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14 Jul
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Posted by billshiver
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Nothing is more frustrating than to prepare to go fishing only to find your reel is in need of repair or maintenance. Although reel repair and maintenance is best left to professionals, if you’ve got time on your hands and are not willing to wait for a professional, you can do it yourself. There are some specific steps that you need to take, and a great deal of caution that needs to be exercised.
Preparation
As with any other project, preparation is crucial to the success of your reel repair or maintenance project. Start off with a very large work area – you’ll want to make sure that you have sufficient room to lay down each part of your reel as you remove it. In addition, you’re going to want to either hand-draw a diagram or use a digital camera to document each piece of your reel so that you can put it back together when you’re done cleaning and repairing it.
Take it apart
Most reels come apart the same way, since they are built in a similar fashion (for the most part, some reels may vary slightly). This step is the most important time to photograph or draw each piece as it comes off, so that you can guarantee that you will be able to put the reel back together. Carefully remove each piece and place them in some kind of order (i.e. order removed). Be sure to take special care with very small pieces, such as screws, springs, and similar objects. Every piece has an important function, and each has a particular place in your reel.
The Tools
The tools used during the repair and maintenance process are elemental components of your project’s success. Before beginning the project, confirm that you have what you should, so that you do not have to go searching for something in the midst of the job. Essential tools typically include an assortment of different sized screwdrivers (Philips and flathead), pliers, ratchets (with appropriate heads), unsoiled and absorbent rags, small brush (such as a clean toothbrush), reel grease, and reel oil. You should check to be sure that the reel grease and reel oil are in sealed containers to avoid messy spills.
Starting The Disassembly
Your first step is to take the reel apart slowly, taking great care with each piece, to decrease the likelihood of losing or breaking important parts. Next, you can proceed carefully with cleaning the reel case. Locate the nut that holds the reel handle in place and remove it. Turn the drag star counterclockwise and place it to the side. Carefully remove the side plate, and make sure to keep the four screws holding it on in a safe place. Separate the main gear assembly. Remove the spool from the reel case. Use a rag to remove sand, dirt, and/or old grease. Grease the whole mechanism. If the reel uses a worm gear, you have to turn the level wind (inside the left plate) to make sure this gear is greased properly. Next, you should use a small amount of reel grease to grease all teeth. Clean the spool. Oil the endpins. Finally, you can replace the spool in the end case.
Main Drive Gear Assembly
This is perhaps one of the most critical parts of your cleaning and maintenance routine. Failure to follow these steps could result in problems down the line. Make sure to carefully remove the screws that join your main gear assembly. Some of these will be attached to a mounting plate while others will be able to simply be lifted out. Once you have freed the main gear assembly remove any old grease, dirt and sand from the gear assembly. Make sure that you are removing all old soil for best results. Once you’ve completed the cleaning, thoroughly grease the gear assembly.
The next portion of your cleaning and maintenance will involve the main drive gear assembly. Each step must be followed precisely to avoid problems.
The small parts
The main gear has washers within the top. After taking them apart, you can photograph or map the placement of every one. Then resume with the cleaning. Cleanse each washer with a cloth. Lubricate, being careful to manipulate the clean grease into each washer. Get rid of leftover grease with a clean rag. Finally, when the washers are totally dry, you should return them in the correct sequence.
Locked bearings can be a huge setback for some reels, so be sure to carefully lubricate every bearing down all sides or swap the bearing. Do not try to take the bearing apart, or you will end up cleaning BBs from your workplace!
Putting it all together
You start by positioning the spool back in the reel casing. Set the right side plate and gear assembly above the endpin. Align the screw holes, watching that each side is lined up correctly. Attach each screw into the side plate. Reattach the drag star. Next, you should attach your reel’s handle.
Testing
You can test your work by ensuring that all parts are well anchored and also back where they were removed from. Using your digital photos (or hand drawn diagram) will help you make sure that everything has gone back to the proper place.
Summary
Although the process is tedious and time consuming, you can easily perform these simple maintenance steps and save money. However, you need a steady hand, and most find that either a magnifying lens or good eyesight is very helpful. No matter what type of reel you are using (conventional or bait-casting), these simple steps can help avoid having to wait for and pay a professional to keep your reel working smoothly. Since many fishermen are particular about who touches their reels, simply utilizing tools such as these can help prevent mistakes and/or repair bills. Keep your reel clean and properly maintained, and you will virtually guarantee long life for your reel.
