How to Take Care of Your Tackle: Tips for Storage and Maintenance
By Topline Fishing Tackle | toplinefishing.com
At Topline Fishing Tackle, well-maintained gear is the backbone of a successful day on the water. We’re not just a tackle supplier—we’re anglers, product testers, and gear makers with over 20 years of experience manufacturing high-performance fishing equipment in Weihai, China.
Whether you're chasing yellowfin tuna offshore or casting from the shore, your gear deserves proper care. Taking a few simple steps after every trip—and especially at the end of the season—can keep your tackle performing at its best and extend its lifespan.
I still remember a trip off the coast of Fujian where my reel locked up mid-fight with a tuna. The cause? I’d skipped rinsing it after the last trip. It was a hard lesson learned, and one of the reasons we emphasize care and maintenance in everything we do.
Step 1: Rinse Your Gear After Every Trip
After every saltwater session, gently rinse your rods, reels, and lures using fresh water on a low-pressure mist setting. Never use high pressure on reels—it can drive salt deeper inside. Wipe down each piece with a microfiber towel and let it air dry completely before storing.
Important: Do not put rod or reel covers on wet gear. Moisture gets trapped inside, increasing the risk of rust and corrosion.
For Extra Protection
Use salt removers like Salt-Away or similar, or stay tuned for Topline’s Salt-Off Spray, currently in development. These products help dissolve salt and prevent buildup.
Step 2: Deep Clean for Long-Term Performance
At the end of the fishing season—or whenever performance starts to feel off—it’s time for a deep clean.
Rods
Check your rod guides for salt buildup, cracked inserts, or corrosion. Focus on the grips and reel seats, too. A soft brush and rod-safe cleaner will do the trick.
One of our team members once left a rod uncleaned for months after a long trip. The result? Cracked epoxy, loose guides, and salt-burned EVA grips. Never again.
Reels
If you're experienced, carefully disassemble your reel for internal cleaning. If not, we recommend using a professional cleaning service or contacting our support team at Topline for guidance.
Step 3: Lubricate and Reassemble Like a Pro
Correct lubrication is critical to performance and longevity.
Use the Right Lubricants
We recommend the following from our range and testing:
Topline Heavy-Duty Drag Grease – perfect for drag washers and gear teeth
Topline High-Speed Reel Oil – for bearings, knobs, and handles
CorrosionX or equivalent anti-rust spray – for exposed metal parts
How to Apply
Grease the gears and drag washers
Oil the bearings and handles
Lightly spray external parts to protect against corrosion
Always reassemble carefully and test the reel's function afterward
If you're new to reel maintenance, take photos as you disassemble and label key parts. YouTube is a helpful resource—but when in doubt, send it to a pro.
Step 4: Store Your Gear Properly
Between Trips
Ensure all gear is dry
Use vertical rod racks or rod holders
Don’t lean rods against walls long-term—they can warp
Use reel covers and rod sleeves, but only when the gear is dry
Long-Term (Off-Season)
Wipe down the gear with cleaner before storing
Apply a light coat of protective oil
Store in a cool, dry, shaded area, away from extreme temperatures
Use rod tubes or protective cases for added safety
One of our customers in Japan hangs his rods horizontally from ceiling hooks with silica gel packs. Simple and effective.
Step 5: Inspect Before Every Trip
Don’t wait until you're on the boat to find a cracked guide or a stuck drag.
Here’s what to look for:
Rods: Cracked guides, loose inserts, or worn grips
Reels: Stiff retrieve, strange noises, lack of smoothness
Terminal tackle: Rusted hooks, bent split rings, dull points
If anything feels off, replace it before your next outing. It’s always cheaper to replace a $3 hook than lose a $300 fish.
Product Picks: Built to Last by Topline
Topline 80W MT80 Trolling Reel
Our go-to for tuna and offshore gamefish. Two-speed, 4.7:1 gear ratio, corrosion-resistant build—made for power and endurance.
Topline Deep Sea Trolling Rod
Reinforced glass fiber blank, smooth roller guides, and EVA grips. Built for the offshore fight.
Topline DC Series Spinning Reel (1000–7000)
Fresh or saltwater ready. Strong aluminum spool, smooth drag, and easy to maintain.
Maintenance Checklist ✔️
✅ Rinse with freshwater after every trip
✅ Let all gear dry fully before storage
✅ Use anti-salt spray or mild soap
✅ Deep clean and lube your reels seasonally
✅ Store in a cool, dry, dark place
✅ Inspect guides, grips, bearings, and hardware
✅ Replace rusted or worn parts before your next trip
Why Choose Topline?
We are not just a supplier—we’re a manufacturer with our factory in Weihai, producing rods, reels, and accessories under strict quality control. Every product is tested by our team of experienced anglers. We ship worldwide and offer long-term support, maintenance advice, and custom bulk orders.
If you need gear you can trust and real-world support you can count on, we’re here for you.
Visit us at toplinefishing.com
WhatsApp: +8618153235403