popper&jig rod/reel maintainance..advice please..!

[Marc Towers]

Hi all,

 I am a relative popper/jigging 'newbie' and have finally decided upon & purchased my first popping (Ripple fisher 79R / Saltiga S-extreme 6500) and jigging (Fisherman spinoza amberjack/Stella 8000 PG JDM, with 10,000 spare spool) outfits (after much deliberation..!!), which will be given their first run in march next year.

 Is there any valuable advice anyone can give concerning rod/reel maintenance for popping/jigging gear; i understand that i can fish the S-extreme straight out the box for example (no need to change drag washers), but i was wondering more about general maintenance regimes..? 

  All comments much appreciated..

 Thanks, Marc.

[Dave Foyle]

Hi Mark,

Some nice outfits there - good luck with them.

On a trip I make sure rods and reels get hosed dow with freshwater at the end of each days fishing.  At the end of the week I was rods and reels down with hot soapy water to make sure the salt is dissolved.  Make sure the drag knob on the reel isn't loose when you do this.  Don't immerse the reels just a good wash. Pay particular attention to the spool - seems to be an area salt likes!!  Take the spool off the reel and carefully clean inside the skirt - be careful not to get any water up inside the drag assembly.

I then apply a little oil to obvious places (handle attachment,handle knob, bail roller).  Every third trip or so I take apart the bail roller assembly and clean it. 

Pop the reel away and then have another look at it in a week and then again after a month.  I have been amazed how even after a very thorough cleaning salt crystals can appear.

After washing the rods I have a careful look around the feet of the rings.  If there are any cracks in the epoxy I apply just a dab of oil to prevent any rusting.

Hope that helps mate.

Cheers  Dave

[Luke Wyrsta]

Lightly packing screw and nut cavities as well as recesses where water may sit with grease can help to keep salt and water intrusion out. Don't go over the top, too much or in the wrong areas will end up being counter-beneficial.

Silicon sprays leave protective coatings on reels and should always be applied after use. In the abscence of freshwater, some of these sprays can be just as good if not better than water in removing salt (obviously doesn't work as well in hard to get places where water can "soak" into).

[Peter Morris]

Hi Luke,

Mate what silicon spray do you suggest when you are away on a trip..?

Can these put a coating over salt already sitting on a reel....then allowing the salt to cause damage underneath.......Or do they effectively break down and remove it..?

I use inox when I am at home but would be keen to know  a good spray to take away..?

Thanks,
Pete

[Marc Towers]

 Hi Dave / Luke,

 Thanks for the comments - i will take them onboard during future trips..

 Is there any particular attention one needs to pay to PE line as well...?

 Dave - I owe you a THB (beer) in Nosy Be - i have booked a trip which will end the day before yours begins, it would be nice to have a fishing chat if you have a bit of spare time that evening..and as i say, if you need any other advise on Mada then ask away..

 Cheers,

 Marc.

[Dave Foyle]

Hi Mark,

Sounds good mate - I'll drop you a line when I've finanlised flights and hopefully the timing works out!

Cheers   Dave

[Duncan O'Connell]

Some of the things I have found beneficial - like luke says, a little grease around screws and cavities can be handy. I take my bail rollers out and soak the bearings in Protecta oil (most durable stuff I've come across for small bearing lubrication) then put a grease seal around the outside of the bearings for extra protection. The same works well for handle bearings as these cop some of the worst of it while out on the water.

Pete,
Inox is available in a little pump spay bottle which is ideal for travelling. Also Protecta is available in a needle nose oiler which is handy for travel too. We sell both of them - The Inox pump spray is $6.95 and the Protecta precision oiler is $9.95

Cheers

Duncan

[Luke Wyrsta]

Hi Luke,

Mate what silicon spray do you suggest when you are away on a trip..?

Can these put a coating over salt already sitting on a reel....then allowing the salt to cause damage underneath.......Or do they effectively break down and remove it..?

I use inox when I am at home but would be keen to know  a good spray to take away..?

Thanks,
Pete

Hi Pete

Inox is fine but I find Ballistol better personally. On trips apply then wipe clean to assist removal of salt.

Also useful for serious anglers to keep a spare bail assembly, bearings, drag knob and drag stack in case of failure or loss.