Yes. You can use all Nautilus reels in salt water. After use in salt water, wash the reel well with fresh water, and dry it thoroughly before extended storage.

The spool release cap (the cap with the Nautilus Reels logo/shell on it) needs to be turned counter clockwise. This screw cap stays on the spool. Once you feel it is completely loose, pull off the spool.

If the Spool cap has been over tightened and feels stuck you need to apply hard and constant pressure anti-clockwise. As you apply maximum pressure to loosen it will slowly but surely start to creep and loosen. Use a thin rag for better grip and to protect your fingers.

A sealed drag means the drag system is protected from water, sand, and dirt.

This is especially important in saltwater fishing, where corrosion can quickly damage unsealed reels.

Benefits of sealed drag:

• Consistent performance when wet
• Longer reel lifespan
• Smoother drag under pressure

If you plan to fish in saltwater, a sealed drag is not optional.

Nautilus Reels are made to perform in all conditions. After use in salt wash off your reel in the sink or with a garden hose. Do not use too much pressure as this only drives salt deeper into the core of your backing. The right amount of pressure to wash your reel with is the same pressure you would wash your hands with.

Take the spool off the reel and rinse the spool thoroughly. The frame (housing) just needs to be lightly washed down and set to dry. Dry is the key term. Do not store your reel wet. Let the reel sit in a warm place for a week before packing it up.

The custom shop and small parts are a service, not a parts store. When we install custom colored parts on your reel we will strip all the standard parts off your reel and reuse most components, swapping the standard color ones for custom color ones. If we had to return the original parts the cost would be significantly higher. A simple example is hen you order a ne custom reel, we do not ship a custom reel with a bag of stripped standard parts on the side.

The Nautilus GTX, CCF-X2, and X Series reels can be switched from left hand to right hand retrieve very easily.

1. Turn the drag to minimum.
2. With the supplied 1/16″ hex key loosen the three stainless hex screws on the base of the brake hub.
3. Pull the brake hub off and look inside at the top of the brake hub.
4. Attached to the drive shaft will be a one-way clutch bearing that you need to twist off, turn over and reapply.
5. As you place the hub back on make sure the O-ring is still in the hub and that it does not fall out. Spin the op of the brake to align the one way clutch bearing with the drag plate.
6. Align one hex screw with the middle of the line guard (pointing straight down) and press down on the brake hub while tightening the 3 screws back into the hub.
7. Go fishing.

CAUTION
Keep your hex tool clear off the frame to avoid scraping the anodizing or place a protective cloth between the frame and tool while tightening.

The serial number on reels made prior to 2014 is laser engraved into the underside of your reel foot. When on the rod, the reel seat will entirely cover the serial number. Newer reels have the serial number engraved on the back of the reel foot.

Yes. Braided and gel spun lines have become a very popular alternative for fly line backing. All Nautilus reels can be loaded with gel spun and braided lines. We recommend 50 lb. gel spun or braid to replace 20 lb. backing, and 65 lb. gel spun or braid to replace 30 lb. backing. This should enable you to double the backing capacity of your fly fishing reel.