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Post by bigb2161 on Mar 7, 2013 17:30:21 GMT -5
So I have the itch and the urge and I can't wait to get out on the water. It's time to use the gift cards on new lures from Dicks and local stores up here. I'd like to start organizing everything and get ready for the season. I have never really done any maintenance before on my gear. Does anyone readily replace all the hooks on their lures? Should I change the fishing line with new stuff even if it's relatively new from last year? Anything I can do keep my gear in top shape? fishing real maitenance? I figure if I invested all this money into my gear I should keep it in the best shape I can. I have never replaced a hook on any of my lure before, no clue how or even what hooks to use. Any Suggestions?
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Post by schodackbassman on Mar 7, 2013 19:33:58 GMT -5
Some good questions. On hooks, the pros recommend it but not sure if most of us do. I don't unless they are damage or dull. Dick's has a sale going on for all Strike King products with 20% off. Good time to pick up some square bills, spinner baits, or plastics. Picked up 5 more Sq bills today at 4.79 each, normally 5.99. Fishing line usually should be changed each year if it's mono or fluorocarbon. I leave my 50lb braid on until I start to have problems with it which normally is after two three seasons. If the mono/flora is relatively new, hasn't been exposed to the sun much, and isn't twisting up when you use it I'd say go ahead and leave it on until it starts giving you trouble. Reel manufactures usually have video's on reel maintenance on it's website or you google it. I've saved a couple I review before doing my maintenance each year which I'll be doing soon. Baitcasters in particular need to be cleaned and oiled/greased once a year if you use them a lot. Once you've done it a couple times, it's pretty easy. Just keep things organized so you can get it back together. The most important thing is use lubricants very sparingly. Small drop means a small drop. More is NOT better. Another good trick is to take a picture with a digital camera when you open up reel so if you forget how to put it back together, you can refer to it. Good luck.
Brian (the other one...)
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Post by rgang4 on Mar 7, 2013 20:08:49 GMT -5
Brandon, if you can afford to change your mono change it. Line that has been put on the smallish size spool of a reel will have memory coils in it. If you don't want to change the line on your reels try moistening it and then stretch it. You can soak the spool of your spinning reels. Baitcast reels I would just stretch it. To stretch I hook up to a solid object, walk out the line about two cast lengths, tighten up and pull. If you are having memory problems or your line breaks prematurely you'll have to change it.
Cabela's had great deals on Suffix Elite and Suffix Siege fishing line for $4.99 a spool. Lots of choices available but I think you had to pick it up at the store.
Like the"other Brian" said braid should be good for a few seasons.
As far as maintenance goes I used to get them professionally cleaned every year. Still had breakdowns. Now I do them myself and still have breakdowns but no more or no less. I only clean and lightly oil and grease the outer points of my reels.
If you need parts, repairs or cleaning I have a few sources. Most places charge waaaaaaaaaay to much to make cleaning feasible, but my sources have been reasonable.
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Post by rgang4 on Mar 8, 2013 18:05:09 GMT -5
Also a good idea to pay some attention to your rods. Check the eyes for wear, the wrapping for cracks, loose threads etc. Put a little wax on them or spray and wipe them down with Armor All working it around the ceramic inserts on the eyelets. Your line will slide thru easier. Dirty cork handles clean up nicely with some fine sand paper or even a Brillo pad or Scotch Brite pad.
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Post by schodackbassman on Mar 8, 2013 20:30:55 GMT -5
Little Amoral on the guides, new one on me but makes perfect sense. Learn something new every day. Thanks Roy.
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Post by vtbassin on Mar 14, 2013 7:20:34 GMT -5
I always start with new mono and or fluorocarbon in the spring. Old line can be a pain to handle and I believe it looses strength as it ages leading to break offs that will not make you happy. Dicks usually has good sales on line in the spring. I think they advertised Suffix in last weeks paper.
I don't change any hooks until there is a problem with the old ones. I think the pros that talk about changing all hooks to start a season are part of the sales force for their hook sponsors. How could a hook go bad sitting in a box in the basement over the winter? I check hooks as I use baits looking for rolled over points or other problems. Then I will change them as needed.
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Post by rgang4 on Mar 14, 2013 16:11:46 GMT -5
I started using Gamakatsu trebles to replace the hooks that were standard on Rat-L-Traps as they were no good. They worked so well I began changing all my trebles to the EWG style which has the point turned in a few degrees. They seem to hold fish just a bit better than a standard round bend.
Lately I have been using Mustad trebles of the same style. Like them even better.
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Post by vtbassin on Mar 14, 2013 17:55:16 GMT -5
I started using Gamakatsu trebles to replace the hooks that were standard on Rat-L-Traps as they were no good. They worked so well I began changing all my trebles to the EWG style which has the point turned in a few degrees. They seem to hold fish just a bit better than a standard round bend. Lately I have been using Mustad trebles of the same style. Like them even better. I sharpened all of my rat-l-trap hooks with one of these sharpeners from Razor Edge. The sharpened hooks are very sticky  I have caught a lot of fish that just tried to stun the bait by banging into it and ended up with treble hooks in the side ;D www.razoredgesystems.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Fish_Hook_Sharpn_4a0b2b0a27c7a.jpg |
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Post by vtbassin on Mar 14, 2013 17:58:47 GMT -5
I don't change any hooks until there is a problem with the old ones. I think the pros that talk about changing all hooks to start a season are part of the sales force for their hook sponsors. How could a hook go bad sitting in a box in the basement over the winter? A lot of pros will even tell you to change the hooks right out of the package, to a more expensive " better" hook. I've never had trouble with a crankbait treble sticking good in a fish right out of the package. But then again, after banging them off the Mill Bay trestle a couple dozen times, fish have a tendancy to come unbuttoned on me  ;D It is usually the crank bait bills or bodies that take the beating and don't come back in one piece for me when banged against rocks. |
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I have caught a lot of fish that just tried to stun the bait by banging into it and ended up with treble hooks in the side ;D
;D