Care and Feeding for Saltwater Tackle

Every trip that ventures into saltwater, and in some cases even brackish water means your tackle and equipment have been exposed to a harsh, corrosive environment. Salt corrodes metal. It's as simple as that.

Many anglers think that a quick wash down with freshwater is all that is required. I've even listened to some so-called experts tell us to gently rinse reels with water rather than a high pressure spray. I have news for all of you - gently rinsing will not cut the salt.

We use the term "cut the salt" because you're going to need to cut through a dried on layer of salt. Usually fresh water alone does not suffice. Salt spray that has dried on tackle has actually crystallized on the metal surface. Washing with water melts part of it away, but lingering crystals mean problems down the road.

Lures, hooks, reels, rods, and all other equipment that may have been wet will need soap, water, and a brush. It doesn't take a very stiff brush, but it takes a brush and soap to break that salt layer.

I wash every hook and lure with soap and water when I return from a trip. I use soapy water and a brush to wash and scrub every reel and all the rods, in particular the eyes or guides.

Salt will get into every crevice and corner in your equipment. I don't know of any reel made that is sealed and airtight. Water will get inside your reels without them being submerged. Your wet line carries the water right to and into the reel.

So here's how I handle my tackle when I return from a fishing trip.

1. Remove all the rods from the boat

   I like to line up the rods along the fence. Sometimes there's only two or three rods, other times, there are eight or ten - it depends on the trip and how many anglers we had.

2. Remove the tackle that was used

   This can include lures, hooks, leaders - anything that hit the saltwater. Don't forget any nets, gaffs, or lipping devices.

3. Mix a bucket of soapy water

   I usually wait until I am finished washing and scrubbing the boat. There will be enough soapy water left to wash the reels and the tackle.

4. Scrub, scrub, scrub!

   I use a relatively soft brush to clean my boat, so the same brush can be used on my equipment. Dip it in the soapy water and take it to the rods and reels. Brushing means that the salt will be removed.

5. Rinsing

   Be sure to rinse everything well with fresh water. Don't be afraid. Some people feel l ike they should not soak a reel. These reels are made to be soaked - I have fished all day with reels that were dropped overboard - I shook the water off and fished on.

6. Light Oil

   I like to spray my rods and reels with a light oil spray. WD40, CRC, Reel Saver - all of these work well. Read the directions on a WD40 can - "displaces water". And it will do just that. I always make sure I spray all the guides on the rods, in addition to the reels.

7. Dry the lures

   I don't spray any lures that I used, but I do dry them off after washing them and place them back in the tackle box. This insures that I don't have rusty hooks and eyes the next time I go to tie one on my line.

Bottom Line

I have some rods and reels that I have been using for more than fifteen years. And, yes I have been using them in saltwater. I am only able to do this because I take care of them. I wash them after every trip and spray them with light oil. It does not take a rocket scientist - just a little common sense and care. That means a lot of money that I have NOT had to spend on tackle!