Reel Care
Let's face it, saltwater fishing is harder on your fishing gear than
freshwater. Saltwater fishermen have to take better care of their gear than freshwater
fishermen. I've got several reels that I have been fishing with for over 20 years. One of
the keys to the longevity and faithful service provided by these reels is preventive
maintenance.
Many fishermen leave "rigged" rods in rod holders to and from the fishing
grounds and back to the garage until the next trip. Many bank fishermen tote their rods
around for days in the back of their pick-up truck. Then when they finally get around to
it, these rods are stood up in a corner of the garage or somewhere similar to wait until
the next trip. Rods won't be hurt as bad by the water and dirt, but reels will be. Always
rinse your rods and reels with fresh water after every trip.
A reel should be thoroughly cleaned and lubed at least once a year,
and depending on use, more frequently than that. If you can't do this yourself, get a
fishing buddy to help you or let a professional do it for you. It will help to give your
reel a much longer life and just might prevent another excuse for the one that got away.
All reels, no matter what type, need to be protected by cleaning and lightly oiling or
greasing of the reel's moving parts. Take care not to over do it and check the manual if
you have any questions. It is also important to lubricate the handles, roller guides and
the moving parts on the outside of the reel.
Whenever you clean your reel, remove it from the rod. Spray the reel
with WD-40 or similar spray. Internal moving parts should be lubricated with a drop
or two of light machine oil or a dab of reel lube. Use a light spray and take care not to
get any on the line as it may leave an odor and "turn the fish off" the next
time go fishing, or worse than that weaken the line's breaking strength. I usually change
out my fishing line while the reel is receiving it's yearly cleaning. While you have the
reel off the rod, be sure and clean and lubricate the reel seat on your rod.
- Another helpful tip to keep your reel in good
working order is to release the pressure on the
drag after your day of fishing is done.
Texas Gulf Coast
Fishing
