Cal's Custom Built Reels Frequently Asked Questions
What's blueprinting?
The process includes machining the stainless plate and cam in your reel. We then service the whole reel ... after that we custom build your reel so it has 1-2 pounds of drag when you put your reel just into gear. Then we build your reel for the specific amount of drag that you asked for at strike or full ... for example 25#'s of drag at strike.
Additionally we have a few models where we can do what's called Blueprint plus ... this process give you approximately 50% more drag pressure when sliding the lever from the strike position up to full/sunset.
Can we just service a reel and not blueprint it?
NO. We do offer regular service on reels, but first time through our shop your reel “must” be Blueprinted by us.
Also Blueprinting / service does not include cost of replacement drag washer if needed. Reel blueprinting and servicing does also not include the cost of replacement parts such as bad bearings or broken parts.
How do I send my reels in for service?
Fill out the repair tag for each reel. Print them out and ship them into us. We generally prefer you ship UPS, USPS. That being said you can use FedEX too … we just have had better luck with UPS or USPS.
We also suggest you insure the reels for replacement value as it is possible reels can get lost in transit. It doesn't happen very often … but it has happened before.
Its not mandatory … but suggested you call, text or Email us letting us know reels coming our way.
Repair tag and shipping address · Download Repair Tag [PDF]
Do you sell / put on braid?
Yes... We use a variety of different brands of hollow and solid braid. Usually best if you call to discuss top shot length and then we can give you all the details.
We DO NOT put mono on reels though ... we leave that up to you.
Do you clean braided line?
We offer Braid removal & cleaning for your reels. We will remove your Braid, wash your Braid in warm water and completely dry it, inspect the Braid and clean your spool. We then apply Carnauba wax to your spool, and we will re-spool the line back onto your reel.
The cost to do this is $60 min for the first 400yds and $12/per 100yds over 400yds.
NOTE: We have found it's best to NOT have us clean SOLID braid ... only have us clean HOLLOW braid ... reason being is by the time you spend the money to clean solid you could have just about bought brand new solid. This is why we don't recommend cleaning solid braid.
Do you sell NEW reels?
Yes.... We sell Okuma, Penn, Accurate, Shimano & Avet.
Call us if you think you are interested in getting a new reel.
Gears... Higher high speed or Lower low speed?
Yes ... We can ... depending on the reel model and sizes of your reel ... quite often we do gear modifications.
Handles? Knobs?
In recent year's fisherman have been looking to gain even more advantage while fishing. In turn they have been putting longer handles on their reels to gain even more power. Also, fishermen have been experimenting with different handle knobs on their reel.
We can also put a longer handle on your reel depending on which one you currently have and/or we can just change your ‘handle knob’ to one that feels more comfortable to your preference. We have done this to numerous manufacturers reels.
So if your favorite reel can use a longer handle or just a different knob, you can check with us and we’ll see what we can do for you to make that reel even better.
Why don't you hire someone else so you can get more reels done?
In short the answer is this .... (workers: Cal / Eric... and sometimes Eric's 2 sons). Both Cal / Eric work on every reel that comes through the shop and we build them like they were our own reels.
We don't cut any corners ... and having a 1st class reputation is everything to us ... and we stand behind all of our work.
We are lucky that our customers are so awesome and understanding that the custom building of their personal reels is not something that can be done efficiently overnight. This is partially why we are usually months behind...
Where are you located?
Cal's - Custom Built Reels
1017 El Paisano Dr.
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Map and driving directions · Contact us
