Before you store your rods and reels, some helpfull tips
Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 10:16 pm
With the price of rods and reels getting higher every season I wanted to share some tips that will save you some money and keep your equipment working great for years to come.
REELS
1. When ever you are not using your reels, back the drag or loosen it off. This will save your drag washers from developing ridges on them and will ensure a smooth dependable drag system when ever you need it. With bait casters also make sure that your braking system and spool control knobs are loosened.
2. When storing reels for a longer period of time (i.e. the winter) remove any old line left on the spools. This will remove any moisture that may have been caught up and limit any corrossion from occurring. This will also force you to put new fresh line on at the beginning of the season and lessen chance of break off's due to rotten line.
3. At least once every 2 seasons have your reels proffessionally cleaned and lubed. This will keep your equipment running like new and help fight costy repairs down the road. It is amazing how much difference a clean reel will make.
4. Between cleanings make sure to lube your reels with a high quality product available at your local tackle supplier. Only use an oil that is specifically made for fishing reels otherwise you may end up with a sticky mess and/or do damage to your equipment. Follow the manual specific to the model of reel you have for instructions on how to.
RODS
1. At the end of the season, visually inspect the line guides and reel seat for signs of wear or cracks. Also take a cotton swab and roll it arround the inside of each line guide. If there are any nicks or chips in the guide, some of the cotton swab will stick to it making it easy for you to find ones that need replacing. Many local tackle stores will be able to replace damaged ones easily with low cost to you.
2. When storing your rods for the season or long periods of time, it is best to stand them vertically in a dry temperature controlled area. A clean section of a basement is perfect.
3. Rods with cork handles can become dirty and worn over a hard season of fishing, but they can be made to look and feel like new with these easy steps. Take 200 grid fine sand paper and lightly rub the cork length wise. This will remove any heavy dirt and smooth down any bumbs that could cause chipping of the cork. Next use warm water with a very mild soap and with a damp cloth wipe the handle well. This removes any left over dirt and dust from the sanding.
4. With 2 piece rods, make sure that you break down/apart the rod before storing it for any length of time. Humidity and dirt could make seperating the 2 halves almost imposible if left to sit out the winter. Because 2 piece rods are more sensitive to wear at the joint, pay special attention to it before putting it away. Look for cracks and nicks in the blank, and if so have them repaired before your next outing.
Hope these tips can be helpfull and look for more to come in the following weeks.
Cheers
JP
REELS
1. When ever you are not using your reels, back the drag or loosen it off. This will save your drag washers from developing ridges on them and will ensure a smooth dependable drag system when ever you need it. With bait casters also make sure that your braking system and spool control knobs are loosened.
2. When storing reels for a longer period of time (i.e. the winter) remove any old line left on the spools. This will remove any moisture that may have been caught up and limit any corrossion from occurring. This will also force you to put new fresh line on at the beginning of the season and lessen chance of break off's due to rotten line.
3. At least once every 2 seasons have your reels proffessionally cleaned and lubed. This will keep your equipment running like new and help fight costy repairs down the road. It is amazing how much difference a clean reel will make.
4. Between cleanings make sure to lube your reels with a high quality product available at your local tackle supplier. Only use an oil that is specifically made for fishing reels otherwise you may end up with a sticky mess and/or do damage to your equipment. Follow the manual specific to the model of reel you have for instructions on how to.
RODS
1. At the end of the season, visually inspect the line guides and reel seat for signs of wear or cracks. Also take a cotton swab and roll it arround the inside of each line guide. If there are any nicks or chips in the guide, some of the cotton swab will stick to it making it easy for you to find ones that need replacing. Many local tackle stores will be able to replace damaged ones easily with low cost to you.
2. When storing your rods for the season or long periods of time, it is best to stand them vertically in a dry temperature controlled area. A clean section of a basement is perfect.
3. Rods with cork handles can become dirty and worn over a hard season of fishing, but they can be made to look and feel like new with these easy steps. Take 200 grid fine sand paper and lightly rub the cork length wise. This will remove any heavy dirt and smooth down any bumbs that could cause chipping of the cork. Next use warm water with a very mild soap and with a damp cloth wipe the handle well. This removes any left over dirt and dust from the sanding.
4. With 2 piece rods, make sure that you break down/apart the rod before storing it for any length of time. Humidity and dirt could make seperating the 2 halves almost imposible if left to sit out the winter. Because 2 piece rods are more sensitive to wear at the joint, pay special attention to it before putting it away. Look for cracks and nicks in the blank, and if so have them repaired before your next outing.
Hope these tips can be helpfull and look for more to come in the following weeks.
Cheers
JP