A charter fishing operation in Ponta do Ouro, southern Mozambique, retrofitted two of its fishing reels with Vesconite handles in 2016.
The upgrade was selected because the bearing material operates with minimal lubrication, offers a longer service life than ball bearings and bronze bushings, and remains unaffected by the highly corrosive conditions typical of sea fishing.
The reels are used for deep-sea fishing, explained Shirley’s Engraving’s James Porter, who oversaw their servicing and repair at the time.
Porter incorporated a high-quality stainless-steel shaft running directly within a Vesconite handle, eliminating the need for additional bushings or bearings.
“In most cases, if one cares for the condition of one’s reels through regular servicing and cleaning, then reels can last you for many years without trouble,” he said.
“Unfortunately, in the case of sea-fishing reels, this is very difficult, as you always get sea sand into the intricate parts of the reel and, no matter what you do, you cannot stop it from happening.”
Sand ingress occurs through wind and sea spray, as well as through handling when users inadvertently transfer seawater or sand onto the reels. The abrasive nature of sea sand, combined with corrosion from saltwater, can cause conventional reel components to seize. This may require repairs or replacement with more durable materials such as Vesconite.
