It's winter, for most of us that means we sit inside, organize tackle, buy new tackle, organize again, rinse and repeat until the water thaws.....we also do our yearly rod/reel maintenance. Send it off if need be, but sometimes they just need a basic cleaning.

 

Let's put together a list of 'lifehacks" for cleaning rods, reels, tackle, accessories, etc. I know I would benefit from it, as well as all of us would probably like to know new things on maintaining our awesome equipment.

 

I'll start off with a couple I've gathered over the years.....

 

 

1. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser does wonders at cleaning cork rod handles

 

2. The beauty counter at most stores contain free little mascara brushes, with bristles a little firmer than pipe cleaners.....these are great for cleaning rod guides, line guides on a baitcaster, and generally any small nook or cranny

 

3. Got leftover silica gel packs from shoeboxes, etc? Put them in your tackle bag to help absorb errant moisture. It won't do anything if the tackle is soaking wet, but will help for times when they're stored away 

 

4. If you're cleaning gears or other non-bearing parts of a reel, Dawn detergent usually does just as good of a job (since it's designed to cut grease) without being a harsh chemical...I reiterate USUALLY, sometimes it needs the heavy stuff

 

5. Stuff a tiny bit of pipe-thread tape down inside your reel seats, this allows you to really tighten them down but also cut down your chances of material-on-material contact that might result in a crack or break (happened to me). It also results in a nice snug fit that doesn't loosen up over time nearly as badly

 

 

Any more ideas folks?

A good cleaning with a microfiber slightly moist towel and a light coat of car wax ( I personally use Maguiers Gold Class ) will make your rods look like brand new and will make the surface water repellant.

If you can purchase surgical hand brushes, they are excellent for removing filth from the textrurized finish of your tackleboxes when you wash them with Dawn.

Meguiars quick detailer to wipe down rods and reels after an outing. I wax them over winter but this keeps them shiny throughout the season.

A firm short bristle paint brush for apply grease to gears. You can cut one down to firm it up too.