If you look after your fishing gear, guaranteed it'll look after you. No matter if you're a fully-fledged fishoholic or a first time flicker we all need to give our tools of the trade a little TLC from time-to-time. Fishing rods and reels have come a long way in the last decade, with improvements in both performance and quality keeping our fishos more than happy. Browse any range from the biggest brands and you'll find gear laced to the brim with magnetic seals, a waterproof housing or corrosion resistant bearings – the list goes on! While this will certainly extend the lifespan of your favourite fishing kit, giving it some extra love will ensure it repays you when that fish of a lifetime takes your bait. Regular maintenance and TLC is the difference between putting that trophy fish in the net or having your line snap during the heat of the battle! Check out these handy rod and reel care tips to keep your gear in good shape for years to come.
Rod Care Tips
- Give your rod a gentle spray or wipe with freshwater after a session on the water. This removes any salt residue or dirt build up on the blank, guides and reel seat.
- Look after your rod tip! Avoid winding swivels, lures, or hooks directly onto the tip, this can crack the insert and cause many headaches on your next fishing session.
- It's always worth checking on your rod guides after every session to make sure they're in tip top condition. Look out for any cracks, rust or corrosion on the inserts and frames.
- Keep your fishing rods stored in an upright position when they're not being used, preferably on a suitable rod rack or stand. Avoid leaning them up against walls or in positions that place unnecessary pressure on the rod blank.
- Don't push your rod past it's limits! Always use line, lures, and tackle that's within the recommended casting weight and line rating of your fishing rod. If you hook a monster on your light set up, play it easy, don't put too much pressure on the rod and let your drag do all the heavy lifting.
Reel Care Tips
- Keep your reel lubricated! Reel oil is an absolute winner at prolonging the performance of your favourite spinning reel and helps prevent any dreaded corrosion to moving parts. Good places to apply oil are the shaft, maintenance port and line roller bearing. Lubricated sprays (such as Inox) are another good option but avoid using degreasers such as WD-40.
- It's important to give your reel some TLC after every session on the water to remove any salt, sand or dirt build up. A gentle spray or wipe down with freshwater will remove any residue that might be hiding on the reel. When cleaning your reel, lock the drag and avoid using high pressure hose settings as this will push the sand and salt further into the reel.
- It's always worth checking on your rod guides after every session to make sure they're in tip top condition. Look out for any cracks, rust or corrosion on the inserts and frames.
- Apply a drop of reel oil or silicone spray to the line roller bearing after every use. This will prevent corrosion and a noisy reel on your next session!
- Keep your reels tucked away in a neoprene reel cover when you're not on the water. These keep them secure and away from direct sunlight, which can damage your line if exposed for long periods.