Change Your Line

• If one thing is important above all else when it comes to keeping your Shakespeare fishing reel in great shape for frequent use, it's making sure your line is ready for the job. According to the Shakespeare website, it is recommended that you change your line once every fishing season. This is important even if the line has been properly maintained and kept away from situations that could cause it to degrade. The reason is that the line is kept tightly spun around the reel's spool and causes the line to conform to that shape. This, according to Shakespeare, is called "line memory" and can cause bad casting and other problems because of the line being curved.
  
  

Clean The Reel

• Keeping your reel clean is an important maintenance step. To clean your reel, remove the spool by loosening and removing the cap on the top. Wash the spool and the rest of the reel in warm water with a mild detergent. Dry the reel and spool completely and then lube the exposed pieces before reassembling to prevent rusting.
  According to the Shakespeare website, it is also recommended that you do a yearly maintenance routine of removing the handle and the side panels from the reel and wash the assembly in hot water with nonflammable solvents to clean them. Dry and lube before reassembling.
  
  

Lube Job

• Just like any other kind of machinery, a Shakespeare reel needs proper lubrication to function correctly. Lubrication should be done every time the reel is cleaned by using 3-in-1 oil on the main shaft that the spool sits on, the handle, the bail assembly and the line roller.
  When doing your yearly maintenance, also make sure to lubricate the gears and the bearing inside the reel, which will be exposed once the handle and the side panels are removed from the reel.
  
  

Keep It Tight

• Always make sure to check your exterior bolts and screws and make sure they are tight when cleaning your reel. This will ensure that the interior workings of the reel are kept properly aligned and will prevent unnecessary wear and tear to the gears inside the reel.
  
  

Saltwater Fishing

• According to the Shakespeare website, anyone who does saltwater fishing with their reel should take the time to clean it properly after each use, making sure to use warm water to remove any sand and salt particles that may build up on the reel.