FISHING TACKLE MAINTENANCE

Proper maintenance of fishing tackle is a very important, often overlooked aspect of fishing. All too often anglers find themselves out for a great day of fishing only to have their fishing tackle fail them. The most important thing all anglers need to do is spend a few minutes making sure their tackle is in proper working order. Here are a few tips that will help any angler make that day on the water a hassle free adventure.

Fishing Line Care

Fishing line is possibly the most overlooked part of any anglers’ fishing tackle assortment. When you′re spooling up a baitcasting reel, or any conventional reel, put a rod, or even a pencil, through the center of the line spool. Tie the line to the reel (we would suggest the use of the Universal-Knot) and clip off the tag end of the knot. Snug the knot to the reel spool. One person should reel while another person holds both ends of the rod or pencil, applying pressure as the line is reeled onto the spool. The line should always be tight while spooling and never allow slack as this will cause knots and twists in the line as it is being spooled. Fill to about 1/8” from the spool′s outer rim or to the reel specifications for the maximum test weight/yardage (i.e. 20 lb. Test / 300yds.) the reel is supposed to hold. You never want to over or under spool your reel.  Another key point when using lines that contain carbon you need to keep the line from getting hot from to much pressure. Line that is over exposed to heat tension specially fluorocarbon lines will be greatly weakened and will cause possible breaks when stressed by fighting fish. Always keep the line away from anything that could cause abrasion or nicks while spooling. The knot you choose for varies from one angler to the next, but in our opinion the best universal knot for tying most types of fishing tackle is the universal knot (illustrated below).

This basic fishing knot that can be varied to meet virtually every knot tying need. In either freshwater or saltwater fishing this tried and true knot has held up to the toughest of tests. Knot illustrations and directions thanks to Ande Monofilament.

1.   Run the line through the eye of hook, swivel or lure at least 6" and fold to make 2 parallel lines. Bring the end of line back in a circle toward the hook or lure.

2.   Make 6 turns with tag end around the double line. Pass tag end through the circle. Hold the double line at a point where it passes through the eye and pull the tag end to snug up the turns.

3.   Now pull the standing line to slide the knot up against the eye.

4.   Continue pulling until the knot is tight.  Trim tag end flush with closest coil of knot.    The uni-knot will not slip.

This tried and true knot will help ensure that your lures, hooks etc. will not break at the time of a fish strike. A key point when using this or any knot on all braided and carbon based lines is to keep them wet when tying. Keeping the line wet will help keep the line cool and prevent it from being weakened by heat. Always check your line before going fishing for any nicks, abrasions, twists etc. Fishing line should be changed at least every year and as needed throughout the course of a season depending on the amount of use.

Fishing Rod Maintenance

Fishing rods also need to be well maintained to ensure they are in proper working order. A few minutes invested in checking the rod blank, reel seat, guide wraps and grips for wear can help any angler make sure their tackle is in proper working order. When checking the guides you want to look for anything that can cause your line to cut, kink, snag. There are a few ways to check for such issues, but we have found that running a pair of nylons/pantyhose through the guides is the best way. You will want the nylons to run cleanly through the guides on the rod to ensure your line will do the same. If when performing this test the nylons snag on the guide(s) locate the guide that is causing the snag and repair the problem. Consider using clear nail polish on any nicks or scores in the guide. This will coat the guide with a smooth finish once again. If this method does not work consider replacing the guide. The guide wraps are equally as important. Look for signs of wear or unraveling and repair as necessary. The reel seat and grip need to properly cleaned and free of dirt, grease, grime, etc. This is important so that the reel seats properly in the reel seat, and so that the grip does not rot prematurely. The grip should be wiped clean regularly with warm water and soap and rinsed clean with cold water. We would suggest a disinfectant soap to help keep the spread of germs to a minimum.  If you are using a two piece rod we would suggest the use of a light coating paraffin oil on the ferrule of the rod. This will help strengthen the connection of the two pieces and also assist in the break down of the rod. Rods should always be stored in an “unstressed” manner. This means that the rod should be stored in a vertical rack or laid flat. Never put undue stress on the rod by securing the line or hook/lure to the rod and winding the reel tight. This will lead to shorter rod life and cause possible premature breakage. 

Fishing Reel Maintenance

Sometimes, we as anglers overlook the importance of cleaning our fishing reels. Many times your fishing rod and reel simply get thrown in the basement at the end of the fishing season and then dragged out at the beginning of the next season to be used again. Very often your reel will choose to not work properly at precisely the worst time, such as when you′re fighting a large fish. This is why I do a little routine maintenance on my fishing reels before the start of every fishing season. You only have to lose a trophy one time because of your fishing reel not performing properly to make you a believer. Take my word for it. Do a little routine "check up", such as what′s described below, before the beginning of every fishing season and you won′t have any problems. First of all, gather the following tools: A small screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers or hemostats, grease of some sort (either purchase a small bottle of reel oil or simply just use WD-40), a couple of clean towels, 5-6 Q-tips, and a clear area to work. Any cleared off table will work fine.

First you will need to take the fishing reel off the rod and set it aside. You will now want to wipe the reel clean with warm water only. Make sure that all of the all debris and grease has been cleaned thoroughly from the fishing reel. Next you will want to remove the handle from the reel. This can be accomplished by either removing the screw on the opposite side of the handle or by turning the handle in the opposite direction that you would while reeling. Set the handle aside.

Next look for the exposed screw heads. Remove all of the screws that are holding the reel together. You will want to be sure to use the correct size screwdriver so that you do not strip the heads of the screws. Be sure to keep all the screws in a safe place set aside from the area in which you are working. Remove the reel plate to expose the inner working parts of the reel. Inside you will find all of the bearings and springs. You will want to only look for any debris (dirt, sand, etc.) or grease build up inside. If anything is found gently wipe clean using a Q-Tip, very soft cloth or by using a soft toothbrush/utility brush. Once the area is clean proceed with a quality reel lube and lubricate any exposed gears and springs. The most common mistake occurs at this point. Do not over lubricate these parts. This can lead to grime build up and cause the fishing reel to malfunction. You only want to use enough oil to lightly coat the bearings and springs.

Finally you will want to replace the reel plate and screw it back on. Be sure, once again, not to over tighten the screws or strip the heads. The handle can now be reinstalled and your reel is ready for fishing. It is important to note that proper maintenance of your fishing reel will extend the life of it dramatically. This whole process only takes only a few minutes once you have done it a few times and will save you money and headaches down the line.

Conclusion

These tips are a general informational account of what you can do to help maintain all of your fishing tackle. The importance of general fishing tackle maintenance can not be understated, it is very important to keep all of your fishing tackle it peak working condition. By doing so you will find yourself having better fishing trips with less headaches. That is what it is all about, enjoy yourself and have fun fishing!

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