I am very impatient and I do not always take the time necessary to care for my fishing tackle so this is a lesson for me as well as for some of you anglers. Your tackle if not properly disassembled can be damaged or it can deteriorate before your next outing. Also, the next time you go fishing you can avoid time consuming chores before you are prepared to fish; and why waste valuable fishing time. So, why not take these easy steps after your next trip.
- Remove the fly by cutting it off of the leader and carefully storing it where it can get air such as a fly-drying patch.
- The fly line can be cleaned using a line cleaner or a mild soap and then wiped dry. In normal use, the line will accumulate dirt or algae on the surface. A fly line will perform better because it will float and cast better if it has been cleaned. After cleaning, the line can be wiped clean and a lubricant can be applied if you wish.
- Carefully wind the line with the leader back onto the reel applying an even amount of pressure. After the season is over or for long periods, the line should be wrapped onto their original spools for storage. Never store your lines in the direct sunlight as the high heat or ultraviolet rays of the sun will cause rapid deterioration.
- The reel should be removed from the rod and wiped clean. Before storing it in its storage bag, be sure that it is completely dry and do not close the bag in an airtight manner but allow air to enter.
- Finally, to disassemble the rod, carefully grip the two sections and pull the ferrules apart. Use care to keep the alignment straight between the two sections and pull in a straight line. Pulling at an angle is an invitation for trouble. Clean the rod with a clean soft cloth using mild soap to remove any dirt that may have accumulated. Place the rod, ferrules down, in a clean soft bag and remember that dampness and sunlight are enemies of your equipment while being stored.
Your tackle may represent several hundreds of dollars of investment and it should be a pride to own as well as a joy to use, so it take the time to treat it with the respect that it deserves.