Care of Your Bauer Reel            Click here for printer friendly version (PDF)

1. Do not jam the drag knob against the drag range stop.
2. Reduce drag pressure to the lowest setting when the reel is not in use.
3. The JM, MSL, MXP & MX cork drag surface needs to be maintained with a very light coating (press cork with finger, it should show a slight oil dampness) of BAUER- ReelX provided or 100% pure neatsfoot oil. The MZ cork is permanently lubricated, do not attempt to lubricate.
4. SALTWATER USE: After exposure to saltwater, leave the reel together (it is best to remove the fly line and backing) and rinse with fresh water, do not soak or use high pressure. Then remove the spool and wipe all parts off with a soft cloth. Air dry until completely dry. All stainless steel surfaces need to be coated with ReelX.
5. CLUTCH MAINTENANCE: The clutch should be lubricated annually. You may use Bauer Clutch Grease or Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease. Place a small amount of grease inside the I.D. of the drum. Refer to clutch reversal directions for drag disc/drum removal and installation.
6. BAUER will clean, inspect and service your reel. Return complete reel and spare spools to BAUER with your UPS return shipping address, phone number and a check for $20. There may be an additional charge for any parts needed due to normal wear, damage or upgrading.

Spool Removal

JM, MSL and MXP SPOOL REMOVAL: To remove , depress the lever on the drag knob and rotate counter clockwise until it is off the spindle. Remove spool now. To replace, thread the knob onto the spindle clockwise - once the lever clicks past the catch it will not come off.

MX SPOOL REMOVAL: To remove , depress the lever on the drag knob and turn counter clockwise until off the draw bar. Slip draw bar out of the spindle and remove spool. To replace, replace spool and insert the draw bar into the spindle. Then spin the drag knob back onto the draw bar - once the lever clicks past the catch the drag knob will not come off.

MZ SPOOL REMOVAL: To remove, depress lever on nose of spool and pull. To replace, insert onto spindle, depress lever and rotate until drive pins engage drum, PUSH IN TIGHT, until lever snaps out.

Reel Direction Change

Remove retaining ring #8 and disc #9 or drum #16. JM, MSL, MXP & MX CAUTION: When removing the disc from the spindle, make sure you keep the one or more bearing shims #10 on the spindle so they are not lost. Reverse the clicker blade by slipping it out of the slot in the back of the disc and flipping it over so it points in the opposite direction. Reinsert it fully back into the slot. The MZ does not use a bearing shim and its clicker does not need to be reversed. Reverse the clutch by placing the clutch spring pad #12 on the the other side of the clutch roller #11 in each ramp. Refer to diagram for clutch spring pad #12 position for right and left hand wind. Check that the bearing shim is on the spindle (except the MZ), install disc/drum and retaining ring.



Limited Lifetime Warranty
BAUER warrants against any defects in material or workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser from an authorized BAUER dealer. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the reel at our option and does not cover consequential or incidental damages.


Made in the U.S.A.           U.S. Patent #5921492