Fishing reels are precision instruments, crucial for a successful and enjoyable angling experience. Just like any high-performance tool, they require regular care to maintain their peak functionality and extend their lifespan. Introducing the Ardent Reel Care Program, a straightforward guide to keeping your reels in top condition, ensuring smooth casts, reliable retrieves, and countless memorable fishing trips.
Why Implement a Reel Care Program?
Ignoring reel maintenance is a recipe for premature wear and tear, leading to decreased performance and costly repairs or replacements. Saltwater, dirt, sand, and even freshwater contaminants can infiltrate the intricate mechanisms of your reel, causing corrosion, stiffness, and ultimately, failure. A dedicated reel care program, like the Ardent Reel Care Program, is not just about cleaning; it’s about preventative maintenance. It’s an investment in the longevity and performance of your valuable fishing gear. By adopting a consistent care routine, you’ll experience:
- Smoother Operation: Well-maintained reels operate with less friction, resulting in smoother casts and retrieves.
- Increased Lifespan: Regular cleaning and lubrication prevent corrosion and wear, significantly extending the life of your reels.
- Reliable Performance: Proper care ensures your reel performs flawlessly when you need it most, preventing frustrating failures during critical moments.
- Cost Savings: Preventative maintenance is far more cost-effective than repairing or replacing neglected reels.
- Enhanced Enjoyment: Fishing with well-maintained, smooth-operating reels simply makes the experience more enjoyable.
Key Steps in the Ardent Reel Care Program
The Ardent Reel Care Program emphasizes a few simple yet effective steps that can be easily incorporated into your post-fishing routine. These steps focus on cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and proper storage – the cornerstones of reel longevity.
1. Regular Cleaning: Removing Grime and Salt
The first line of defense in the Ardent Reel Care Program is regular cleaning. After each fishing trip, especially in saltwater environments, it’s crucial to remove salt, dirt, and grime buildup.
- Gentle Rinse: Begin by rinsing your reel with lukewarm, fresh water. Avoid high-pressure sprays, as they can force water into the reel’s internal components.
- Mild Soap (Optional): For stubborn grime, use a very mild soap solution. Dish soap diluted with water works well. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth or brush.
- Focus on External Parts: Pay close attention to cleaning the exterior of the reel, including the frame, spool, handle, and line roller. These are the areas most exposed to the elements.
- Avoid Submerging: Never fully submerge your reel in water unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer for deep cleaning.
- Thorough Drying: After rinsing, thoroughly dry your reel with a clean, lint-free cloth. Allow it to air dry completely before storage.
2. Lubrication: Ensuring Smooth Mechanics
Lubrication is the heart of the Ardent Reel Care Program, keeping your reel operating smoothly and protecting internal parts from friction and wear.
- Use Reel-Specific Lubricants: Invest in high-quality reel oil and grease specifically designed for fishing reels. Avoid using general-purpose lubricants like WD-40, which can dissolve grease and attract dirt.
- Targeted Application: Apply a few drops of reel oil to key moving parts such as:
- Bearings: Access bearings if possible and apply a small drop of oil.
- Handle Knobs: Lubricate the points where handle knobs rotate.
- Line Roller: Keep the line roller spinning freely with a drop of oil.
- Worm Shaft (Baitcasters): Apply a thin layer of grease to the worm shaft in baitcasting reels.
- Grease Gears (Periodically): For deeper maintenance, and typically less frequently than oiling, apply reel grease to the main gears and drag system. This usually requires partial disassembly, so consult your reel’s manual or a professional if you’re unsure.
- Avoid Over-Lubrication: More isn’t always better. Over-lubrication can attract dirt and grime. Apply lubricants sparingly and wipe away any excess.
3. Regular Inspection: Catching Issues Early
The Ardent Reel Care Program also includes routine inspections to identify potential problems before they escalate.
- Check for Loose Parts: Periodically check for loose screws, handles, or spool components. Tighten them as needed.
- Inspect Line Roller: Ensure the line roller spins freely and isn’t corroded or damaged.
- Examine Line: Check your fishing line for wear, fraying, or damage, especially near the knot and the first few feet. Replace line as needed.
- Test Drag System: Regularly test your drag system to ensure it’s smooth and consistent. Listen for any sticking or jerky movements.
- Listen for Unusual Noises: Pay attention to any unusual grinding, clicking, or squealing sounds during retrieves, which could indicate a need for deeper cleaning or lubrication.
4. Proper Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Proper storage is the final, but crucial step in the Ardent Reel Care Program, safeguarding your reels when they’re not in use.
- Clean and Dry Before Storing: Always ensure your reels are clean and completely dry before storing them.
- Loosen Drag: Back off the drag system when storing reels to relieve pressure on the drag washers, prolonging their lifespan.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing reels in direct sunlight or damp environments, which can accelerate corrosion and damage.
- Reel Cases or Bags: Consider using reel cases or bags for added protection against dust, scratches, and impacts during transport and storage.
The Ardent Advantage: Quality Gear Deserves Quality Care
While the Ardent Reel Care Program is universally applicable to all fishing reels, it’s especially beneficial for maintaining high-quality reels like those offered by Ardent. Investing in quality reels is a commitment to performance, and a consistent care program ensures you maximize that investment, enjoying years of reliable and thrilling fishing adventures. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your reels in optimal condition, ready for your next cast, and experience the true potential of your fishing gear.
