Baitcast Fishing Reel Pawl Replacement

Written By: Bradley Turner

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes

Introduction

A broken pawl, where unnatural grooves have been made, can cause the line to get caught and start spooling on the side. This is a guide on how to easily replace a baitcasting fishing reel's pawl so you can get right back to fishing.

Before starting, make sure you have a spare pawl for the reel's specific brand on hand to make the process smoother as most pawls are not interchangeable.

Tools

Step 1

Remove the non-reel side plate by pulling on the small latch on the side with the reel.

Step 2

Grab the end of the rod connected to the line spool and pull it directly out of its frame.

Step 3

Loosen the single bolt with a 17 mm wrench.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to unscrew the single screw that attaches the reel to the reel side plate.
Lift off the reel.

Step 4

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the three screws on the reel side plate.

Step 5

Unscrew the drag apparatus by hand and remove the reel side plate.

Step 6

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the single screw that attaches the grill to the body of the reel.

Step 7

Use a 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver to remove the pawl cap on the body of the reel.

Step 8

Carefully remove the damaged pawl and washer from the line guide apparatus.

Step 9

Clean the worm gear of any dirt or debris with Q-tips and paper towels.

Step 10

Insert the new pawl and previous washer back into the cap, and screw the cap back into place with a 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver.

Step 11

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to reattach the grill.
Place the spool back into the body of the reel.

Step 12

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to reinstall the three screws securing the reel side plate.

Step 13

Pull the small latch and place the non-reel side plate back in its original position.

Step 14

Screw the drag apparatus on with your hand until it clicks into position.
Reattach the reel by tightening the bolt with a 17 mm wrench, and replace the single screw on the side plate with a Phillips #0 screwdriver.