this isn't one I'm recommending for widespread use, but...
carburetor cleaner - Berryman Chemtool.
Use it only on unpainted metal parts, keep it far, far away from plastics (and paint) and it will blow tarred grease away right in front of your eyes.
Follow with soap and water.
Oh, and if you do need to strip the paint, remove all the hardware - especially the plastic handle, and it works fast. I'm stripping a spool right now on a reel that I bought from a Bassmasters champion. He (or someone) painted over the dried grease.