Every seasoned fisherman knows that having the right gear is the key to a great catch. Unfortunately, the act of fishing itself can lead to a lot of wear and tear for your equipment. Nobody wants to go through packing up and driving out to their favorite fishing hole, only to have their reel malfunction or line snap before the fish even start biting. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, you can stay prepared by looking for these six signs that your gear is close to retirement.
1. Frayed or Kinked Line
With constant use of your fishing gear, a braided line will eventually fray, which can cause knots or weaken the overall structure of the line. Similarly, a monofilament line can develop kinks or coils that will also contribute to knots. If you notice this sign, it’s best to replace your line as soon as possible.
2. Reel Sticks While Turning
Fishing reels are composed of several metal or ceramic parts that must all work together to cast and spool your line. A functional reel should feel smooth when you crank the handle. On the other hand, older or budget reels may feel “sticky” as various mechanical parts begin to fail. If your reel doesn’t feel as smooth as it used to, examine your reel closely for corrosion, tangled lines, or misaligned parts, correcting any issues you can see. If your reel continues to stick after making your improvements, it’s probably time for a replacement.
3. Stretched or Damaged Net
Imagine the disappointment of reeling in a prize catch and putting it in your net, only to watch it fall through a hole and back into the water. Nylon or rubber nets are prone to stretching with use, leading to weak spots that will eventually break. Often, a heavy, flailing fish is all it takes to break that weak spot open. To avoid potential disaster, inspect your landing net at the start of every season for signs of distortion or damage.
4. Broken Guides
The guides on your rod play the important role of keeping your line straight. However, they tend to be the most delicate part of your rod assembly. Broken, chipped, or cracked guides can endanger your line, increasing friction that contributes to knots and breaks. Fortunately, damaged guides can easily be replaced with a DIY kit or by a professional.
5. Cracked Rod
Fishing rods tend to be very resilient, and it’s not unheard of to use the same rod for multiple decades. As durable as they are, even the tiniest chip in your pole can grow into a significant crack from all the casting, reeling, and flexing. If you notice any visible damage on your pole, be prepared to search for a replacement soon.
6. Rust on Tackle
Anytime metal and water mix, rust is to be expected. Hooks and sinkers have the most contact with the water and will likely be the first pieces of tackle to develop rust, especially if they haven’t been dried thoroughly before being put away. When you see rust on pieces of metal, you can assume that the area under the rust is significantly weakened. Smaller areas of rust can sometimes be chipped or filed away, but it’s best to replace any pieces of tackle that have multiple spots of rust.