Submerged fishing equipment

[ksville]

My dock box was under sea water for 9 days. The rods appear to be in good shape, just need cleaning but the reels may not be so lucky. I dried them in the air/sun and flooded them with WD40 (26 reels from calcutta's to penn 309's). I am turning in the claim next week to my insurance company and by no means do I exspect a complete set of new equipment. Here is my dilemma-I talked to Southwestern Parts and Services out of Dallas(Great place to send reels to be repaired/refreshed) and the Tec said that it might be a gamble to repair because the length of time under sea water. Should I opt for replacement or just try to get the insurance to cover the cost of repair and replace as needed- I would appreciate any advice/experience you have had in this area
Ken S

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Submerged fishing equipment

I would allow the insurance company to replace them and try to restore the other reels myself. Bottom line is once you take it apart you will see if there is any damage.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Submerged fishing equipment

The best thing to do is flush them with fresh water. Don't let them dry out with salt water on them. Then oil the crap out of them even if you have to submerse them.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Submerged fishing equipment

That reel "tec" had no clue what he was talking about.

9 days under salt water shouldn't do any significant damage to any modern reel. Mainly because reels are (wait for it) are built to be around water. It's only if the reel isn't properly flushed and lubricated that there will be problems down the line.

Personally, I would submerge the reels in for a day fresh water to dissolve the salt, then have the reels professional disassembled, air-dried, cleaned, and lubricated. It's completely likely the reels can all be saved.

Grouse

 

[dingbat]

Re: Submerged fishing equipment

That reel "tec" had no clue what he was talking about.

9 days under salt water shouldn't do any significant damage to any modern reel.

I have to agree. Shouldn't a problem whatsoever except for reels with magnesum spools or housings.

Rinse in freshwater and spray them down inside and out with WD until you can get to them. A complete teardown and lube is all that's required.

I've used a kerosene bath as well but that would be over kill in this situation. The reels I ended up soaking in kerosene had been on the bottom 3-4 months before being recovered and rebuilt.