Fishing rods require maintenance

If you try to use a rod and reel that has been stored in the garage for a year or two, you're probably asking for trouble. The trouble usually begins on the first cast when the lure doesn't go anywhere, when a big fish hits and the drag hangs up, or when the reel doesn't crank. If you're like most recreational anglers, you perform little, if any, maintenance from year to year on fishing tackle. So, what is one to do on the first cast if the reel makes a loud screeching noise and the line gets tangled?
The easiest thing to do is to choose another outfit. If you didn't bring another rod and reel, inspect the line for wear, and be sure there is enough line on the spool to cast. If the line needs to be replaced, hopefully, the spare spool that came with your reel is in your tackle box filled with new line. If so, pop the old spool off and replace it. If you don't have a replacement reel with line, you must remove the old line. Thread the new line through the rod guides and tie the end to the spool arbor. Drop the new line into a bucket of water, the live well, or drop it overboard, and begin reeling. The pressure of the spool spinning in the water will allow the line to load tightly without twisting. Consider the reel full when the line is within an eight of an inch from the top of the spool. Over filling will cause tangles and backlashes; under filling will prevent one from casting the prescribed distance.
There are times when even new line becomes twisted. This is usually caused if you reel against the drag while fighting a fish. Twisted monofilament line is extremely difficult to manage. To eliminate the problem, cut off all knots and terminal tackle, and pay out the twisted section of line behind a slow moving boat. Again, the pressure from the water pulling against the line, will remove twists and kinks in a matter of minutes. Retrieve the line, re-tie the terminal tackle, and continue fishing.
If you still have difficulty casting, check to see if the line is turned or knotted around a guide, rod tip, or any part of the reel. Another place to check is the knob under the star drag on most casting reels. This knob controls the tension applied to the spool. When tightened too much, the spool doesn't turn freely; if too loose, a backslash often occurs.
Finally, remove any dirt or sand from the surface of the reel. Apply oil and reel grease to the moving parts, including the worm gear, spool axles, and line guides. To prevent squeaking, frequently oil the line roller and the bail of a spinning reel, and remember to oil the reel handle.
Fishing reels in need of more than minor cleaning should be taken to a repair shop, where broken and worn parts can be replaced by an expert. Before you go, examine fishing rods for missing or loose guides. The same repair person can re-wrap rods and replace tips. Al, at Fishermen's Friend in Kannapolis, has served the tackle repair needs of anglers at a reasonable cost for years. Give him a call at 704-934-2122. Frank Parsons at Tackle Town in Maiden (704-483-10007) can also restore tackle to a like-new condition.
Upcoming Events:
A free fishing seminar by Capt. Gus Gustafson — "Everything You Want to Know About Tying Fishing Knots" — will be held at Gander Mountain in Mooresville, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Call 704- 658-0822 for additional information.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Spray lubricants are available to use on monofilament line. When applied, line friction is reduced significantly, which allows the angler to cast greater distances with much less effort.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Anglers trolling deep diving lures are catching stripers in the lower river channel. Bass are hitting a variety of lures around boat docks and rip-rap. Small channel catfish are hitting worms. The larger blues and flatheads prefer fresh cut bait. White perch are plentiful in coves from fifteen to thirty-five feet deep.
The water level is currently 2.6' below full pond. Water surface temperature is in the high 80s and low 90s.
Capt. Gus is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman.
Visit his Web site at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.