Fish & Feathers Get rods and reels serviced for upcoming seasons

Published 11:01 am Tuesday, December 8, 2015

As we prepare for 2016 fishing seasons, maintenance for fishing reels should be on our “things to do list.” They are a fisherman’s best friends and your key to catching fish. Whatever type of fishing you do, if your rods and reels are not in tip-top shape, it’s going to cost you fish.

You would be kidding yourself if you don’t believe that a line-ripping run by a big Chinook or a flashing tuna could do serious damage to the drag system in your reel. Regardless, reels should be serviced after every season of fishing. Saltwater can be the biggest culprit.

During my charter fishing days, I always used Luke’s Reel Repair in Ilwaco. Luke was dependable, honest and he knew what he was doing. He is now fishing in the big ocean in the sky.

If you are like me, I have no problem taking reels apart, but I always seem to have pieces left over when I think the job is done.

Just this past week, a hunting and fishing buddy of mine turned me onto Denny’s Rod and Reel Repair, in my own backyard, Ocean Park. Just like Luke, Capt. Denny Cook offers personalized service, quick turnaround with a quality job. He believes that the work is not complete unless the customer is satisfied.

Cook has been in the fishing business for 40 years. After retiring from his fishing charter business in Alaska, he has recently established a business locally. He also specializes in building custom rods and repairing them.

You should check your favorite rods over carefully, checking for frayed guides (which could cut your fishing line), loose wrap on the guides, and loose grips. You’re only as good a fishermen as your equipment. Fishing is a very expensive hobby — boat, fuel, moorage and time need to be rewarded. Don’t let faulty equipment be your weak link.

Cook says, “By cleaning every part by hand, they are inspected for wear and broken parts. If I find the cost of the repair may be more then the worth of the reel, I will contact you with an estimate, allowing you to make the final decision on whether to continue with service.”

If your equipment is in need of repair, give Denny Cook a call at 655-0009, cell 360-591-1417 or e-mail at denny51@live.com.

Ron Malast can be reached at 665-3573 or raiders7777@centurylink.net.