Can I salvage these fishing poles?

timothydnl

My father in-law had about 8 fishing poles that were left in a storage shed during a hurricane. They were soaking in salt water (also some motor oil spilled in the shed) for about 4 days. He says he's going to scrap it all so I wanted to know if they're actually bad or if they can just be cleaned up? The have reels, but I'm sure those will have to be replaced.

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Brook E

I'm sure they can be salvaged. Depends on how badly they were damaged.I would start by cleaning the well with warm water and dishwashing soap. Then see what you have. Odds are, if there's any real damage it will be to the threads holding the guides in place, and to the metal fittings of the reel seat. Check the reel seat first. If that can be cleaned up and saved with a little oiling, you're good to go. If not, scrap them.If the only damage is to the eyes and wraps, it's simple enough to replace them. Get a set of eyes from the tackle shop and some wrapping thread. Reaffix the guides and seal them either with the product made for that or some clear nailpolish. I wouldn't be so quick to discard the reels, either, especially if they are good quality. It may be that they just need a good cleaning and oiling. More than that and I have a reel repairman take a look. His estimate for repairs may be less than replacing them. And if it doesn't pay to fix them he'll tell you so.