Clean Up Your Act
By Joe Malat

Wow, I really blew it last month. For those of you who regularly read my column in this magazine, you may remember I “predicted” a good showing of stripers along the Outer Banks in January and February. I could not have been more off base.

Fishing was red hot for boaters fishing along the northern Outer Banks, near the Virginia/North Carolina border, but the stripers have been virtually non-existent from Kitty Hawk south to Hatteras. With the surf temperature hovering around the mid-forties as I’m writing this around the second week of February, I don’t think it’s going to happen.

So, let’s get our gear ready for next season. There is no substitute for regular maintenance of tackle, such as fresh water wash down every time a rod and reel is used in salt water, and a periodic spraying of everything metal with a good quality moisture displacer, such asWD-40, CRC, or a similar product. However, a regular program of off-season maintenance combined with routine cleaning will go along way to assure the longevity of your tackle. Ideally, the year end service and cleaning should take place as soon as possible after the end of your fishing season. Those long winter nights are ideal for these projects, and the chore is not so overwhelming if a little bit is done every day.

Start by removing the reels from all of your rods. Give each rod a good fresh water and mild soap bath, using a small, soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the reel seats, guides, and grips.

Next, inspect each guide for grooves if they are metal, and small hairline cracks if they are ceramic, aluminum oxide, or a similar material. Roller guides on trolling rods can groove too, if the roller bearing is frozen, so give them a look.

If the guides are damaged, replace them. If you are handy and have the time, you can do the work yourself. "How To" books and brochures are available on the subject of rod repair, and many complete tackle shops stock all of the components necessary to replace and rewrap a guide. Many tackle shops offer this service, if you prefer to let them do the work.

After every rod passes inspection, I like to give each guide a quick squirt of CRC moisture displacer, and rub down the rod (but not the grips) with a rag that has been sprayed with Armor All or a similar product. After cleaning and repairs are finished, store each rod in a place that's out of the weather.

Reels are somewhat more complicated and labor intensive. Depending on how hard you use your tackle, each reel should be cleaned and completely lubricated at least once a year. If you don't feel comfortable taking apart your prized fishing reels, by all means take them to your local tackle shop for a complete overhaul. Of course, this is going to be more expensive than the do-it-yourself method, but these folks do this kind of work for a living. Unlike some homegrown repair jobs, the professionals don't have any parts left over when the reel is reassembled.

If you try to work on your own reels, I would like to make a few recommendations. Work on only one reel at a time in a well lighted area, and have all of the tools, oils, lubes, and clean rags handy before you start. Small screws, springs, and washers have a habit of disappearing or flying away, so I like to disassemble every reel over a small cardboard tray such as a cardboard flat that carry a case of canned drinks.

I don't recommend taking apart even the simplest reel if you do not have the parts list and schematic drawing that came with the reel when it was purchased. This is especially critical when reassembling your reel's drag system. All of the drag washers must be returned exactly in order, or the drag will not work properly, or maybe not at all. The parts list is also invaluable if a broken or worn part must be replaced.

Years ago I developed a habit of throwing these schematics and parts lists in a shoe box whenever I acquire a new reel. The shoe box lives in the cabinet where I store extra reels, parts, and spare spools, and I know where the paper work is when I need it.

A variety of oils and lubricants is necessary to do the job right. Use a high quality, waterproof grease for the inner workings and gears of both spinning and revolving spool reels. I have used OMC Triple Guard Grease for several years. Designed for use around outboard motors in a marine environment, it is waterproof and is available in plastic tubes from any dealer that sells OMC motors or parts. I use light machine oil for any external moving part of a reel, such as handles, bail rollers, springs, or anti-reverse levers. Then I give each reel a quick spray with CRC, and wipe off any excess oil or grease with a soft, absorbent rag.

On spinning reels, be sure to pay close attention to the bail rollers. Most, but not all, reels have a small bearing and roller assembly that is supposed to roll freely as the line moves across the roller. If your spinning reel has a roller, but it doesn’t spin easily, monofilament line can groove the metal in short-order, and this will fray the line to the point where it is useless.

Monofilament fishing line is probably the one of the most neglected pieces of fishing tackle, but it is one of the most important links between the fish and fisherman. Contrary to the beliefs of some, a spool of line will not last forever. Humidity, salt, heat, and the ultra-violet rays of the sun take a toll on fishing line. I change the line on most of my reels once a year, sometimes more frequently if the line is used especially hard, or shows signs of wear and tear, such as frayed spots and nicks. If you have a lot of reels, such a practice can become rather expensive. But I feel that having good quality fishing line in good condition is a high priority.

A quick visual inspection will determine if it's time to change your line. Discolored, brittle, or severely faded line should be replaced. Also, a reel's spool that is not full, or close to it will drastically reduce your casting distance. Replace the line, and "top off" the spool.

If you fill your own reels, don't casually discard the used monofilament fine in a trash can. This plastic line will stay around forever, and if it gets into the environment, it can be a killer of wildlife. Many tackle shops have recycling bins for discarded line, if your favorite shop has such a set up, please use it.

Modern day, high quality, rods and reels are well constructed, tough pieces of equipment. They will last a long time and catch plenty of fish with only a minimum of regular maintenance and care. But, if neglected, will fail, often at the worst possible time. Don't let that trophy of a lifetime get away just because you didn't do your homework this winter.