Prepping for next season.

[Tod Todd]

Hey Ice Teamer’s as much as I hate to say it, put a fork in it or shutter down she’s slinging oil. The sad truth it’s time to retire our hard water gear and in particular our ice shelters weather it’s a hub or flip over. Some much is put into getting ready for the season but how many us take the time to prep our gear so it will be ready come next hard water season. Most everyone takes the steps to treat auger gas and charge the battery on your Vexilar.

I’m sure during the long days or nights on the ice we’ve had a snack and something to wash it down that may have spilled, or fish slime the perfect treat for mice and we all know what can happen with mice and fabric. With the days getting longer and strong rays of the sun its perfect time to was the tub and fabric and let it fully air dry. When done inspect for loose hardware or anything that may need to be lubricated to keep in good working order. For storage some have talked about dryer sheets to help keep mice out but I like to remove a food source so they have no need to stop and look around.

Rods and reels I take the line out of the guides and loosen the drag all the way. One shouldn’t leave the line connected with tension on the tip especially if kept in a warm place like out building where temps could rise to 100+ this will cause the top portion the rod to be permanently bent.

Winter clothes to be washed according to manufactures instructions. I keep all my hard water gear stored in large rubber maid containers. Check all pockets for candy wrappers and maggot containers trust me on this one.

Auger care there are two methods of handling fuel one is to treat it using stabilizer like Seafoam and the other is to drain all gas and run the carbs dry. I have always had good luck treating the gas and may even start the auger during those hot summer days just to show the neighbors that I’m truly nuts. Blade inspection the time is now if you need replacement (you find a deal off season) or you have plenty of time to have them re sharpened, give a light coat to keep them from rusting.

These few simple steps can save time and heart ache come next ice season.

Just think for most of us ice season in under 200 days away.

[harvey lee]

You have a great check list listed above Todd. Can be pretty easy to forget something or say I will fix it next fall and then find an even larger mess.

I have gone through all my gear, checked the portables out for any needed repairs and went through everything on the wheelhouse from one end to the other. Poles, augers, flashers, camera. Portables are tip top and the wheelhouse should be all ready to go with a few new additions to it. I keep all my flasher and camera batteries in the house and make sure they get a full charge every 6-8 weeks so they are go to go next winter. I also load up the portables and wheel house with scented dryer sheets to keep those critters out of everything as they can all but ruin a portable.

Everything should be tip top and ready to rock in 6-7 months from now.

[Jim Kusuda]

Great info! Mice? Tod, you better keep an eye on the squirrels.

[Kevan Paul]

Great info Tod! Looks like a party at your house.

[Garett Svir1582813971]

Great tips!