Getting Ready for spring
Fishing season is finally upon is! The stripers are about to start their run and early blues are stragglers looking for fresh bait or lures to chomp on. So now, we anglers have to get our gear prepared. So what needs to be done?
First and most importantly we have to check and prepare our reels. This is the best time to lube up the gears and check the functions to ensure it is working properly.
Step 1
Use a lint free cloth and soapy water to clean the reel, remove the old grease and any sand. Pay special attention to the spool in particular when cleaning because this is where sand tends to build up. Rinse the reel with warm water and allow to dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2
Remove the handle by unscrewing the retaining screw on the opposite side of the reel. After you remove the handle, clean inside the body of the reel to remove sand, salt or old grease. Use a small amount of lubricant inside the reel and reattach the handle.
Step 3
Open the bail and use a soft brissel brush to remove any grease or sand from the bail mechanism. Also pay attention to the line roller, because sand tends to build up there.
Step 4
Remove the spool from the reel by either removing a retaining knob at the front of the spool or by turning the spool counter-clockwise. Wipe down the spool and remove all the sand that builds up there. Reassemble the spool.
Step 5
Spool fresh line on your reel and use a small amount of reel magic on the line to prevent a memory and to give a protective layer on the outside of the spool.
Once your reel is prepared, it is now time to move on to your rod inspection. You should inspect all the guides to make sure they are not broken or weak. Inspect the tip also for the same. Also check that the reel seat is strong and free of sand.
Now it is time to check your tackle. Check all hooks to make sure there is no rust on them and to make sure they are not bent. If there's rust or they are bent, replace them. This is a good time to wipe a small amount of scent on your lures and hooks to mask the scent of them sitting for a long period of time.
Now that you are ready for spring, get out there and catch some fish!!!
First and most importantly we have to check and prepare our reels. This is the best time to lube up the gears and check the functions to ensure it is working properly.
Step 1
Use a lint free cloth and soapy water to clean the reel, remove the old grease and any sand. Pay special attention to the spool in particular when cleaning because this is where sand tends to build up. Rinse the reel with warm water and allow to dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2
Remove the handle by unscrewing the retaining screw on the opposite side of the reel. After you remove the handle, clean inside the body of the reel to remove sand, salt or old grease. Use a small amount of lubricant inside the reel and reattach the handle.
Step 3
Open the bail and use a soft brissel brush to remove any grease or sand from the bail mechanism. Also pay attention to the line roller, because sand tends to build up there.
Step 4
Remove the spool from the reel by either removing a retaining knob at the front of the spool or by turning the spool counter-clockwise. Wipe down the spool and remove all the sand that builds up there. Reassemble the spool.
Step 5
Spool fresh line on your reel and use a small amount of reel magic on the line to prevent a memory and to give a protective layer on the outside of the spool.
Once your reel is prepared, it is now time to move on to your rod inspection. You should inspect all the guides to make sure they are not broken or weak. Inspect the tip also for the same. Also check that the reel seat is strong and free of sand.
Now it is time to check your tackle. Check all hooks to make sure there is no rust on them and to make sure they are not bent. If there's rust or they are bent, replace them. This is a good time to wipe a small amount of scent on your lures and hooks to mask the scent of them sitting for a long period of time.
Now that you are ready for spring, get out there and catch some fish!!!
