Spring will be here before we know it, and this is the ideal time to deal with maintenance issues and general preparations before the prime fishing season is upon us.
Reels should be lubricated several times each season, especially the line roller on the bail arm of spinning reels. Friction commonly causes the line to break. If the roller is not spinning freely, oil it. This simple step can prevent many frustrations.
Dismantling reels can be a nightmare. It is advisable to let a specialist tackle the job. Most do-it-yourselfers end up taking their projects to the shop in a plastic bag.
It is a great time to spool reels with new line. This simple procedure makes fishing much more pleasant. But there are a few common mistakes when replacing fishing line. The first is to overfill the spool, causing excessive tangling and knots. Another common mistake is to trust that the label on the new line is on the correct side of the spool. Most spinning reels spin the line onto the spool clockwise, and the line must come off the filler spool counterclockwise to eliminate line twist.
Most outboard service shops are not especially busy right now and usually can have you in and out in a few days. In a few weeks the annual flood of people eager to have things fixed, serviced or checked by a professional will commence.
Trailer lights are a perpetual problem, and a little extra effort now can ease things later. Not only is it much safer for your equipment, it is safer and courteous for those behind you on the road. And nothing ruins a day of fishing faster than getting a ticket for bad taillights.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or e-mail him at www.snookfish.com
