

🔵 1. Shimano Reel Grease

• Texture: Smooth, not too thick
• Best For: Spinning reels, fine gear systems
• Pros: Designed for high-speed gears
• Cons: Slightly pricey
• Rating: ★★★★★

🔵 2. Penn Precision Reel Grease

• Texture: Thick and tacky
• Best For: Saltwater reels like Penn Slammer, Battle III
• Pros: Excellent corrosion resistance
• Cons: Can slow down small reels if over-applied
• Rating: ★★★★☆

🔵 3. Cal’s Universal Reel Grease

• Texture: Medium-weight
• Best For: All-purpose, both saltwater & freshwater
• Pros: Doesn’t melt under heat
• Cons: Not brand-specific
• Rating: ★★★★☆

🔵 4. Ardent Reel Butter Grease

• Texture: Light and buttery
• Best For: Baitcasting and spinning reels
• Pros: Affordable and easy to apply
• Cons: Not ideal for harsh saltwater use
• Rating: ★★★★☆

✅ For a versatile, go-to option, Penn Grease + Reel Butter Oil combo works on 90% of reels.

🟩 Emergency Grease Alternatives

Sometimes you’re out fishing and realize you forgot your reel grease. Don’t panic—there are a few temporary solutions you can use until you get home.

1. Petroleum Jelly (e.g., Vaseline)

• Pros: Easy to find, water-resistant
• Cons: Attracts dust and dirt quickly
• Use: Very short-term. Clean off as soon as possible and re-grease with proper reel grease.

2. Gun Grease

• Pros: Better than automotive grease, designed for small metal components
• Cons: Not always water-resistant
• Use: Works in emergencies, but not ideal for saltwater fishing

3. Silicone Grease or Spray

• Pros: Water-resistant, smooth application
• Cons: Thin texture—may not last long on gears
• Use: Can be used for quick fixes, especially on spinning reels

4. Graphite Grease

• Pros: Slick, high-temperature resistance
• Cons: Can stain and isn’t ideal for plastic parts
• Use: Suitable only for metal-heavy bait casters

⚠️ Important: These are emergency-only solutions. Always clean and apply proper reel grease when you’re back at home.

🟦 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I use car grease or engine oil on my fishing reel?

No. Car grease is too thick and can ruin small parts. Engine oil breaks down in water and attracts dirt.

❓ How frequently do I need to grease my fishing reel?

• Saltwater reels: Every 2–3 months
• Freshwater reels: Every 4–6 months
  Also grease after heavy use or long-term storage.

❓ Is it safe to mix different types of reel grease?

No. Mixing petroleum-based and synthetic greases can cause chemical separation and damage the reel.

❓ What’s the difference between oiling and greasing?

• Grease is for gears and areas under stress
•  Oil is best suited for fast-moving parts such as bearings and handle knobs.

❓ Can I use WD-40 on my reel?

Absolutely not. WD-40 is a degreaser and will strip away lubrication, leaving parts exposed to rust.

If you’re specifically looking for the best reel grease for ahi fishing, check out our detailed guide on choosing the right product for optimal performance.

🟨 Final Thoughts & Quick Reel Maintenance Checklist

A smooth, clean, and well-greased reel doesn’t just make your day on the water better—it extends the life of your expensive gear and improves your catch rate.

Take care of your reel like you do your boat or rod. A few minutes of maintenance saves hundreds in repairs.

✅ Quick Reel Maintenance Checklist:

Task	Frequency
Light Cleaning	After every trip
Deep Greasing	Every 2–3 months
Replacing Grease/Oil	Every season
Inspect for Rust/Wear	Monthly
Avoid Over-greasing	Always
Never Use Car Oils	Always