Product Care

RYVL products are designed for demanding saltwater fishing environments. Correct cleaning, inspection and storage are essential for maintaining performance, reducing corrosion and extending product life.

Salt, sand and moisture can cause corrosion, wear and premature damage if allowed to remain on fishing equipment. Follow the care instructions below after every trip, especially after exposure to saltwater.

After Every Saltwater Trip

After each saltwater trip:

Remove visible sand, dirt, bait residue and salt deposits.
Rinse equipment gently with clean, fresh water.
Use low water pressure only.
Never use a pressure washer or direct a strong jet of water into bearings, seals, joints or moving components.
Dry all equipment completely before storage.
Never store equipment while it is still wet or contaminated with salt.
Store equipment in a clean, cool and dry location.

Equipment should be cleaned as soon as practical after saltwater exposure. Allowing saltwater to dry on the product may leave salt crystals that promote corrosion and damage moving components.

Fishing Reels

Cleaning After Use

Before rinsing a reel:

Tighten the drag to help reduce water entering the drag system.
Ensure all caps, covers and adjustment controls are correctly fitted.
Keep the reel attached to the rod or hold it securely in an upright position.

Clean the reel as follows:

Rinse gently with cool or lukewarm fresh water.
Use low water pressure only.
Rotate the handle slowly while rinsing the exterior.
Avoid excessive handle rotation while rinsing, as this may draw water into the reel.
Pay particular attention to the spool, bail arm, line roller, handle, reel foot and areas where salt may collect.
Rinse braided line and the spool surface gently to remove trapped salt.
Never immerse or soak the reel in water.
Never direct water forcefully into the reel body, drag system, bearings or handle openings.
Do not use solvents, harsh detergents or corrosive cleaning products.

After rinsing:

Shake off excess water gently.
Wipe the reel with a clean, soft cloth.
Allow the reel to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Once fully dry, loosen the drag before storage.

Reel Lubrication & Servicing

Lubrication should be applied carefully and only where appropriate.

Use a quality reel oil or grease designed for fishing reels.
Apply only a small amount where required.
Do not over-lubricate.
Do not spray lubricants directly into the reel body.
Do not dismantle sealed internal components unless properly trained.
Never mix incompatible lubricants.

Arrange inspection or servicing if the reel:

Becomes rough, noisy or unusually stiff.
Develops excessive handle movement or vibration.
Shows reduced drag performance.
Has been exposed to heavy salt contamination.
Has been dropped into sand.
Has been fully submerged in saltwater.

If a reel is submerged in saltwater, rinse the exterior immediately with fresh water, dry it thoroughly and arrange professional inspection as soon as possible. Saltwater trapped inside the reel can rapidly damage internal components.

Fishing Rods

After saltwater use:

Rinse the rod blank, guides, tip, reel seat, butt cap and grips with fresh water.
Pay particular attention to guide frames, roller guides and the reel seat.
Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Allow the rod to dry completely before placing it into a rod bag, tube or case.

Inspect regularly:

Guide rings and inserts for cracks, chips or sharp edges.
Guide frames for corrosion, bending or looseness.
Roller guides for smooth movement where fitted.
Reel seats and locking rings for salt build-up.
Grips and butt sections for wear or movement.
Rod blanks for impact marks, deep scratches or visible damage.

Never continue using a rod with damaged guide inserts, as they may quickly damage braided line and reduce casting performance.

Remove the reel periodically and clean beneath the reel foot and reel seat to prevent hidden salt build-up.

Do not continue using a rod with damaged guides, loose components or visible blank damage.

Correct Rod Use

To minimise avoidable damage:

Use the rod only within its recommended line, lure and drag ratings.
Never lift fish vertically using the rod alone.
Avoid high-sticking by applying heavy loads at excessive rod angles.
Prevent the blank from striking hard surfaces such as boat rails, rocks or ceilings.
Prevent hooks, lures and sinkers from repeatedly striking the blank.
Protect rods during transport with a suitable rod case or protective tube whenever practical.
Never crush, bend or overload the rod during storage or transport.

Carbon fibre rods may suffer internal structural damage after impact, even if no external damage is immediately visible.

