Just a few quick notes on the care of the Islander Fly Reels.
The reel boxes contain detailed instructions for maintaining your Islander reel.
- Bending the clicker springs can tune the outgoing click to the desired sound level on the FR's and the LX's.
- Bending the Pawl spring changes the incoming click sound.
- Use the "Superlube Oil" on all pivot points and to give a light coating of protective oil to the springs.
- Also use the oil sparingly to lube the clutch cork — damp is good — dripping is too much.
- If it appears that the clutch is starting to grab a bit, even after re-oiling, try misting a little powdered graphite on the cork along with the oil.
- Use the "Superlube Grease" on the clutch teeth and to fill the bearing shield cavities.
The same lube recommendations hold true for the IR's except that they have no bearings. Lightly oil the frame spindle and the spool bushings with "Superlube Oil".
Grease the clicker points and the gear teeth with the "Superlube Grease", a little grease in the groove at the top of the spindle will help reduce wear on the spool latch. The clicker spring can be bent to adjust the tension (drag).
Bringing the spring arms closer together increases tension and spreading them farther apart reduces the tension.
- These things don't need to be done after every trip. Use your own judgement.
- If you use the reels in a saltwater environment things change a bit but not too much.
- A good fresh water rinse after each days fishing will usually suffice. We don't recommend soaking the reels totally submersed for any length of time.
- Wrapping a rolled up paper towel around the spools will help to wick the moisture from the fly line and backing.
- Servicing the reels once every 4 or 5 days of saltwater usage is plenty to keep them in top condition.
The warranty for these reels, which is only two years, states that "This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse,
or loss nor does this warranty cover damage due to improper use, improper assembly, improper/inadequate cleaning or improper/inadequate maintenance."
Although these reels are manufactured to the highest standards using the finest materials available, unfortunately they are not maintenance free.
Following are some suggestions that may save some possible future problems and will add to the longevity of the product.
- Rinse off the reels with fresh water, do not use hot water or soak immersed for extended periods of time.
- Back off drag adjustment knob to release drag spring tension.
- Try not to use the reel frame as a hook keeper. Compromises the anodizing.
- Try not to store the reels in damp pouches, particularly salt-water damp.
- Rinse the reel with fresh water. Dis-assemble reel, carefully noting parts location for re-assembly.
- Clean out any dirt or excess grease using a rag, brush or Q-tip.
- Try to brush away any built up corrosion and apply WD-40 or something similar to corroded areas.
- Use fresh "Superlube" oil to lube any moving parts and to coat springs and pivot points.
- Apply "Superlube" oil sparingly to clutch cork surface. The cork should be wet but not dripping wet.
- Apply "Superlube" grease to clutch teeth and bearing seal recesses and also to drag knob washer and spindle threads.
- Removal of the reel from the rod during extended periods of non-use will lead to longer life for the reel foot.
- Relaxing the monofilament line and backing on the reel once in a while can prevent the spool from being damaged due to continuous stretching and tightening of the monofilament line.
- Islander does recommend that at least one third to one half of the ARMR2 and MR2 spool be filled with dacron or some similar backing before spooling on the monofilament to capacity.
This is not necessary on the MR3 but is still an option.
