Learn how to keep your fishing equipment ready for action at all times! Find practical tips to care for your fishing rods, reels, and lures, ensuring maximum durability and performance.
Fishing requires dedication, technique, and, of course, well-maintained gear. Your fishing reels and rods are your trusted companions but lose power and durability without proper care. This can affect your fishing results and even cost you money in the long run.
Saltwater, dust, dirt, and even minor drops can speed up the wear and tear on your gear That’s why a good cleaning and maintenance routine is essential. This helps prevent rust, structural damage, and the need for early replacements.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about how to keep your fishing equipment in top shape. Learn how often you should do maintenance, the difference between oils and grease, and how to properly take apart a reel. Discover the tips and tricks fishermen use to extend the life of their gear!
Fishing Rod and Reel Maintenance
1. Rinse After Fishing
Rinse your rod and reel with fresh water at the end of each fishing trip to remove any salt or dirt residue. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces and a toothbrush to reach hard-to-clean areas. This ensures there’s no lingering salt residue.
2. Dry It Thoroughly
Once clean, let your gear dry completely. Ideally, keep it in the shade, as direct sunlight can damage the structure and fade the color. Make sure everything is fully dry before moving on to the next steps.
3. Hit It with Silicone Spray
Spray a light coat of silicone over the entire rod and the exterior of the reel, paying special attention to the guides and metal parts. This creates a protective layer against moisture, salt, and wear — keeping your gear functional and looking great.
4. Don’t Forget: Deep Cleaning & Lubrication Are Game-Changers
From time to time, disassemble the reel for a more thorough cleaning. Use a maintenance kit to clean the gears and internal parts. Then, apply grease to moving components such as gears and bearings to ensure smooth, long-lasting performance.
For rods, apply a small drop of lubricating oil to the cap area to help prevent salt buildup.
How to Disassemble and Reassemble a Reel
If, after these steps, your reel still needs more specialized maintenance, you can count on our official Shimano Assistance Point. Our team is fully equipped to repair and optimize your gear’s performance, ensuring it works like new again.
Differences Between Lubricants
Each product serves a specific purpose, and using the same one for everything can compromise your gear’s performance. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between them.
- Silicone Spray protects against moisture and salt but doesn’t lubricate internal gears.
- Oil Lubricant is great for delicate mechanisms but doesn’t provide the protective barrier that silicone offers.
- Grease Lubricant delivers long-lasting protection for parts exposed to wear, but it can be too thick for smaller components.
Care for Fishing Lines and Lures
Fishing Line Maintenance
To make your lines last longer, check them regularly for knotsor signs of wear. You can also apply silicone spray to reduce friction and improve performance during casting and retrieval.
Lure Maintenance
Lures also require special care, especially in rocky areas or saltwater environments. After each use, clean them thoroughly and store them in dry, dust-free places.
Check if the hooks or split rings are damaged regularly, and replace them whenever needed. To prevent the skirts on spinnerbaits or jigs from drying out, apply a product like silicone spray. This helps maintain the material’s flexibility and protects your lures from wear and tear.
Storage and Protection
Proper storage of your fishing gear is also essential to ensure its longevity. Use fishing bags and tackle boxes to protect your rods and reels from impact during transport.
Artificial lures should be stored in designated lure boxes to keep them organized and protected from damage. On the other hand, live bait should be kept in coolers, to ensure it stays fresh and viable throughout your fishing trip.
Ensure all gear is completely dry before storing it, and avoid leaving it under tension – especially your rods.
Keeping your fishing gear in excellent condition is an investment in the quality of your fishing experience. With the right tools and products, maintaining your equipment becomes a simple and effective task.
Explore our full range of fishing maintenance products – from lubricants to complete maintenance kits, we have everything you need to keep your gear ready for the next catch!