Mid-summer equipment check

Now that you've been using your equipment for a few weeks, it's time to make sure that all of your gear is still in good shape.

Let's start with rods and reels. Check your rod guides for any nicks or chips. If any are found, have the entire guide replaced immediately. Make sure the reel seat is working properly. You want a tight fit with the reel. There's nothing worse than having a reel pop out of the seat on a hookset or a fight! If there's a problem with a reel seat, replace the rod.

Your reels should be working as smooth as silk. If not, take them to a reel service professional and have them cleaned, oiled and greased. If they're in really bad shape, throw them out and get new stuff. There's a lot of great products on the market priced very reasonably.

Line is of the utmost importance. Get rid of the line you started the season with, replacing it on all reels and spools. This is the least expensive part of all your gear, yet it is the only direct connection that you have to that trophy. Imagine losing a trophy fish because your line broke.