Fishing Equipment Check - Part 1 |
I want to begin with the rods and reels. These are your most expensive tools and have to be maintained with regularity, especially if you demand total performance.
All your line guides should be checked with a cue tip. This should be gently twisted inside each eye. If the cotton wool catches on any of the inner rings, they should be replaced as they could cut your line at a crucial point during retrieval of a fish.
If you use fishing rods that are sectional, the joints should be checked for stress cracks. These fine hairline cracks appear near the joints and run along the length of the section. If you find them, take the complete rod to your local tackle store for repair. These repairs are usually quite inexpensive and are certainly less than the purchase price of a new rod.
Check cork constructed handles for separation (this often occurs near the section where the reel grip is located or where the handle meets the actual rod). This will require glue and a vice or similar grip to hold the pieces together. If in doubt, take this to your tackle store for repair.
When all is well, wipe the rods down with a damp cloth (do not use a detergent). Dry the rods carefully with some paper towel and if the rods are sectional, take an old piece of soap and wipe the outer and inner sections near the joints leaving a light coating of soap on them. This will ensure a tight join when the sections are re-united and will also make separation easier at the end of your fishing day.
Fishing reels are fairly simple to maintain. When removing the screws, make sure you lay them, and other components down in the order in which they were removed and replace them in the same order. If I do not have a picture of the reel from the manufacturer, I draw a rough sketch and lay the pieces next to the drawing, them I know where everything goes! There is nothing worse than finding a piece of the reel after you have closed it up!
When open, the reel will have the gear or gears exposed. Just like an engine, these need lubrication. I use WD40 or light grease. Apply a generous amount inside the gears and handle area. When you close up the reel, do not over-tighten the screws, this can affect the performance of the reel. Wipe off any excess oil or grease and again clean the reel outer casing with a damp cloth, drying with paper towel.
Now is a good time to change your line. I know so many people who use the same line year in and year out. It is a bad habit to get into and will eventually let you down.
Remove the old line every 3 months if you are a weekend angler. If you fish as I do in a professional environment you should change the line every week. Sometimes I will change the line on a daily basis, however each individual has their preferences but be mindful of the awesome responsibility you give your line and replacement is better than a break and the loss of a trophy fish!
Now, let's look at clothing and tackle boxes, bags and their contents.