Properly Clean Your Fishing Reels And Rods:Most of the latest saltwater fishing reels, rods, and lures are made of high-quality, non-corrosive materials. But that doesn’t mean that anglers can skip on maintenance. Moreover, the most common causes of gear failure with rods and reels are lack of maintenance and how people clean their gear.
Remember To Take Care Of Your Fishing Rods And Reels Maintaining Your Fishing Rods And Reels.Rods don’t need as much maintenance as reels, but they do need to be cleaned after use, especially metal guides and reel seats. It is common for people to hardly ever take their reels off their matched rods. If reels are left on, the salt will build up around the foot or under the frame, which can cause pitting or corrosion.
A new reel out of the box should have the perfect amount of oil and grease for its protection and functionality. However, if you’re a jet-ski fisher, kayak fisher, or surf caster, you may want to have a service technician pull. Your new reel apart and pack extra grease around parts that are more prone to corrosion or will be regularly exposed to the elements.
How Can You Wash Your Fishing Rods And Reels?Wipe Them Dry After Use.Every so often while fishing, spray reels with freshwater or dunk in a bucket of freshwater, and gently wipe dry to remove excess salt buildup. After fishing, cut away the section of the fishing line used that day. Then remove the reel from the rod, carefully rinse your reels with fresh water and wipe down with a cotton cloth.
Gently Wash Off The Saltwater.After returning from the fishing trip, clipping lines and removing reels, wash saltwater rods with warm water and gentle soap. Rinse and thoroughly dry and never store your rods before cleaning as corrosion of parts could occur.
Use Salt Removing Products To Breakdown Salt Deposits.You can run warm water over your spool and line to prevent spool corrosion underneath and to keep your line in good condition. Similarly, a careful wash in SaltAway will break down any salt deposits that might build up in the reel’s nooks and crannies.
Additional Tips For Reels And Rods Maintenance:Proper Storage.Remember to back the reel drags right off before storing them. Leaving drags tight while your reels aren’t being used can compress the washers making, the drag ‘lumpy’.
Apply Lubrication For Protection.After all the washing and drying has been done, it’s time to apply for some light lubrication and protection. There are lots of products on the market for this, but ensure you know what they’re used for and their properties.
Avoid Petroleum-Based Lubricants.Be wary of any petroleum-based lubricants. These can thin out grease, which isn’t ideal for parts that need lubrication. Don’t go overboard with spraying your reels and be careful the product you’re using doesn’t affect the rubber handles, O-rings, seals, and line.
Keep Them In A Dry Place.Store your gear in a dry area of your house, garage shed, or boat to prevent moisture damage or mold and have your reels serviced at least once a year. if you’re a keen fisherman who gets out most weeks, look at having them done every six months.
Remember! Keeping your reels maintained is going to save you money in the long run!
