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Fish Tales
If the weather gets you down, catch up
By CAPT. TYSON WALLERSTEIN
Article published on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 |
If you’ve been fortunate enough to get out on the water in between fronts, consider yourself lucky.
With the jet stream lingering overhead, wind conditions have been atrocious.
Now might be a good time to catch up on that boat motor, trailer and tackle servicing that will give you more time on the water when the weather is a little more cooperative.
Trailer wheel bearings are vital for getting to and from the ramp safely. If your bearings are low on grease they could potentially get hot and when you back your trailer into the water, especially when it’s as cold as it is, it could spell disaster. Clean and repack your bearings for a good peace of mind.
Annual motor maintenance would include changing in-line fuel filter and fuel water separator and changing spark plugs.
These jobs are as easy as unscrewing and screwing on a new one. Other jobs like changing the lower unit fluid are pretty easy as well.
Changing out your water pump is a little more difficult, so you may want to consider having a professional take care of this one.
Tackle chores include checking all your guides for nicks, as even the smallest nick can fray your line and result in a lost fish.
I recommend taking all rod repairs to a tackle shop that specializes in this.
Having a professional replace your guides is fairly inexpensive and will look much better than if you did it on your own.
Your reels may need fresh line; make sure your monofilament line isn’t chalky looking or your braided line isn’t frayed.
Lubricate all moving parts and drag washers with lightweight oil such as Corrosion Block.
If you’re adventurous you can open up the gear boxes and clean and regrease the gears.
Otherwise take them in for servicing. A word to the wise though simple cleaning and service charges can be as much as thirty dollars per reel, something to consider if it’s an inexpensive reel.
Tyson Wallerstein can be reached at capt.tyson@hotmail.com. If you have a fish picture you would like to see published in the newspaper, send it with your name and where it was caught, to: “Fish Tales,” Tampa Bay Newspapers, 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772, or e-mail it to editorial@TBNweekly.com.
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Article published on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
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Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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