I was fishing in some slop today and my rod, reel and line are covered in drie dirt that was floating on top of the water. Whats the best thing to use to clean that dirt off my rods and inside the reels? Can i use just water and a rag?

pull the line off and respool pulling through a wet rag.

Repeat if necessary

You bet.

Take soft cloth with fresh water, wipe down the oustide of the reel, dry with another soft cloth.

If when you crank it you feel grit then have it serviced.

Take the same cloth and freshwater wipe down every inch of the rod, dry with soft cloth, at the same time you can use a mister clean eraser to clean the cork on the grip. This is also a good time to check all of the guide rings using a Q-tip and running it around the inside of the shock ring, if there is any damage it will show in the form of white fibers sticking to the ring. If one is damaged have it replaced imediately.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!

Thanks gents. I have Abu Garcia reel oil and Quantum Hot Sauce for inside the reels but all around the spool and the rod is caked with dirt. Im def gonna need fresh line, i was low anyways. Thanks for the tips!