Reels don't seem to like taking a dunking. But once they dry out they will work again. Don't you hate it when your reel handle sticks and your fishing partner is getting all the action and fun while you try futilely to "fix" your reel on the spot? :p Had that happen more than a couple too many times so I retired the reel permanently and switched over to a Daiwa spinning reel that doesn't look fit for salmon/steelhead fishing. Surprise surprise, it's a cheap reel but it got the job done(including fighting a couple 15-20lb chinook and not suffering at all). Silver slayer- Best insurance against the problem is trying not to let the reel get dunked.