There are many great reels out on the market, some of the most popular include: Shimano Reels and Penn Fishing Reels.
| Category: Outdoor Recreation | Tag: penn reels, shimano reels |
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5 Jul
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Posted by billshiver
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If you’re dissatisfied with the cold weather and want to start fishing, you’re probably considering ice fishing. If you live in New England, you’ve got plenty of opportunities just waiting for you. Striped bass are available as early as March and in April you’ll have the opportunity to begin fishing for fluke (also known as winter flounder). The reason they are so plentiful at this time of year is that they are spawning along the coastline.
Modern restrictions have newly been placed on winter flounder owing in large part to over-harvesting and incompatible reproduction habitats. These restrictions have shortened winter flounder season to just 6 or 8 weeks, but this still offers plenty of time for a great winter fluke season.
Different from summer flounder, you can effortlessly fish for winter flounder with fairly light line (8-12 lbs) and a rod as short as 6-7 feet is sufficient. You should keep in mind that these fish only weigh around 2-3 lbs! Designing a winter flounder rig can be as easy or as complex as you decide to make it. In any case, success is nearly guaranteed provided that you make use of the smaller hooks, which are a vital part of fishing for winter flounder. Small hooks and weights are used to keep bait at the bottom and are adaptable for both the habitat where winter flounder are found and their tiny, practically toothless mouths.
The next step is for you to intermix yellow grubs or beads (attached to the shaft) with bait for winter flounder, and winter flounder rigs are easily recognizable by their bright yellow bait. No matter whether you decide to fish with mussel, sandworms or bloodworms, bright yellow rigs attract winter flounder with tremendous success.
Chumming is another good idea when you are fishing for winter flounder. This is true whether you fish while anchored in a boat or from the shoreline, and this method helps draw in jam-packed schools of winter flounder. You will have all the gear you need to maximize your winter flounder fishing experience once you simply pick up your chum pots at a local bait and tackle shop. Just attach the pot to an inflexible area near the shore or fasten it to your boat.
For those who prefer to cast dual rods, you can use one behind your boat (in the same direction as the current) and one along-side the boat near your chum pot. This method not only helps you catch more flounder but it helps you get the most out of your chum pots.
You have a great chance to catch a large number of winter flounder in fairly shallow water since they have a predisposition of gathering together in areas where they can find food in large quantity. In most instances, the more shallow the water is the warmer it will be, and consequently the more plentiful the fluke’s source of food. As a result, you can typically find a school of winter flounder near areas of sand and gravel that commonly become muddy frequently.
If you’re a saltwater angler, winter flounder is a great way to break back into fishing after a long and cold winter. These delicately flavored fish also help restock your freezer after the winter and before the summer fishing season gets underway.
When fishing for winter flounder you want to make sure that you have the proper equipment, some products to consider are Shimano Fishing Reel and Penn Reels Fishing.
| Category: Outdoor Recreation | Tag: penn reels, shimano reels |
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2 Jul
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Posted by billshiver
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Imagine fishing at the mouth of a tidal river for striped bass. If it has been a great season, chances are you catching stripers of up to 25 pounds in shallow water using little more than an artificial lure. Then stop and think what happens if someone flips a switch and the fish suddenly disappear.
As the day proceeded in the sun got higher, the water became easier to see through it was simple to see fish moving along in small groups. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to catch of fish they were simply not interested in any of my lures. It was almost as if they were distracted by something that I could not see.
After thinking about it, you downsize your tackle and land a small fish. Once you get them into the boat, you find tiny translucent crabs as he coughs up his breakfast. Now you know! It does not seem to matter what tackle you used these fish were determined that you would go home fishless.
This is one of those cases where if you are interested in catching anything at all, you definitely need to “match the hatch”. This is a fairly common term used in the fly fishing world. The overall theory is if you want fish to bite, you need to find bait that is similar to what they are going after. This is pretty common, for example proud will almost always ignore something that does not mimic the current insect hatch. It is even true with saltwater species; they focus in on a certain size and type of bait and turn their nose up at anything else.