Carbon Telescopic Outriggers

After every trip:

Rinse poles, bases, locking collars, fittings, pulleys, fasteners and rigging components with fresh water.
Remove all salt, sand, bait residue and contaminants.
Use low water pressure only.
Dry every component completely before storage.

For telescopic poles:

Clean exposed sections before collapsing.
Never collapse poles while sand or salt remains on sliding surfaces.
Extend poles periodically for complete cleaning and drying.
Keep locking collars and telescopic joints free of hardened salt deposits.
Never force sections that are difficult to extend or collapse.
Never use tools that may scratch or crush carbon fibre.

Inspect regularly:

Locking collars.
Pole sections.
Carbon surfaces.
Mounting bases.
Stainless-steel fasteners.
Pulleys.
Halyards.
Release clips.
Rigging components.

After extended offshore use, inspect all stainless-steel hardware for signs of corrosion or loosening.

Replace any worn, damaged or loose components before further use.

Where lubrication is required, apply a suitable marine-grade lubricant sparingly to relevant metal moving parts only. Do not lubricate carbon sliding surfaces unless specifically recommended.

Outrigger Operation

Before every trip:

Ensure telescopic sections are fully extended and securely locked.
Confirm mounting bases are firmly secured.
Inspect rigging lines and release clips.
Confirm all hardware is tight.

During use:

Do not exceed the intended operating load.
Never use outriggers as lifting poles, handrails or structural supports.
Collapse or remove poles during transport whenever appropriate.
Retract poles before docking or travelling beneath bridges, trees or other overhead structures.
Avoid impacts with docks, buildings, bridges and other vessels.

Rigging Kits & Components

Before every trip:

Inspect halyard lines for cuts, fraying, stiffness or UV deterioration.
Check pulleys for smooth operation.
Inspect swivels, clips, crimps, snaps and connection points.
Confirm release clips operate correctly.

Replace worn or damaged components before use.

After saltwater exposure:

Rinse all rigging components thoroughly.
Allow lines, pulleys and clips to dry completely.
Never store wet rigging inside sealed bags or compartments.

Long-Term Storage

Before long-term storage:

Clean and dry all equipment thoroughly.
Remove all salt, sand and moisture.
Store reels with the drag loosened.
Store rods straight and properly supported.
Collapse clean, dry telescopic outriggers carefully.
Keep products away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat and corrosive chemicals.
Avoid damp garages, enclosed boat compartments or areas where condensation may occur.
Never store wet equipment inside sealed bags or cases.

Inspect all equipment before returning it to service.

Before Every Trip

Before each trip, check:

Reel operation and drag performance.
Reel handle, spool, bail arm and line roller.
Rod blank, guides, reel seat and grips.
Outrigger poles, bases and locking mechanisms.
Screws, fasteners and mounting hardware.
Rigging lines, pulleys, clips and connection points.

Do not use equipment that is visibly damaged, loose, heavily corroded or operating abnormally.

Corrosion Prevention

Saltwater is naturally highly corrosive. Even premium marine-grade materials require routine cleaning and maintenance after exposure.

Regular rinsing, complete drying and periodic inspection are the most effective ways to minimise corrosion and maximise product life.

Failure to follow the care recommendations in this guide may reduce product performance, shorten product life and affect warranty eligibility.

Maintenance & Warranty

Regular cleaning, inspection and preventative maintenance are the responsibility of the product owner.

Damage resulting from inadequate maintenance, corrosion, salt build-up, misuse, abuse, improper installation, accidental impact, improper storage, unauthorised modification, neglect or normal wear and tear is not covered under the RYVL Limited Warranty.

Products showing evidence of poor maintenance, prolonged salt exposure or continued use after damage has occurred may not be eligible for warranty assessment.

Where a product issue falls outside warranty coverage, RYVL may still be able to assist with replacement parts, technical guidance or repair options, subject to product condition and parts availability.

Replacement parts, inspection, servicing, repairs and all associated shipping costs outside warranty are the responsibility of the customer.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about product care, maintenance, replacement parts or servicing, please contact RYVL Customer Support.

Email: info@ryvl-nz.com

RYVL SALTWATER FISHING GEAR