Now’s the time to do a little cleaning and maintenance on your fly-fishing tackle to make sure everything will be ready to go for next season. If you do this before the holidays and find that any item of equipment needs a new part or professional attention, there’ll be ample time before spring rolls around.
I like to start with a careful inspection of everything. Examine rods for loose or twisted line guides or frayed thread windings. Draw a piece of pantyhose slowly through each line guide to check for burrs or worn spots that could wreck your costly fly line—or even cause you to lose a big fish. Any surface defects will snag the pantyhose and alert you that the guide needs replacement.
Every fly reel merits careful attention, especially if you fish in salt water. Remove the spool and inspect springs and pawls, gears, drag knobs and levers and all internal parts on the reel body for breakage, wear and corrosion. If any part looks suspect, order a replacement now.
Check the internal parts for any fine grit or dirt and any old grease, and clean all reel surfaces carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Being a woman, you’re likely to have saved the owner’s manual that came with the reel. (Why do some men throw these away? Could be just God’s way of saying “Duh!”) Check the manual for any maintenance tips from the manufacturer.
Unless the reel maker recommends some other product, apply a tiny dab of Penn Reel Lube (available at almost any tackle store or fly shop) to the spool spindle and other friction points. A $3 tube of this stuff will last for years.
A little time spent now checking and cleaning your fly tackle will pay big dividends next season.
Happy holidays to all!
—The Fly Girl
The Fly Girl, that’s her name, is our “Miss Manners of the Stream.” View all posts by Fly Girl
Thanks, Fly Girl, for the nudge and reminder to get “reel” this season.