While there are still some old salts out there battling the January surge for cod and other cold-weather, offshore species, for the vast majority of us, we’re now looking at a few months until the weather turns and we can get back out on the water.
That being said, winter is not a time to sit idle. These few months of downtime we’re graced with just what we need to make sure our tackle is in tip-top shape come spring and fairer weather.
This post will cover 8 basic maintenance projects for you to tackle (no pun intended) while you’re waiting for warm weather.
Clean and Grease Your Reels
Even if you have high-quality saltwater reels like Penn or Accurate reels, the ticket to a long lifespan in a reel is proper, routine maintenance.
Look your reels over for signs of wear; check all fasteners, and then clean and grease the reels. A drop of oil on all exposed moving parts, including (where applicable) the level wind, line roller, and crank handle, will go a long way.
Respool Your Reels
Monofilament is less durable than braid and should be replaced every season, as both water and sunlight break it down at an accelerated pace.
As for your reels that are spooled with braid, check the first couple of yards for abrasion, then replace as necessary. If your braid is fraying or faded, that’s a sign that it’s breaking down and should be replaced.
Replace Bent/Broken Eyelets
While you’re at it, check out your rods, too, specifically the guides in the eyelets. If these are damaged or cracked they will cause abrasive damage to your line that can cause it to snap.
Check each eyelet with a cotton swab by swabbing the interior of the guide. If any fibers are left behind, that indicates a sharp or raised edge and the insert should be replaced.
Also, a damaged rod guide or two won’t cripple a rod in most instances, but if you’ve been putting off the repair, winter is a great time to make it.
Clean Your Rod Butts
Whether your rod butts are apparelled with cork or EVA, that stuff will get dirty after a few types on the water. Sweat, salt, bait, and fish slime will all sink in and gunk it up.
Remove the reel from the reel seat and use a rag soaked in warm water and a mild detergent to dislodge most of that nasty stuff, then wipe down the rod butt and replace the reel; it’ll be good (nearly) as new.
Sharpen or Replace Hooks
Winter is also a great time to take stock of all the artificials in your tackle boxes or bags. One of the first things you should look at is the condition of the hooks.
Several battles with tough fish can dull out lure and jig hooks surprisingly quickly. If they don’t pass muster, sharpen them on a hook hone, if they’re really dull or bent, replace the hooks outright.
Redress Your Hooks and Jigs
Any hooks that were dressed with bucktail or silicone skirts may need to be redressed. Inspect for signs of wear, or worn hooks that have had almost all of the dressing stripped off of them, then replace as needed.
Alternatively, you may choose to dress your jigs and lures, even if they were not previously dressed.
Dress the trailing treble on a plug, or the hooks on your slow pitch jigs, to improve their action and add a point of interest similar to a teaser that may encourage fish to strike more of the time.
Add Assist Hooks to Your Slow Pitch Jigs
Another project you can take on is adding assist hooks to your slow pitch jigs. Basically, assist hooks are additional hooks added to the jig via a cord or a split ring, and which can help assist with short strikes, hence the name.
Sometimes, when your jig’s main hook isn’t sealing the deal, the assist hooks get the job done, especially in situations in which the fish are chronically short striking.
Maintain Your Fishing Tools
Lastly, take a look over the fishing tools in your tackle bag or box, and clean them as needed. Some may need little more than a rinse under some fresh water, others may need some more intensive cleaning. Bladed tools like shears, knives and scissors may also need to be sharpened.
Once you’re done cleaning them, treat all moving parts and pivot points with either a lubricant like reel or or will WD-40, which will not only lubricate, but which will offer the added benefit of displacing water, thereby helping to prevent rust.
Treat Yourself to Some New Fishing Tools or to a New Penn or Accurate Reel
Here for a new treat for yourself? Winter is one of the best times to buy it. Check out our collection of slow pitch jigs, slow pitch jigging rods, and high quality saltwater Penn, Shimano and Accurate reels and upgrade your outfit today - then use the remaining time left in winter to make sure you’re ready for that first trip in the spring.