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Three Buoys Tackle • Elkton, MD
Three Buoys Tackle
THREE BUOYS TECHNICAL SERVICE & MAINTENANCE SOP

Owner Support & Maintenance Hub

Step-by-step care for your rods and reels — rinses, drag service and guide checks — and a direct line to us for parts and help with gear you bought here.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Tackle Maintenance & Care Manuals

For any rod & reel
POST-TRIP ROUTINE ALL GEAR

Post-Trip Salt & Brackish Rinse SOP

1. Tighten drag knob completely before rinsing to prevent water intrusion into drag washers.
2. Spray rod blank, guides, and reel with light low-pressure fresh water mist (NEVER high pressure).
3. Wipe down cork handle with damp microfiber cloth. Back off drag knob to zero tension for storage.

Key Benefit: Prevents salt crystal buildup and extends carbon washer life.
ANNUAL SERVICE SPINNING REELS

Carbon Drag Washer Maintenance

1. Remove drag retainer spring ring and slide out woven carbon drag washers.
2. Inspect carbon weave for fraying or glaze.
3. Apply a micro-thin layer of Cal's Universal Drag Grease to both sides of washers and reassemble in correct stack sequence.

Service Interval: Once every 50 trips or annually before spring season.
PRE-SEASON CHECK ALL RODS

Guide Ring Cotton Q-Tip Test

1. Run a clean cotton Q-tip around the inside of every guide ring.
2. If cotton fibers snag, a micro-fracture exists that can slice braided mainline under heavy drag load.
3. Replace a cracked guide or tip-top before your next trip — ask us below if you need help finding the right part.

Key Benefit: Prevents mysterious braid snap-offs during trophy fish fights.
PARTS & HELP

Need a part or a hand with your gear?

Tell us what you bought and what you need. It goes straight to our support inbox and you get a ticket number by email.