I usually set up a clean table in the shed with adequate lighting above. For the rest of my reels though, a service and clean out in winter generally sees them through until the following season.įirst, I prepare an area. Similarly, before a fishing trip away I clean and service my reels - the last thing you want are reel issues in a remote location. I generally give my surf fishing reels a service after about four or five days' use on the beach. Surf fishing can be very taxing on tackle, with sand and salt infiltrating quite easily. Not all reels can go a full season in between servicing though. This quick process will help to keep the reel clean and disperse salts, and should see the reel performing well until a more comprehensive service is completed in winter. Higher-end reels will contain better quality components, and they generally boast better-sealed bodies and moisture-dispersing features.Īs a rule of thumb, after each session I tighten the drags on my reels, give them a quick wash under running water, a quick spray of lubricant/water dispersant such onto moving parts, then loosen the drag and wind the handle to remove moisture off the reel. Truth is, even the best reels on the market will require some routine maintenance to function optimally. There's a good chance you've experienced a reel that has seized up or shown signs of corrosion and either not known what to do about it. Let's look at tackle maintenance, with a focus on rod, reel and terminal tackle. While this may not be as exciting as hitting the water itself, the result of well-maintained tackle is more fish landed, so think of it as steps towards future success. I usually have a good stint or two down in the shed servicing reels, cleaning rods and the boat, and maintaining terminal tackle during the cooler months. This presents the perfect opportunity to go down to the shed with a hot brew, some reel lubrication and cleaning cloths, throw on some tunes in the background and get into some tackle maintenance. The cycle of winter weather means we have more than our fair share of down time at home during the cooler months. While we still have some good fishing options around our country during the winter months, the weather quite often throws a spanner in the works for well-laid plans, and hitting the water regularly is certainly more of a challenge. Jamie Crawford points us in the right direction. With the cooler months now upon us, it's high time to do some basic maintenance on all tackle components.

Crack 400 reel schematic