REELS: Check fishing reels for cleanness, smoothness, and proper function. Start by doing an inspection. Look at the reel and see if is clean. Next spin the reel handle and listen and feel for any noise or roughness. Next check the reel for proper function. If any or all of these checks do not pass inspection; then the problems need to be fixed before the next trip. You don’t want to waste time on the water fixing a problem and certainly not during a tournament! A good way to clean a reel and get the roughness out of the bearings is to use reel lubricating oil. I apply a few drops to the bearings and gears and clean the reel with rubbing alcohol.

 

Fishing Line: Check your fishing line if it is more than a few months old. Start by cutting off the first foot of line to eliminate any nicks or cuts from previous use. Next, pull off three feet or so and run your fingers up the line feeling for any nicks or roughness. If none are found, take the three foot section and give it a good snap or tug. If the line breaks easily, some of the line or all of the line needs to be changed.

Repeat this farther up the line, until you feel confident the line is ok. If the line needs to be changed, remove half of the spool of line and tie on to the existing line with a new spool. This saves some fishing line and time.

 

Rods: Check Fishing rods for broken, chipped or dirty eyelets. This in my opinion is one of the most overlooked items. A broken, chipped or dirty eyelet can cause line breakage and casting problems. Inspect the rod for broken guides and dirty eyelets. Check the eyelets by running a queue tip in side the eyelet. The queue tip should slide easily around and though the eyelet. If not, check for nicks or just dirt in the eyelet. A good way to clean guides is by using rubbing alcohol. To clean rod handles I use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rub the cork. It cleans dirt and stains off the cork very well.

 

Check Tackle: Check to see if you have the proper amount of items weights, hooks, fishing lures etc. Restock before your next trip. Next, check lure hooks for sharpness. Use a pen hook sharpener and touch up the hooks.

 

Doing and checking all of these things will certainly help eliminate headaches starting

this season.

 

Don’t overlook our partners on this website for the items your need i.e. www.bassproshops.com, www.strikeking.com, www.cabincreekco.com, www.efish911.com, www.allterraintackle.com, www.fishformula.com,

www.tru-tungsten.com, www.castawayrods.com, www.highrollerlures.com, www.huddlestondeluxe.com. 

 

You will find just about everything you need to fix your equipment and stock your tackle box at our partners’ sites.

 

Good luck fishing!!