Tips For Keeping Your Rod Ready For That Big Catch This Season
As you head out this season in search of that once in a lifetime catch, it’s important to make sure all of your gear is in solid working order. The last thing you want is to have the best fish of the season on the hook and something happens with your rod causing you to lose the catch. Here are some things to check when you pull out your gear and get ready for some epic fishing this year.
Your Guides are Important
You might not think about it too often, but your guides see a lot of use while you’re reeling one in. Over time, they can gather a lot of gunk and other build up that can really affect your ability to catch a fish when it’s on the line. Since the line is constantly in the water and being reeled back in, it brings whatever is in the water back with it. Mineral build up can be a killer and cause real damage to your fishing rod if left unchecked. So, make sure to give your guides a bit of loving care and a good deep clean before you cast your first line and again before you pack up for the day. There are a lot of methods to clean your guides but if you’re in a pinch, dish soap will do the trick. The more frequently you clean your guides, the easier it will get. You will notice the difference when you are out there fishing and using one of your GT fishing rods.
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Mounting Hardware and Handle
Everything gathers a bit of dirt and grime when you’re out there for a good day of fishing. Keeping your handle clean is simple and makes your rod easier to handle when you’re making a catch. Just soak a towel in some rubbing alcohol and give your handle a good, solid scrub down and you’ll be good to go. An added bonus is your handle will look as good as new when you’re done and you have just extended the life of your rod. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies around your hardware as well, your rod will thank you for it.
Storage is Paramount
Never leave your fishing rod or gear sitting in the trunk of your car. The rise and drop in temperature can wreak havoc on your rod and hardware, taking years off of its life and making problems when you are out there in action. Also, prolonged exposure to heat will weaken your rod and eventually make it unusable. If you can, always store your rods vertically. In case you have to store them horizontally, make sure there is no bend in the blank. Over time, your rod will eventually take on the bend and your rod will be useless.
Take Note of Where You Rest Your Rod
You don’t want to lay your rod on something hard in the boat or in transit. The last thing you want is your rod bouncing up and down on a hard surface. This will certainly weaken your rod and can lead to a break somewhere down the road when you have a monster fish on the line. Then you will be left buying a new rod and losing that once in a lifetime catch.
