Fishing rods such as Falcon (www.falconrods.com) come with excellent warranties but those warranties, like most rods, are limited. Fishing rods are not covered under these warranties if they show signs of abuse, misuse, accidental breakage that are not a result of a defect, and through normal wear and tear. Most rod companies like Falcon also offer an out of warranty replacement policy where a damaged rod that is no longer covered can be replaced at a reduced cost.
A shiny new fishing rod is a very special tool. However, over time that shiny finish will fade on most fishing rods. However, it can be prevented. Once a month wipe the rod down with a soft piece of cloth and a good UV protectant such as Kevin Vandam's Line and Lure Conditioner (www.lineandlure.com) and it will extend the life of a rod's finish. The application also protects the rod from small scratches that may occur. With a Q-tip, apply the conditioner to the ceramic inserts in the rod guides. The conditioner will act as both protectant and lubricant allowing more casting distance.
Nothing makes a fishing rod look older than dirty cork handles. Dirt, dust, and grime all make their way onto the cork. However, by applying a small amount of Dawn dish soap and scrubbing the cork with a wet cloth and a small bristle brush the dirt and grime should come off with ease. The same can be said about reel seats. The wet cloth and dish soap should quickly clean the reel seat of any dirt, algae, grime, etc.
Fishing rods can take a beating in rod lockers, especially in rough water. To solve this problem boat manufacturers may equip the rod lockers with a rod storage system or have the system as an option. Not only do they keep fishing rods from banging into one another but it helps keep the line from wrapping around another rod's guides which makes withdrawing the rod a hassle. For those who's rod lockers don't have rod organizers or don't prefer them, the use of rod socks is highly recommended. Stick Jackets (www.stickjacket.com) are of high quality and come in numerous colors which allows one to easily find a specific rod. Stick Jackets fit snugly around the rod like a Chinese finger trap protecting the rod from unwanted damage to the line guides, rod tip, and blank. For this reason, Stick Jackets are also recommended with any rod storage system using a small tube (golf bag inserts). The guides easily catch and the finish is damaged in the small openings when not used with some type of rod sock. Because of the unique braided construction barbed hooks, especially treble hooks, are easily removed unlike cloth sheaths that most of the other rod sock companies use.
In part 1 of the series we discussed the importance in taking care of fishing rods. This time, we will look at fishing reels and what can be done to help them give lasting performance. I decided to turn to Warren Williams of WMS Custom Rods for his insight on the subject of reel maintenance. Warren not only specializes in building custom fishing rods, but also, he services fishing reels in his home in Melrose, Minnesota.
Every year, fishing reel manufactures introduce new technology to not only create new reels, but also, upgrade current models to achieve better performance, durability, and dependability. However, that does not mean that a fishing reel should not be submitted to a form of maintenance. "The average reel should be serviced once a year and by this I mean totally taken apart, cleaned and replace worn parts with new ones installed, and lubricate parts that need to be lubricated." advises Warren. "If you keep your reels serviced, parts won't wear out as fast and the reel will last longer," Warren adds.
Dust and dirt work their way into gears, bearings, and levelwinds in a hurry and hamper the performance of the reel. Warren warns, "No fishing reel is totally closed. Dust, dirt, and water eventually finds a way into the reel and can cause serious damage." Gears and levelwinds that get dirt or sand into them can cause major damage which always results in replacement parts which are not cheap. For this reason, it is not advisable to trailer your boat with the rods and reels strapped down on the front deck especially if you drive down gravel roads. When water enters the reel, which it will due to the environment its used in, oil in the ball bearings can be washed away and the inner workings of the reel may rust or corrode. Most of the newer reels such as the Shimano Chronarch B's have a passage way which help drain water out of the reel. When reels are heavily used such as the case with tournament fisherman and the serious angler who makes frequent trips to the lake, the ball bearings should be lubricated with a small drop of oil at least once a month.
The problems mentioned above do have a solution. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and others sell fishing reel covers at a reasonable price. Warren points out, "If you spend $100 or more on a quality reel whats another $10 to help protect it?" A reel cover will protect the paint on the reel which will help its resale value if you decide to upgrade your reels and sell your current equipment through ebay.com, bassfishinghomepage.com, and similar websites.
When it comes to a reel, especially one that has a huge price tag, some anglers may wax the finish of their reels. However, waxing the finish on the exterior of the reel may have the benefit of shedding water and dust off the reel the disadvantage could be costly. A waxed surface is slippery and if not careful the rod and reel could fly out of your hands and into the lake. When putting rod and reels back into the storage locker at the end of the day, simply wiping them down with a rag or towel will keep the finish looking good. "If an angler insists on waxing a reel, whatever you do, do not apply wax to the reel seat or the handle of the rod, as the reel could fly out of the rod handle or the entire rod and reel combo could end up in the lake," Warren advises!
Proper winter storage of a reel go along way to preventing reel malfunction in spring. "A reel should be serviced before winter storage so they are ready for spring," Warren says. "Take the reel off the rod, back off the drag, and have it serviced. Once it has been serviced you should store them in a drawer or cabinet," Warren adds. If you still have the box the reel came in, placing the reel inside it will add an extra layer of protection from the elements during storage.
If you are interested in having your fishing reels serviced or have any questions on buying a custom fishing rod or perhaps have a rod repaired by Warren Williams, you can contact him at (home) 320-256-4627 or (cell) 320-267-5732. You may also email him at wmstt@charter.net.
David Bromenshenkel
classicbass.com Field Staff
