Cleaning a Reel... Before a Tournament?

MO3N · 07-12-10, 06:37 PM

I have my first tournament at the end of July. I have had my baitcaster setups since Christmas and have been fishing about 20 times or so. (my spinning reels are older and need cleaning bad) I was planning on at least cleaning my spinning reels and maybe my baitcasters also. now my question is how soon before a tournament is it best to clean your reels? I was thinking the night before. but then you do not have time to find any problems that may come from the cleaning. So is it better right before or a week before?

Thanks

Rebbasser · 07-12-10, 07:02 PM

Better to give yourself a little leeway. That way if there is a problem you can correct it. For the night before the tourney spooling up with fresh line as always a good idea.

cassidyta · 07-13-10, 04:50 PM

I'm with Reb on this one. I will usually clean the reels the Monday or Tuesday before. That gives me a chance to replace a washer, spring, or screw if I need to.
I don't respool every tourney as I probably should, but will usually do this right after cleaning them.
I wil also spend the same week checking for any needed hook replacements on my hard baits.

MO3N · 07-13-10, 07:26 PM

OK. thanks for all the tips. ill be sure to check for all these things before the tournament.

Tavery5 · 07-13-10, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO3N

I have my first tournament at the end of July. I have had my baitcaster setups since Christmas and have been fishing about 20 times or so. (my spinning reels are older and need cleaning bad) I was planning on at least cleaning my spinning reels and maybe my baitcasters also. now my question is how soon before a tournament is it best to clean your reels? I was thinking the night before. but then you do not have time to find any problems that may come from the cleaning. So is it better right before or a week before?

Thanks

I was wondering what the advantage of waiting to clean them the night before a tourny offered. Can you share a little insight into what the line of thought is on that.

Thanks

MO3N · 07-13-10, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tavery5

I was wondering what the advantage of waiting to clean them the night before a tourny offered. Can you share a little insight into what the line of thought is on that.

Thanks

Oh I have no idea. That was kinda my question. I figured a well cleaned and oiled reel would have less chance to lock up or mess up. I knew a clean reel was better just was not sure if the night before or a week before was a better time to pull it apart and clean it.

Tavery5 · 07-13-10, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO3N

Oh I have no idea. That was kinda my question. I figured a well cleaned and oiled reel would have less chance to lock up or mess up. I knew a clean reel was better just was not sure if the night before or a week before was a better time to pull it apart and clean it.

Thanks for responding. With this said, I think I would be more inclined to go the week to 10 days ahead of time, this way if there were worn or broken parts it would give me chance to find, order and receive them, plus a chance to do my functional testing after the disassemble and clean.

Good luck with your tourny

Captmikestarrett · 07-14-10, 08:25 AM

http://www.bassfishin.com/bassfishin...ad.php?t=24707

Capt Mike

07-12-10, 06:37 PM	#1
MO3N BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: pullman, wa Posts: 113	Cleaning a Reel... Before a Tournament? I have my first tournament at the end of July. I have had my baitcaster setups since Christmas and have been fishing about 20 times or so. (my spinning reels are older and need cleaning bad) I was planning on at least cleaning my spinning reels and maybe my baitcasters also. now my question is how soon before a tournament is it best to clean your reels? I was thinking the night before. but then you do not have time to find any problems that may come from the cleaning. So is it better right before or a week before? Thanks

07-12-10, 07:02 PM	#2
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	Better to give yourself a little leeway. That way if there is a problem you can correct it. For the night before the tourney spooling up with fresh line as always a good idea. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

07-13-10, 04:50 PM	#3
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	I'm with Reb on this one. I will usually clean the reels the Monday or Tuesday before. That gives me a chance to replace a washer, spring, or screw if I need to. I don't respool every tourney as I probably should, but will usually do this right after cleaning them. I wil also spend the same week checking for any needed hook replacements on my hard baits. __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

07-14-10, 08:25 AM	#8
Captmikestarrett BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accokeek MD Posts: 3,315	http://www.bassfishin.com/bassfishin...ad.php?t=24707 Capt Mike __________________ Capt Mike Starrett light tackle guide Potomac River http://www.indianheadcharters.com

07-13-10, 07:26 PM	#4
MO3N BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: pullman, wa Posts: 113	OK. thanks for all the tips. ill be sure to check for all these things before the tournament.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)