Winter in Canada means more than just cold weather and snow for anglers — it marks the end of the fishing season and the start of gear storage season. Anglers need to winter prep in Canada in order to protect their gear.
Correctly storing fishing equipment for an extended period is essential to maintaining its lifespan and ensuring optimal performance when the next fishing season arrives. Otherwise, you risk permanent damage to the angling gear you’ve carefully chosen and plan to use again.
Harsh winters, with their freezing temperatures and high humidity, can severely damage gear that is not properly stored. Low temperatures can lead to corrosion, cracking, and reduced functionality if not adequately stored for the season.
Fortunately, you can protect your investment and enjoy hassle-free fishing adventures when the ice finally thaws. We’ll break down how to properly clean, inspect, and store your fishing gear so they’re ready to use when the fishing season returns.
How to Prepare Your Fishing Gear for Winter Storage
Maintaining your fishing gear in the off-season is vital to ensure its longevity and effectiveness for future fishing adventures. While the specifics may vary based on specific equipment, the following steps highlight the core processes and why they’re so important:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean all equipment with a mild soap solution and a soft-bristled brush, paying close attention to intricate areas and moving parts. Rinse with clean water and dry all components completely to prevent rust and rot.
- Inspecting: Inspect gear for any signs of wear and tear, which might include frayed lines, cracked rod guides, or loose screws. Repair or replace damaged components to avoid future problems.
- Lubricating: Remember to lubricate metal components, like reel gears and handles, with gear-specific lubricant to protect them from moisture and possible damage from freezing temperatures.
Failing to clean and inspect your gear can result in damage from dirt, salt, organic debris, mold, and mildew. Salt from brackish water can corrode metal components, while any remaining organic material can encourage mold and mildew growth.
Crucial Tips for Winter Storage for Fishing Rods
Fishing rods are often overlooked during winter prep, yet they require proper attention to avoid damage. Fishing rods have several crucial components that can be harmed if improperly stored during harsh winters, and high-end rods like St. Croix fishing rods can be expensive to replace if improperly winterized.
So, let’s break down a few tips and rod-specific advice so that you can safely store your fishing rods and have them ready for next season.
Storage Environment: The Key to Longevity
Regardless of the rod type, the storage environment plays a significant role in maintaining its integrity. Choose a dry, temperature-stable space free from excess humidity. For added protection, consider adding a dehumidifier or silica gel packs to the storage area.
By tailoring your winter storage routine to the specific needs of each rod type, you’ll ensure that your gear remains in top condition, ready for the challenges of the next fishing season. Fishing gear storage is also the most important factor for all of your equipment, making proper storage well worth the time and effort.
Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are versatile and often see heavy use, making proper winter storage critical. Check the rod blank for scratches or signs of wear and ensure the reel seat is clean and functional. Over time, guides on spinning rods can become misaligned or loose, so inspect and realign them as needed.
Store spinning rods horizontally on a rack to prevent bending, especially for lighter models. If you prefer vertical storage, make sure rods are evenly spaced and not leaning against each other, which can cause warping.
Casting Rods
Casting rods, particularly those used for heavier species like bass or pike, require robust care. Check the guides for any cracks or wear caused by braided or heavy lines. Inspect the rod blank for impact damage, as casting rods often experience high stress.
For storage, make sure the rods are fully dry to prevent mold or mildew from forming. A temperature-controlled environment is critical for casting rods, often constructed from high-grade graphite or composites that can degrade under extreme temperature fluctuations.
Caring for Fishing Reels During Winter
Fishing reels are some of the most intricate and expensive pieces of equipment in an angler’s arsenal, making their care a top priority during winter storage. Each type of reel has unique maintenance requirements, so let’s break down what you need to know for each.
Spinning Reels
Start by removing the spool and cleaning it thoroughly. Dirt and other materials can accumulate in the line roller and drag system, so pay special attention to these areas. Any materials left in these areas can severely damage the reel as temperatures and moisture fluctuate.
