Spring may seem like a lifetime away for any non-ice fishing angler. But as you wait for the water temperatures to rise and your spring fishing season to commence, why not use the offseason to inspect and store your gear properly.
To ensure your next fishing adventure is filled with more action and less time spent replacing worn guides or rusted pliers, learn how to properly maintain your fishing equipment during the winter months with these fishing tips from Bagley Bait:
Fishing Tips for Winterizing Gear
The Three Do’s
Do Wash Gear After Every Use: One of the most important steps of safely storing your fishing gear is ensuring every piece of equipment is thoroughly cleaned. From the reel to your waders, be sure to remove any dirt or debris left behind—especially if you’ve been fishing in salt water. Using hot, soapy water and a soft toothbrush is the best way to prevent buildup.
Do Oil Your Reel’s Moving Parts: While cleaning your gear, carefully take your reel apart to clean its interior. After the pieces have dried, you’ll want to apply a small amount of oil to lubricate the reel’s moving parts. Remember to oil the top of the gear’s teeth, not the bottom, as this will cause the oil to spill everywhere.
Do Replace Worn Guides and Old Lines: While performing annual maintenance on your fishing gear, pay close attention to your guides for chips, grooves, or whether they need rewrapping. Also, check your lines for wear and replace if necessary. And after cleaning your lines with a mild dish soap, store them in loose coils.
The Three Don’ts
Don’t Leave Equipment Wet: It’s important to always allow your gear to dry completely before storing them away during the offseason. You want to avoid moisture settling in, as this can severely damage your equipment. This is another reason why you’ll want to store your fishing rod and reel at room temperature and preferably away from outdoor elements.
Don’t Store Your Fishing Rod Against the Wall: Most anglers will keep their rods mounted vertically on a rack to avoid bending. In addition, you’ll want to store your rod and reel separately during the offseason.
Don’t Forget to Sort Your Tackle: Organize your tackle box now to help you save time later. Replace any misplaced or worn items that show signs of age or rust. Pro anglers recommend that you sort your fishing lures by size, shape, and category of fish species. You may also want to think about which lures you used most often last season. Try to section them in a way that they are more easily accessible.
Looking to upgrade your tackle box in time for next season? Shop online to explore our selection of hard baits, spoons, jigs, and more!