General Tackle Queries

[ismail]

Hi

I have two general questions aboud fishing tackle.

Firstly, I have heard that I should put some sort of wax coating over my cork grips on the rods to prevent them from rotting. I have never ever done this and always thought if I did, wouldnt the grip become really greasy and feel funny everytime you went to use that rod. I was wondering what are others thoughts on it. Also what wax should i use if it is necessary and what is the best way to apply it.

Secondly i have never also applied backing line to my reel before winding on the fireline. I have always only ever loaded the reel with fireline. I have now seen what a waste this can be. Does everyone back the reel first or straight up load the fireline on. Those who back the reel first, what line size and brand should i be using? And doesnt the fireline dig into the backing line seeing that the fireline would have a smaller diameter?


I hope these queries make sense, as it is early in the morning.

[Scott15]

for the cork question, you can put wax on it but ive found it stays good without it.

backing, yes i do. I usually use either a bit heavier mono or the same weight. Its there to chock the fireline up so it fills the spool more.

[Jeremy87]

As long as the cork is dry it won't rot. Never use backing of a lower line class and make sure its at least a half decent mono none of the cheap bulk spool stuff (you don't want to loose 20-30 bucks worth of braid because the backing knot brakes because you used budget mono). Wind the mono on hard to prevent the braid cutting in.

[davidgrifin44]

I use aeroflyte model aircraft dope on my cork grips, it is a waterproofing agent for balsa wood, available from any hobby shop. it works perfectly and you can not tell that there is anything on the grip. they feel the same and look the same, the only thing is only put a tiny bit on, like one coat because it becomes crusty if you put to much on. if u put the right amount on you wont even be able to tell there is anything on it except for when u put it under the tap and watch all of the water roll off the grip.

Dave

[land-lubber]

i leave the plastic wrap on mine

[vertico]

havent put wax on my cork handles yet and they havent started to rot as of yet

always run a backing of the same weight rating or slightly less.

why would you leave the plastic wraps on ? i dont see the point of this

[land-lubber]

didnt know of anyother way at the time
it works well no fish slime on my cork
ill try the wax though
cheers

[gunna]

You need the backing to stop the fireline slipping on the spool. I had one reel where you could pull line off the reel - but the spool didn't move. The whole lot of the fireline was turning on the spool. I back it with mono all the time now.

[DR]

cork grips don't need anything on them, aal they need is an occasional wash down with a rag soaked in methylated spirits & they will look good as new.
i use backing for fireline because i cant remember the last time i had a fish take 120 odd metres of line
off me & it is too expensive to have sitting there doing nothing..