Storing Rods and Reels during Winter

[MN BassFisher]

What does everyone do with their Rods and Reels during the cold winter season. During the year, all my setups are hanging on the walls in my garage. But last year it came to me that that might not be the best place for them? So last year, I kept my rods stored out in the garage (not heated) and I brought all my reels inside for the winter. Then I clean the reels and rods in the following spring when I get the itch. Does anyone else do this? Or is leaving your reels in cold weather not as bad for them as I thought?

[Bobby Bass]

I leave some in the boat and others hang in the back hall still a few more in the den, does not seem to make any difference, The only thing I make sure to do is remove any lures and release any tension on the drags.

[PerchJerker]

My rods and reels stay together and stay in the boat or in the garage over the winter. My ice fishing rods and reels stay out there in the cold all year long too. Loosen the drags if you won't be using the reels for a while, otherwise you should be good to go, especially if you clean and lube the reels before and/or during the season.

[Knoc]

Mine usually go in the rafters of the garage. When I use them again I just lube them up, put on new line and go. Hasnt failed me so far. If I had a really nice rod like a G-loomis or something, Id bring it in the house though. Simply for the fact that its a good chunk of change to risk.

[MN BassFisher]

Alright, thanks guys. I'm not worried much about my rods, they are Croix's but I don't see much harm if they sit on the garage wall with no tension on them. I was just thinking maybe it was hard on the lube, oil, grease in the reels when it gets below freezing (but I suppose I use a few Shimano's ice fishing and they seem fine).

[harvey lee]

Mine all stay in an unheated shed. I do back the drags off and then clean and lube them come spring.

[EBass]

I bring mine inside and hopefully remember to clean them.

[bASS_BLASTER]

I take everything inside the house even my lower unit. Best be safe then sorry especially for guys with pricey rods and gear.

[Northlander]

Mine stay where they are all year. In the boat and hanging on hooks hanging in the rafters. Never had a issue and I never back frags off or anything.

[seasock]

Guys I know way up north that have this concern use the same method for their rods and reels as they do with their transducers to protect them from winter's harm. Lay a length of plastic wrap or wax paper longer than the rod, pour melted wax over the entire rod and reel, it will take several coats, until it is completely encased in wax. It really protects from harsh elements and keeps them dust free as well, they swear by it.

[Northlander]

And once it get as cold as it is outside it will do nothing and getting all that wax off of everything in the spring will be a bigger mess than its worth. You shouldnt have to worry about it. In 30 plus years of owning my own rods and reels I have never had 1 rod or reel issue by just storing my rod and reels in the rafters or boat in a unheated garage all winter and it gets plenty cold in Duluth/Superior.

[h8go4s]

I leave everything in the boat. I drain my pool, then rent a chopper and lower boat, motor and trailer into the pool. Then I fill the pool with wax. Put a piece of rope in the wax for a wick. In the spring, light the wick and burn off the wax. Rent the chopper again and lift the freshly waxed boat out. Works great.

[Ziggysquatch]

Quote:

I leave everything in the boat. I drain my pool, then rent a chopper and lower boat, motor and trailer into the pool. Then I fill the pool with wax. Put a piece of rope in the wax for a wick. In the spring, light the wick and burn off the wax. Rent the chopper again and lift the freshly waxed boat out. Works great.

[Transporter]

Someone gets it, hilarious.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I bring all of mine into the basement. I also bring in my electric trolling motor. Usually in about February I start cleaning the rod handles and eyes with a mild detergent and clean up the reels for spring. Not a big project but it gives me something to do.

Mike

[grizrunner]

Wax on/ wax off...the boys from way up north must have been Bob and Doug McKenzie. Never heard of that method before.

My rods/ reels don't get much for special treatment in the winter. To the dry basement is all. Cleaned, lubed, and new line in the spring. My UL reels even make to the ice.

[delmuts]

I bring all of mine and the kids' into the basement. During the winter i clean/grease the reels, check rod guides for cracks, strip mono off reels, then go thru lures to change/sharpen hooks. Gives me something to do in the winter since body won't let me play outside.

[Chris Barlage]

I have a storage bag for mine. I strip all the line off the reels that way I make sure to put new line on and not cheat a few times in the spring before I do. I keep mine in a dry place in the house where they will not get banged up or moved. Seems to at least keep the reels in better shape, and better shape longer. Not sure if it is any benifit to the rods though. I would imagin that if they can stand the elements while fishing that they could handle it in storage. Makes me feel better with it though since they were not cheap rods, or reels.

[Matt C]

If I had a really nice rod like a G-loomis or something, Id bring it in the house though. Simply for the fact that its a good chunk of change to risk.

Heck, All my rods over 50 bucks replace my wife in bed during the winter.