Winter Gear Prep Time!!!

[McGurk]

Now that we've got cool nights and leaves starting to turn, it's a great time to take an evening and so a little pre-seaon ice fishing prep! I pulled out the auger and started her up, put a charger on the flasher and camera, and checked rods and reels for maintainence and line swapping. I also bought a used 4 wheeler this summer, and have been busy getting it reliable (it was a mess, but the price was right!!!) and cleaning it up. I mounted an auger holder on the front rack, and have gone throught carb and fluids pretty well.

I'd also like to pull the modded portable out and give it a good cleaning and get some seats mounted a little better. I bought a one-man Frabill on clearance and would like to put some reflecix and lount a seat in there, too. Maybe so a little modding if the mood strikes me there, too, but it's meant to be PORTABLE so weight is going to be kept to a minimum.

What are your plans?

[reinhard1]

the vexilar is charged good now, cause i use it on my canoe, but will check it again before my first outing. i got a green eskimo two man with the bench seat which i will get ready and cleaned up this week. wd40 spray on the aluminum connection. i will work on my rods this week also and transfer my reels to my ice rods. get my tip ups ready to go. one for walley/trout and one for pike. thanks for reminding me about the auger. i use the hand auger [i have new blades] early in the year and switch over to the my 10in jiffy as the ice thickens. cant wait. good luck.

[PiedmontAngler]

I was so busy this summer that I never got the porty lifted into the rafters for summer storage. I still want to get my Jiffy 10" running for this season. Sometimes it comes in handy. Maybe another new battery for the flasher and camera. I sure wish I could afford a new LX-5, but that will have to wait till the kids are outa college, or I win the lottery which ever comes 1st.

[Northlander]

I have been starting my Nils every 3 weeks or so. Started second or third pull every time.

I also just took out the Otter Cabin and check the hyfax for any cracks or loose bolts and made sure it was not hit my mice or anything. As usual the Otter is in great shape.

All my gear is all organized and set to go and all thats left is to pop some fresh line on the reels and put another charge on the Marcums.

[JSK76]

I have been getting ready since the end of last season, picked up a snowmobile for some lake trout trips that would be to far to take the 4 wheeler. Bought a Canvas Craft med. house and it weighed a bit more then my otter so over the summer I have been replacing some of my gear with lighter stuff and saved 58 pounds over my old gear.

[Riich]

The only prepping I need to do is lubricate the poles on my Clam Voyager so they glide again. Any suggestions on what to use?

[BD110]

I was so busy this summer that I never got the porty lifted into the rafters for summer storage.

Vic,

I sure hope you've checked your porty for renters. You may be busy with a patch kit...

I haven't taken a look at any of my hard water gear as of yet. hopefully all goes off without a hitch. They were just talking on the news about some 70 degree temps that may still pay us a visit.

[Northlander]

The only prepping I need to do is lubricate the poles on my Clam Voyager so they glide again. Any suggestions on what to use?

Take them apart and steel wool them then wipe clean and put some graphite on them.

[Northlander]

When? Time to head to Rainy River!!!

[chris63]

Try using frabill reel cold weather grease on your aluminum.Stays viscous in subzero much better than wd 40.(Not a wd 40 fan as it is alcohol based)c63

[Northlander]

DONT use WD40!

[McGurk]

Good call on the pole lube, I need to do this too. Powdered graphite has no temp issues, but I don't know how well it "sticks" to the poles for the season. I'm a big fan of a silicone based lube for winter work. Most of the time I try not to use a wet lube unless I need the penetrating properties, because dust buildup isn't a huge factor in winter.

This may be the weirdest post I've ever written.

[Northlander]

McGurk you were talking about ice houses still werent ya?

If you do use a lube dont use too much.

[reinhard1]

lol on that northlander. hey, i use wd40 on the poles and it seems to work. tell me why not to use it[i'm not mechanicly inclined], i'm always ready for something better to use. thanks. good luck.

[Dothedew]

My pop out ice house has been in the trunk of my car the whole summer along with the sled and heater. No use taking it out now.

[PiedmontAngler]

Tom - The traps have been full the last few weeks and the last time I checked there were no unwanted guests spending time in the bottom of the tub.

Best option on the lube is to use something that will dry. Standard oils and greases will stiffen with colder temps and cause the poles to stick and not slide. If you plan on going that route use something formulated for cold weather like a synthetic. Or try a cold weather gun oil.

[Riich]

Take them apart and steel wool them then wipe clean and put some graphite on them.

Thanks, I will give that a whirl.

[Northlander]

lol on that northlander. hey, i use wd40 on the poles and it seems to work. tell me why not to use it[i'm not mechanicly inclined], i'm always ready for something better to use. thanks. good luck.

As said above it doesnt work well in cold.