Off season rod and reel storage.

[skyshark425]

So HH6 (House Hold 6, House Hold as in my girlfriend and 6 because that denotes leadership on military radio nets) Has purchased for me a Typhoon from Cabelas, That is a bad ass rod and tackle storage system.  The problem is that this thing stores rods upright and the basement ceiling cant accomodate my 8' swimbait rod or any of the 7 footers I have which means the only option is the garage.  Which brings me to my question; What does cold do to rods and reels over a winter?  Are they fine?  Lube them up and dont worry about it or is this a problem?

Thanks

[Team houston]

At the very least I would back of the drags. Then adjust them again in the Spring.

[LennyB]

I wouldn't leave my gear in an unheated garage. It's been my experience that if you keep your gear anywhere were there is temperature swings, condensation develops and causes rust and other bad things to happen.

[Manxfishing]

I keep most of my Gear in the garage
And I do back the drags off as well

Useing PVC pipe I've built rod racks that hang from the trusses to store the rods
It works for me.

[bigjc]

I too have stored my rod/reels in my un-heated Garage for over 20 years and have never experienced any problems that I am aware of.  However, I too back the drag all the way off of all of my reels.

I placed foam covered tubing between the joists, making efficient use of otherwise wasted space, where my rods are craddeled gently when not in use or stored in Rod locker of boat.

[fiker]

I have no choice but to keep all of my equipment outside in the garage.  I always keep my rods and reels in socks and cases, both Summer and Winter, and whether in the boat or not.  I've never experienced any rusting or other problems in doing so.
When storing for any length of time no matter the season, I back off on the drags on all my reels.  I've read that one should do this all the time when not in use, but I don't.

I have had bad experiences with lures and tackle stored outside rusting.  But, since I switched to soft tackle boxes with 3700 and 3600 boxes to store them in that isn't an issue either.  That is, as long as I don't put things away wet.  If I get caught in the rain invariably some of the boxes will get wet on the inside.  I open them up to thoroughly  dry out when I get home.
Jack Cahn gave me a few of the blue inserts that you can place in the boxes to inhibit rusting as well.  These inserts have worked well too. 

[motocross269]

I have the same issues that you do....I store my rods and tackle in my mancave in the basement...

I just store my 7'6" and longer rods horizontally....


To be honest I don't see much wrong with storing your rods in the garage as long as they are maintained...

(House Hold 6.............That cracked me up.. ...)

[Waterfoul]

Rods outside yes, but reels... as was mentioned they will rust sooner if left outside for the winter.  It will shorten their life.  Is there any way to shorten the storage rack she bought you?  I'm not familiar with it, does it have wheels?  Can you take them off?

[Lightningboy]

I've always kept mine right inside the lockers on the boat, inside my unheated garage.  Never had a rust problem, but I take apart my reels every winter to clean and lube them.

Also, since I use very light oils on the bearings, I lube my bearings several times a year; probably why I've never run into rust.

I used to take my tackle inside every winter, but then I started putting VCI anti-rust chips in each box each spring.  Never had a hook rust since.

I've never backed off my drags for storage.  Anyone know why that would be advised?

[Waterfoul]

a hook rust since.

I've never backed off my drags for storage.  Anyone know why that would be advised?

So the drag washers (which are often a fiber material) don't take a set.

[Got Fish??]

I take my rods and reels inside my home. Take the reels off the rods and stirip all the line off of the reels. Then I check to make sure that the  rods are in good  shape., tips, guides and reel seats and handles. I do not  put new line on until just  before next season. This way the line has  no memory. I do not see a temperature change being a factor unless you plan on using it soon after. I clean and lubricant my reels and put every thing to rest.

[Waterfoul]

Fairly rapid temperature changes cause condensation on any metal... even your car.  Reels are very susseptable to it and if you can avoid it, you should.

[BIGSHOW]

Got this from cabelas for the rods. Also a bonus got 24 tackle trays. Got it on sale for $100.00 and 20% rebate on cabelas visa. Not a bad deal. Also have heard about backing off the drag. Good idea. Also lube em up

[skyshark425]

Reels in the house Rods in the garage.  Roger, thanks guys.

[YpsiBass]

Need to remember to do all this when I get home.  I've been doing it wrong all these years...

[Redbone]

This is the first off season that I am storing them in the garage. I will let everyone know the damage in the spring.

[mikesmiph]

I bring EVERYTHING in the house. So I can stare at it all winter.

[YpsiBass]

I bring EVERYTHING in the house. So I can stare at it all winter.

Masochist.

[Waterfoul]

Gotta say, I'm with Mikesmiph.   

[BIGSHOW]

I did keep em on the couch next to me. But the wife wasn't havin it anymore..