When it comes to keeping my rods are reels in top working condition, I have adapted a slightly altered version of the old 5P’s adage. My version suggests that Proper Prevention Prevents Poor Performance.
As kayak anglers not only do we need to put together the perfect combo for our targeted species, but we also have to pay extra attention to how we transport and maintain our precious tools. The sheer fact that we travel so close to the water’s surface pretty much ensures that our gear is going to be prone to the elements far more than the tackle of our motorized angling brethren. This is especially true for those of us that do the majority of our fishing in saltwater. Without proper precautions and maintenance, even the most pricey of reels will seize up and require expensive repair work and down time to get them back in tiptop shape. While freshwater fishing will not ravage your gear as fast as saltwater, it is just as important to safely transport your gear and stay on top of reel maintenance.
As a saltwater guy, my first concern is to avoid excessive splash on my reels. There are multitudes of ways to ensure safe portage, but I will limit it to just a few key measures I take to keep my reels performing like they are fresh out of the box. Today, most sit on top kayaks come with built in rod holders, they are convenient, but usually plumbed right into the kayak and leave reels a little too close to the water line for my liking. There are plenty of ways to raise your rods up to keep the splash they receive to a minimum. Solutions can be as simple and inexpensive as inserting a PVC tube into the plumbed rod holder. There are also some great adjustable rod holders from RAM Mounts and Scotty that allow the angler to position the rods in strategic positions.
Personally, I prefer to have my rods situated as close to the middle of the tank well behind my seat as possible. By having them positioned there, a lot of unwanted splash can be avoided especially when kayaking in rough conditions. I really like the Black Pak from Yak Attack. It is a state of the art adaptation of the old DIY milk crate that has been part of kayak fishing as long as there has been kayak fishing. Not only does the Black Pak safely position my rods, but it also holds enough Plano boxes to make sure you can have more than enough of your favorite lures at your fingertips. Much like the classic milk crate, the Black Pak can be customized to hold everything from a 360 degree light required for night fishing to Go Pros and water proof point and shoots to capture your trophies for all to see.
Safety of our tackle is also a major concern when fishing from a kayak. This is especially true for anglers that fish deep water. While you may have to make an unscheduled trip to the reel maintenance center if your gear takes a swim on the flats, should you fumble your combo in deep water, it is likely to take up residence in Davey Jones Locker. To prevent this, a rod leash truly serves as your safety line. I have seen them made from old phone cords or thin elastic cord, but being mechanically challenged, I use the Hobie rod leash. I really like the Hobie, as it has a quick snap connection, so you can quickly disengage your rod to do battle with the monster on the other end of the line.
One of the easiest ways to help protect your rods and reels is to take a couple of minutes before and after every trip to properly maintain your gear. Whether you fish in salt or fresh water, take the time to gently rinse and towel down your combos after every trip. Before you head out on your next trip, spay your reels with some Corrosion Block. It’s a little pricey, but it does a great job of repelling reel damaging saltwater.
Finally, if you spend 150 days-plus on the water like I do, you probably want to take your reels in to be serviced about every six months. My local tackle shop has a very good reel service and it is great to support the local shops, but if you do not know of a shop like this in your area, send your reels into the manufacturer’s service center to ensure that knowledgeable tech are using first rate components on your babies.
Remember the 5P’s and your gear will provide you with years of no fail performance.
Pedal On!
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