Protect Your Investment. Maximize Your Time on the Water

At Riverside Relics, we know that reliable gear is essential for a great day on the water. We build our products to last, but proper care is the key to unlocking their full potential and longevity. By following these simple instructions, you can keep your apparel looking fresh and your tackle performing flawlessly, trip after trip. Protect your investment and enjoy more time doing what you love.

Jump to the section you need:

• Fishing Shirts & Apparel
• Bags & Storage
• Lures
• Lines & Leaders

Fishing Apparel Care

(For Performance Shirts, Button-Up Shirts, T-Shirts, and Polo Shirts)

This guide applies to all our shirt styles. For Performance Shirts with UPF and moisture-wicking technology, following these steps is critical to preserving their technical features.

Objective:

To maintain the fabric's integrity, color, fit, and technical features (like sun protection and moisture-wicking).

Washing Instructions:

• Turn Inside Out: This protects prints, logos, and the outer face of the fabric from abrasion.
• Machine Wash Cold: Use a gentle cycle with like colors. Cold water prevents shrinking and fading.
• Use Mild Detergent: Choose a gentle, liquid detergent. Avoid powders that can leave residue.

Drying Instructions:

• Tumble Dry Low: Use the lowest heat setting on your dryer to prevent damage to technical fibers and reduce shrinking.
• Hang Dry (Recommended): For best results, hang your shirts to air dry. This is the gentlest method and extends the life of the garment, especially for performance fabrics.

What to AVOID at all costs:

• Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets: NEVER use these on Performance Shirts. They leave a coating that clogs the fabric's pores, destroying its ability to wick moisture away from your skin.
• Bleach: Avoid chlorine and oxygen-based bleach, as they can weaken fabrics and cause discoloration.
• High Heat: High heat from dryers or irons can damage synthetic fibers, shrink cotton, and ruin the elasticity of your shirts. Do not iron printed graphics.

⭐ Pro-Tip:

To treat a stain, apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the spot and gently rub it in with your fingers before washing. For stubborn odors in performance wear, pre-soak the shirt for 30 minutes in a sink with cool water and a cup of white vinegar.

Bags & Storage Care

Objective:

To prevent mold, mildew, rust, and material degradation, ensuring your bag remains functional and odor-free.

After Every Trip:

1. Empty Completely: Remove all lures, tools, and personal items. Shake out any loose sand, dirt, or debris.
2. Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe the interior and exterior. For saltwater anglers, this step is crucial to remove corrosive salt residue.
3. Air Dry Thoroughly: Leave all compartments and zippers open and allow the bag to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before storing.

For a Deeper Clean:

• Use a soft brush with warm water and a small amount of mild soap (like dish soap) to scrub any stubborn spots.
• Rinse thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth.

❌ What to Avoid:

• Never store a damp or wet bag. This is the #1 cause of mildew and rust on zippers and hardware.
• Do not submerge the bag in water unless it is specifically rated as fully submersible.
• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or solvents, which can damage the fabric and its protective coatings.

⭐ Pro-Tip:

Periodically apply a zipper lubricant or paraffin wax to your zippers to keep them running smoothly and prevent salt-induced corrosion and sticking.

Lures Care

Objective:

To prevent rust on hooks and split rings, maintain the lure.'s finish, and ensure it's ready for action.

Instructions:

1. Rinse After Use: After every trip, especially in saltwater, rinse your lures with fresh water.
2. Dry Completely: Lay lures on a towel to air dry completely. Shaking them gently can help remove water from crevices.
3. Inspect Hooks: Check hooks for any signs of rust or dullness. Sharpen or replace them as needed. A sharp hook is critical for a good hookset.
4. Store Dry: Return dry lures to a clean, dry tackle box.

❌ What to Avoid:

• Putting wet lures back into a sealed tackle box. This traps moisture and will cause even the most rust-resistant hooks to corrode over time.

⭐ Pro-Tip:

Place a desiccant pack (like the silica gel packets found in new shoes or electronics) in each of your tackle box compartments. It will absorb any residual moisture and significantly inhibit rust formation.

Lines & Leaders Care

Objective:

To maintain line strength and integrity, reduce line memory, and prevent unexpected break-offs.

Instructions:

1. Rinse Your Spool: After fishing in saltwater, lightly spray your entire reel spool with fresh water to wash away salt crystals that can damage the line.
2. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: UV light and heat are the biggest enemies of fishing line. Store your line spools and reels out of direct sunlight.
3. Inspect Regularly: Before tying on a lure, run the first few feet of your line through your fingers to check for any nicks, frays, or rough spots. If you find any, trim the damaged section off.

❌ What to Avoid:

• Sunlight: Do not leave your reels or spools of line sitting on the deck of your boat or the dashboard of your car for extended periods.
• Chemicals: Keep your line away from chemicals like sunscreen, bug spray (especially those with DEET), and fuel, as they can weaken the line's structure.

⭐ Pro-Tip:

To reduce line memory and keep your line supple, consider using a line and leader conditioner spray. A light application every few trips can make a noticeable difference in casting performance.

Care & Maintenance: Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some of the most common, specific questions we receive about gear care.