Lubricate the arm, bearings, and gears using a high-quality reel oil. Store the reel in a padded case in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion.
Baitcaster Reels
Baitcasters are known for their precision and depend on regular maintenance. Disassemble the reel, clean the gears, and lubricate the bearings. Reduce tension on internal components during storage by adjusting the drag system.
To further protect the reel, consider wrapping it in a microfiber cloth before placing it in storage. This added barrier protects against moisture and extreme temperatures that may otherwise harm the reels.
Trolling Reels
Trolling reels are built for durability but still require regular care, especially to prepare for winter storage. Inspect the line guides and bearings for salt or dirt buildup.
Apply a protective coating of reel grease to prevent moisture damage and store the reel in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid warping.
Musky Reels
Musky reels are designed to handle heavy loads and are larger and more robust than other reels. Clean and lubricate the drag system and inspect the frame for signs of stress or wear.
Due to their size, musky reels should be stored in individual padded cases to prevent damage. If this isn’t possible, they should be spaced apart in an appropriate storage container.
Brand-Specific Tips
Let’s quickly explore a few brand-specific tips and how their unique designs must be accounted for during winterization.
- Okuma reels: Okuma reels often come with specific maintenance instructions. Regular application of their own proprietary lubricants can enhance performance and durability.
- Daiwa reels: Daiwa reels, known for their advanced technologies, require careful cleaning of Magsealed components. Keeping these seals intact ensures optimal performance next season. Read more about Daiwa’s general reel maintenance FAQs here.
Other brands will have specific needs that must be accounted for, so find and adhere to the manufacturers' recommendations.
Maintaining Other Fishing Gear: Tackle, Lines, and Hooks
Along with larger equipment like rods, reels, and waders, it's crucial to protect your smaller fishing accessories during the winter.
By taking the time to properly clean, inspect, and store your tackle and accessories, you’ll save yourself time, money, and frustration when the fishing season starts back up. A few gear-specific storage tips for the rest of your fishing gear are:
- Tackle maintenance: Start by carefully sorting through your tackle box. Remove any damaged, rusty, or broken items, as these can harm other gear during storage. Pay attention to the condition of swivels and weights, as these are prone to corrosion if not properly cleaned and stored.
- Lures and hooks: Cleaning lures involves washing them in warm, soapy water to remove dirt or salt residue and drying them thoroughly. Hooks with special coatings or made of stainless steel may resist rust better than traditional options, but they should still be inspected for wear.
- Fishing line storage: Fishing lines, particularly monofilament and fluorocarbon, are vulnerable to degradation over time. Exposure to sunlight, heat, and humidity can weaken the line, making it prone to breakage. If you notice any fraying, discolouration, or stiffness, replace the line to avoid potential failures.
- Additional accessories: Don’t overlook other small yet essential accessories, such as pliers, knives, and line cutters. Clean and inspect these tools thoroughly, removing any salt or debris. To prevent rust, apply a light coat of oil to metal parts. Store tools in a dry location, ideally in a protective case or tool roll, to keep them safe and organized.
Rods and reels will certainly take up most of your time and effort, but don’t neglect the needs of other gear that may not be usable after winter if ignored. Ensure you’ve fully cleaned and protected everything susceptible to prolonged humidity and extreme temperatures.
Find the Right Storage Solutions and Gear at Angling Sports
You’ve carefully chosen and invested in each piece of angling gear. Winterization protects your investment so it’s ready to go when the fishing season returns. Taking the time to fully clean, inspect, and properly store your gear ensures it's ready to go when needed.
Choosing effective storage solutions that protect your gear from humidity and extreme temperature will prolong its lifespan. Ensure you clean, lubricate, and store your gear correctly every time so you won’t have to replace it next season.
Do you have the right storage solutions to protect your gear? Angling Sports has got you covered — browse our cleaning, storage, and maintenance gear today.
