Taking care of your fly fishing gear after a day of fishing in the salt is an important part of maintaining and preserving your equipment. Proper care can help extend the life of your gear, ensuring that it stays in top condition for future fishing trips. In this article, we'll cover some key steps for taking care of your fly fishing gear after a day of fishing in the salt.
Rinse off your gear
One of the first things you should do after a day of fly fishing in the salt is rinse off all of your gear. Saltwater can be corrosive and can cause damage to both your rod and reel if they're not properly cleaned. Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas where saltwater may have accumulated.
To rinse your reel, you could fill a sink or bucket of water and immerse it there. Take your line off the reel while you hold the reel under water. Make sure to move the reel around to properly rinse it. One thorough rinse should be enough, don't let it sit in the bucket for too long.
To rinse your rod, detach the rod sections and clean them one by one under a running tap. Take extra care when rinsing the guides.
Another tip to rinse your rod, reel and line in go: take a shower with your gear! This might sound silly, but it works really well. Detach your rod sections, but leave the reel on the butt section of the rod (so it's easier to take the line off the reel). Step in the shower, and don't use any shampoo or body wash as that might damage your gear. Rinse the rod first and then take the line off the reel while keeping everything under the shower. Rinse the reel last. Put everything away, and now you can rinse yourself 😃. After that you can dry your gear.
Dry your gear
Once you've rinsed off your gear, it's important to properly dry it before storing it away. This will help prevent rust and other types of corrosion from forming on your equipment. To dry your gear, simply lay it out in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry. You can also use a towel or cloth to gently pat your gear dry. Just be sure to avoid using heat sources like a hair dryer as these can cause damage.
Optional: lubricate your reel
After your gear is dry, you can optionally lubricate your reel. This will help keep it running smoothly. To lubricate your reel, simply apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the reel. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Never skip cleaning!
After a long day of fishing it can be tempting to postpone cleaning your gear. But corrosion can happen fast, so make sure you make it a habit of cleaning your gear after a day of fly fishing the salt, and you'll be able to enjoy your favorite saltwater gear for many more years to come!
