Fishing equipment isn’t cheap and we all know what it’s like to have to kiss goodbye a favourite rod and reel because it’s come to the end of its lifespan. But looking after your gear can extend the lifespan somewhat, giving you more time to reel in a catch on your lucky rod.
If you want to maintain your equipment and ensure your gear lasts for as long as possible, follow these handy guidelines:
#1. Storage
Don’t leave your fishing gear in your boot or in your garage. If you store it in a dry, well-ventilated space it will last longer, it won’t rust and a drop in temperature or any other factors won’t affect it.
#2. Cleaning
Always clean your gear. Even if you are not fishing in salt water, make sure that you rinse your gear off before you finish for the day. This way any trace elements that can cause corrosion are removed and your gear stays clean too.
#3. Long-term Storage
Store your gear like you would your clothes. Between seasons it is best to store your fishing gear inside, in a warm spot. Just like your clothing, your gear needs to breathe and to have air circulate around it in order to prevent damp, mould and rust.
#4. Moisture
Make sure everything is always dry. Even if you are only packing away your gear between fishing weekends, make sure your bait and boxes and rods and reels are 100% dry. Excess moisture can cause havoc with your gear and can lead to it disintegrating quickly.
It can also lead to funny smells and damage scented baits, lures and flies that you’d have to spend your Australian pokies online winnings on if you need to replace them.
#5. Rinsing
After every fishing session, rinse off your reels. This will remove any sand, seaweed, pondweed or any residue that may have built up whilst you’ve been fishing.
Just ensure you don’t use a high-pressure hose or water stream, as this can do more damage than good and push water into places you don’t want it to be.
#6. Wiping Equipment
Wipe down your equipment after you’ve washed it to ensure there is no dirt left behind and to keep everything in tip top shape.
If you are worried about water having gotten in where it shouldn’t, you can also use a blow drier on a medium heat to get every last drop out.
#7. Tension
Ensure that you’ve taken the tension off your reels. If you leave your drag on tight setting it pus unnecessary strain on the reel components and causes undue wear and tear.
Make sure that you have backed off the tension at least 3 or 4 turns so there is no added stress in play.
#8. Oil It Up
Oil up anything that may rust. If you lubricate your reels they shouldn’t rust at all, and they’ll work smoothly the first time you go fishing next season.
Just beware that you don’t over oil, as you don’t want oil on your line that may end up in the sea or the lake.
