Taking Care of Your Rods

Taking Care of Your Rods & Reels

Taking care of your fishing equipment is one of those task that many people over look until it is to late. The harsh marine environment can damage your equipment if proper maintenance is not done regularly. All of your equipment from your most expensive rods to your cheapest reels need to be properly maintained and serviced to ensure optimum performance. The steps to insure your gear is in top condition are vary simple and only take a few minutes each time you use them.

RODS:

Rod care is the simplest of all maintenance task when it comes to fishing gear maintenance. The simplest of these task and the most important is just visually checking the rod followed by washing the rod after each use. This entails just washing the rod with a soft cloth and fresh water. A light solutions of mild soap and water is recommended after prolonged saltwater use or if salt and fish scale build up is present.

Several times a year there are a few additional task should be accomplished. The frequency of these task will depend on the usage and if the rods are washed after each use.

The fishing real should be removed so the real seat can be scrubbed and lightly oiled with an oil such as LPS #1, WD-40, or similar oil. Care must be taking using these oil as they will damage the finish on the rod if exposed.
The guides should be inspected and lightly scrubbed with a small brush such as a tooth brush. If the rod is an offshore rod and has roller guides apply a small amount light oil to the rollers (LPS #1, WD-40, or similar oil.)
The rod handles can be cleaned with a soap and water solution. Lightly scrub with a soft bristle brush. Rods with ether foam or cork grips that are badly discolored or light damaged can be brought back to new with a light sanding with fine or extra fine grade sandpaper.

Rod storage is an important part in rod care. Store rods in a vertically rod holder or hang them well supported horizontally, in a cool, dry location. Leaning rods against walls may cause the rods to bend and warp over time.

REELS:

A properly maintained fishing reel will last longer be a smooth working peace of equipment. The biggest enemy to the fishing real is excessive exposure to saltwater and sand. Just as the fishing rod, washing the reel after each use is important. Be sure not to use high pressure water because this will drive salt and sand into the internal parts of the reel. High pressure water can also remove the oil and grease from the reel. Dry reels with a terry cloth towel or soft cloth, or let them drip dry. When the fishing reel is not in use be sure to loosing the pressure of the drag system.

At least twice a year depending on use you need to lube and thoroughly clean you reel. If you can't do this yourself take it to your local tackle shop or ask a professional do it for you.

To properly clean your reel remove it from the rod and check to make sure the pressure on the drag is released.
Apply lube (good quality three-in-one oil) to the oil ports on handle knobs, line roller, main shaft and all moving parts, and oil ports. Do not apply too much lubrication. Remember to apply sparsely it's better to use less but more often.

Reels should be periodically taken apart and serviced. A good general rule of thumb is to do so at least once a season depending on usage.

Organization is extremely important when you disassembling your reel. Select a level work area that is out of the way. Lay out a cloth to work on to keep parts from rolling off the table. Obtain a reel manual and keep it handy as a reference guide. Arrange your tools, oil, grease, grease rags, brushes, and cleaners on the table. Prepare a place to put parts, sub-assemblies.
Disassemble the reel according to the manual and lay out parts using small containers.
Using a degreasing agents clean the disassembled parts. Remember to remove the degreaser before re-assembling.
Use a quality grease on gear teeth, bearings and other internal frictional surfaces.
Re-assemble the reel according to the manual.
Apply a coating of protective oil, such as LPS #1, WD-40, or similar oil to your reels. When spraying protective oil on your reels, be careful not to spray your line. If you do, be sure to wipe it off right away.
Apply lube (good quality three-in-one oil) to the oil ports on handle knobs, line roller, main shaft and all moving parts, and oil ports. Do not apply too much lubrication. Remember to apply sparsely it's better to use less but more often.

Your line should be changed about once a year.

Store your rods and reels in a cool, dry place. Loosing the drag on your fishing reels. On open face reels put the clicker on after loosing the drag to prevent line from uncoiling off the reel.

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