December is the perfect month to give your entire fishing setup a thorough check. The weather is cold and wet, daylight is scarce, and many anglers naturally spend fewer hours by the water. That makes it the ideal time to inspect, clean, and maintain your gear. It prevents problems in spring and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
Fresh fishing line: prevention beats replacement
Your line endures a lot throughout the year. Sunlight, friction through the guides, and other elements cause wear and tear that often goes unnoticed. Start by visually checking the first twenty meters. Carefully run your fingers along the line to detect damage, flat spots, or small kinks. Nylon wears out faster and tends to coil due to memory after several months of use. Braided line is stronger but can fray when it rubs against structures. Rinse your spool with lukewarm water and let it dry thoroughly. If you’re unsure about the condition, replace the entire line right away. It’s cheaper than losing a bite due to line failure.
Reel and spool maintenance: clean, smooth, and reliable
Your reel doesn’t need a full overhaul to perform well, but regular maintenance makes all the difference. Start by removing sand and mud using a soft cloth and a little warm water. Avoid aggressive cleaners, as they can damage rubber seals and bearings. Once the surface is clean, apply a small drop of suitable oil to the key moving parts such as the line roller, handle, and shaft. Reels require extra care because the drag system is sensitive to dirt. Clean the spool gently. A lightly oiled reel turns more smoothly and reduces long-term wear.
Cleaning your gear: small steps, big results
Rods, nets, pliers, lures, and tackle boxes collect a surprising amount of dirt over time. Grime, mud, and slime eventually cause corrosion or make parts stick. Rinse rod sections with lukewarm water and dry them completely before storage. Check the guides right away. If you feel any rough edges, they could damage your line. Clean lures using water and a soft brush. Drying them properly is essential, as moisture leads to rust on split rings and treble hooks.
Organizing your setup: gain efficiency and peace of mind
Well-organized gear helps avoid frustration at the water’s edge. Forget the messy tackle box with half-open pouches and loose terminal tackle, or a backpack where nothing is easy to find. Sort your gear by type and size. Keep hooks and swivels together. Group jigheads by weight. Arrange softbaits by color and length. Tools like pliers and measuring tapes should always be in the same spot. Use stackable tackle boxes so you can easily identify what you need and notice when items are running low or need replacing. December is a great time to empty your bags and storage boxes and reorganize everything from scratch.
Ready to get started? We have everything you need to prepare your gear for the upcoming season. Feel free to visit our Experience Center in Apeldoorn for expert advice.