This does seem to be more prevalent in the Northeast, especially for those who favor salt ponds and estuaries. For example, the worm hatch that occurs in the salt ponds will tend to distract the fish and unless your bait closely mimics these worms, you’ll find little success. This is typically not problematic for fly fishermen, since tiny worm imitations of 2 to 3 inches long are not a problem for them. However, those who favor spinning rods are likely to find themselves in quite a predicament. For those anglers, they not only have to scale down the lure but also their tackle.
A Lunker City Slug-O in the 3” size rig makes a great substitution first in the worm. There are other soft plastic lures that will work equally as well; it does require some experimentation with bold colors and sizes.
One fish that is generally not particular will from time to time refused to strike at most offerings that do not mimic the tiny baitfish. This is the bluefish. For most, they find that this happens as the season grows longer and baitfish invades more shallow areas. Season fishermen should consider a tackle box that is stocked with small spoons, as well as soft, small plastics which will allow you to match the bait species that your fish are interested in feeding on. You can pretty much determine what size, shape, and color will serve you best if you can determine what the fish regurgitate on the boat deck.
Regardless of where your preferred saltwater fishing hole is, you liable to run into the situation at least once or twice. Regardless of how well prepared you might have thought you were, if you do not have the proper bait and tackle you will never “match the hatch”.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Fishing Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Team Daiwa Reels.
| Category: Outdoor Recreation | Tag: daiwa reels, penn reels, shimano reels |
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20 Jun
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Posted by billshiver
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There is little doubt if you are interested in blackfishing that you’ve read our series so far. In our earlier article, you learned the basics, and now you are ready to put them to use. Remember, everyone has their own ideas and opinions as to what works, and before long, you’ll find out what works best for you. The method that we provide is simply based on our own personal experiences.
If you’re fishing from a boat, there’s a pretty good chance you are using a conventional rod and reel which has stiff action. You likely picked this gear for its flexibility since it allows you to present baits with heavy lead (upwards of 6 oz) and still give you control of stopping. Keep in mind that since blackfish love the rocks, you will likely need all the stopping power you can muster. You will be best outfitting your reel with monofilament or braided line in the 30 – 50lb grade. This will provide you with a great rig that won’t break much since you’ll be using a leader for landing blackfish.
For many, they prefer the three-way rig. This involves a three-way swivel using at least 50 pound test. Take a 2 foot length of floral carbon leader material in 50 pound weight, and tie on a 2/0 octopus hook. Using a snap or dropper loop in the second eye will connect your sinker to your rig. The final eye of your swivel will be to attach your main line
When deciding on bait, if you understand the feeding habits of blackfish, you’ll most likely select crabs. These tend to be more durable than soft baits such as clams and sandworms and will hold up better under attacks from porgies. You should also be aware that a usual fishing trip with one angler will require about two dozen crabs. Don’t forget to bring along a serrated knife, typically found in all homes.
You can prepare the crabs for fishing depending on size. The larger the crab, the more preparation that will be needed. For larger crabs, start the splitting process from the top, between the eyes. Using a heavy motion simply cut the crab in half and remove the legs from one side. Use a 2/0 octopus hook through the leg socket and the shell to secure the crab. You’ll notice the scent it emits and this is what will attract the blackfish. For smaller crabs (those silver dollar sized) you can use them whole by merely removing the legs and hooking them as described above. Crack the shell with a lead sinker to release the scent.
Now that you’re ready to begin fishing, you’ll want to search out shallow water. It is highly recommended you use a depth finder to avoid issues with high rocks in shallow water, especially critical if you are fishing during low tide times. Once you’ve determined which way the current is running, you can move up current and find an appropriate rock shelf for fishing as this is where blackfish tend to hide. Make sure you let out anchor enough until you see the rock pile in your depth finder. Tie your anchor off and start fishing one side of the rocks. If you discover that it’s not a good location, you can simply pick up, anchor and move.
Start off modestly using three ounces of weight. Drop your crab to the bottom of the water and engage your reel. Remember to keep your line tight, similar to the action you would take if you were trying to balance your sinker. Remember, keeping a tight line will help you be more successful and prevent you from snagging your sinkers in the rock beds. You will more than likely run into a fair number of porgies and cunner who will be interested in your bait. It’s important that you notice the different strikes that are unlike the blackfish. Blackfish tend to be more aggressive more of a “ka-thunk” feel versus the tap tap tap repetitive hits of porgy and cunner.
