equipment support on a trip

[thorhammer]

Hey folks, someone may have aready done this, but I wanted to share a tip that worked well for me on a recent extended trip; this has to do with in the field gear maintenance.

I knew I would be fishing in demanding condidtions with every likelihood of salt and sand in / on equipment due to stormy conditions, so I packed a small gasketed plastic toolbox with some essentials:

- multitool: got A LOT of use. decided convertible screwdriver will be worth added weight due to ease of use.
-ziploc bags: bait, reels go in for transport in reel bag
-Penn wrench
-adjustable wrench: I use different brands of reels so dont have to take as many specific reel wrenches, plus nuts on cart, etc.
-Penn reel cleaner
-Penn Blue
-Hot sauce
- 5 minute devcon epoxy
-spare rod tips
-acid brushes for grease and epoxy.
-tip glue
-lighter


Had two tips busted and had to replace, either from rod carriers or shock knot (note: used a bit of braid to wrap the tip and epoxy over it. most shops will just stick one on with glue and charge $10 bucks...useless). Used all reel care items. Kept me fishing and reels cleaned daily. 

Add your recco to add to the box, let's hear it! you can go from a multitool and WDS all the way to Fred's bench if you have the space; I was trying to keep it manageable but I find more and more shops no longer do repair or carry parts so we're on our own.

[Shark Hunter]

I just bring spare reels in a Pelican case.

[foakes]

Great Idea, TH --

We need to learn how to rely on our own skill and ingenuity for maintaining our fishing gear.

Some of you may not be old enough to remember pulling into a gas station -- and a friendly attendant would come out -- check your oil, tire air pressure, fluid levels, wash your windshield -- check for anything obviously that may be an issue -- as they are pumping the gas -- then pleasantly thank you for your business.

Nowadays, we are lucky to get the person behind the counter to even smile as you hand them $60 - $80 for a tank of gas.

Forget about service -- not their fault -- it is as foreign to them as flying is to frogs.

If we are not careful -- fishing reels will also go this route -- as the Corporate profit model of planned obsolescence becomes the norm we accept.

Don't rely on others to maintain your gear -- take control, gain knowledge, enjoy being prepared.

Best,

Fred

[mizmo67]

Your list is pretty comprehensive!

The only other thing I can think of for an away trip would be maybe a set of spare drags for each reel, just in case of a burnt out.

[thorhammer]

Hahahahh I just had a vision of a forklift loading a Pelican coffin full of Sharkhunter 14/0 back up reels.

I took backups too and had AR go out so they were needed.

Mo, I in fact did have a spare set of carbontex for the 980 but if I burned that one up I'd call it a day!

John

[Shark Hunter]

Just a 14 and a 12 John.

[thorhammer]

I like it, and am hunting a case. Did you shape it out with exacto knife or differently?

[Shark Hunter]

It came with foam that is precut. They call it Pick and Pluck. You just pull out what you need in small squares.

[thorhammer]

Done. I'm on that.