How to Easily Maintain Your Fishing Gear

Whether you are an experienced angler or you fish for a hobby, it is important that you take the time out to properly care for and maintain all your fishing gear and equipment to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape for all your future fishing excursions.

If you are fishing in Florida, then you may be fishing in both saltwater and freshwater locations. For gear used in saltwater, there may be some extra maintenance required to be sure that it is taken care of and good to go. Fishing Lines and Reels

Your fishing lines should always be replaced every twelve months or more regularly if you tend to fish a lot more. Keep an eye out for any possible fraying of the line or if you have lost a good section of it. Reels should then be washed with freshwater after every trip that is done in saltwater.

It is not necessary to use any soap when cleaning the equipment, all you need to do is rinse the gear in the fresh water after use to get rid of the presence of any salt or other debris the gear may have picked up on your last trip. Tackle Box and Fishing Rods

It is also recommended that you periodically go through your tackle box to make sure there aren’t any rusty hooks or bad lures that need to be discarded and replaced. As with your other equipment, it is also a good idea to rinse your lures to help maintain their quality and performance for future fishing outings throughout the year.

Another step that should not be avoided is cleaning off your fishing rods. Everything should be rinsed, and the rod should then be wiped with a clean cloth to clean off any fish scales, salt, or other debris such as sand or mud. Bottom Line

The bottom line is always remembering how much you have already invested in your fishing gear and equipment and understanding the importance of protecting this investment to ensure that everything is working at its best for a long time.

Neglecting your gear should never be an option, and all the gear should be properly cleaned, maintained, and stored after every trip so you can experience nothing but successful outings for the duration of the year.

It only takes a little bit of time to ensure many years of fishing fun and experience. Keep in mind that if you are interested in learning more about the tackle we use and fishing in our area, it’s best to hire a professional guide before going out on your own to gain local knowledge of tackle, baits, areas to fish, local regulations, and more. Send us an email or give us a call to schedule an “on the water” educational fishing charter.

Check back in the next issue for the February fishing forecast in the 10,000 Islands and good luck out there!

Captain Rapps’ Charters & Guides offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and tarpon-only charters in the Florida Keys. Capt. Rapps’ top-notch team accommodates men, women and children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge and experience of the area, and easygoing demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, see Capt. Rapps’ first class web site at www.CaptainRapps.com, or call 239-571-1756.