Once you are certain you have a strike you must set your hook quickly. Remember, the fish is going to try to head back to the rocks for self preservation. It’s your job to ensure that he does not make it. If you lean back on your rod a bit, you’ll lessen the drag available to the fish. You’ll likely feel this pulling in every muscle in your arms and shoulders, these blackfish do not give up that easily. You can wear him out by getting him away from the rocks and letting him fight the side of your boat until he wears out a bit and then grab him with a net. If local regulations allow, add a couple to your catch of the day as they make a wonderful meal.
Seasoned anglers love blackfishing. It is both fun and productive and for those who enjoy fish as a meal, it’s a real treat.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Reels.
| Category: Outdoor Recreation | Tag: daiwa reels, penn reels, shimano reels |
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20 Jun
|
Posted by billshiver
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There is little doubt if you are interested in blackfishing that you’ve read our series so far. In our earlier article, you learned the basics, and now you are ready to put them to use. Remember, everyone has their own ideas and opinions as to what works, and before long, you’ll find out what works best for you. The method that we provide is simply based on our own personal experiences.
If you’re fishing from a boat, there’s a pretty good chance you are using a conventional rod and reel which has stiff action. You likely picked this gear for its flexibility since it allows you to present baits with heavy lead (upwards of 6 oz) and still give you control of stopping. Keep in mind that since blackfish love the rocks, you will likely need all the stopping power you can muster. You will be best outfitting your reel with monofilament or braided line in the 30 – 50lb grade. This will provide you with a great rig that won’t break much since you’ll be using a leader for landing blackfish.
For many, they prefer the three-way rig. This involves a three-way swivel using at least 50 pound test. Take a 2 foot length of floral carbon leader material in 50 pound weight, and tie on a 2/0 octopus hook. Using a snap or dropper loop in the second eye will connect your sinker to your rig. The final eye of your swivel will be to attach your main line
When deciding on bait, if you understand the feeding habits of blackfish, you’ll most likely select crabs. These tend to be more durable than soft baits such as clams and sandworms and will hold up better under attacks from porgies. You should also be aware that a usual fishing trip with one angler will require about two dozen crabs. Don’t forget to bring along a serrated knife, typically found in all homes.
You can prepare the crabs for fishing depending on size. The larger the crab, the more preparation that will be needed. For larger crabs, start the splitting process from the top, between the eyes. Using a heavy motion simply cut the crab in half and remove the legs from one side. Use a 2/0 octopus hook through the leg socket and the shell to secure the crab. You’ll notice the scent it emits and this is what will attract the blackfish. For smaller crabs (those silver dollar sized) you can use them whole by merely removing the legs and hooking them as described above. Crack the shell with a lead sinker to release the scent.
Now that you’re ready to begin fishing, you’ll want to search out shallow water. It is highly recommended you use a depth finder to avoid issues with high rocks in shallow water, especially critical if you are fishing during low tide times. Once you’ve determined which way the current is running, you can move up current and find an appropriate rock shelf for fishing as this is where blackfish tend to hide. Make sure you let out anchor enough until you see the rock pile in your depth finder. Tie your anchor off and start fishing one side of the rocks. If you discover that it’s not a good location, you can simply pick up, anchor and move.
Start off modestly using three ounces of weight. Drop your crab to the bottom of the water and engage your reel. Remember to keep your line tight, similar to the action you would take if you were trying to balance your sinker. Remember, keeping a tight line will help you be more successful and prevent you from snagging your sinkers in the rock beds. You will more than likely run into a fair number of porgies and cunner who will be interested in your bait. It’s important that you notice the different strikes that are unlike the blackfish. Blackfish tend to be more aggressive more of a “ka-thunk” feel versus the tap tap tap repetitive hits of porgy and cunner.
Once you are certain you have a strike you must set your hook quickly. Remember, the fish is going to try to head back to the rocks for self preservation. It’s your job to ensure that he does not make it. If you lean back on your rod a bit, you’ll lessen the drag available to the fish. You’ll likely feel this pulling in every muscle in your arms and shoulders, these blackfish do not give up that easily. You can wear him out by getting him away from the rocks and letting him fight the side of your boat until he wears out a bit and then grab him with a net. If local regulations allow, add a couple to your catch of the day as they make a wonderful meal.
Seasoned anglers love blackfishing. It is both fun and productive and for those who enjoy fish as a meal, it’s a real treat.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Reels.
| Category: Outdoor Recreation | Tag: daiwa reels, penn reels, shimano reels |
