{"id":8706,"date":"2014-12-08T15:05:19","date_gmt":"2014-12-08T21:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/storagecom-blog.local\/?p=8706"},"modified":"2025-02-13T14:33:51","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T20:33:51","slug":"storing-ice-fishing-gear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stg-httpsblogstoragecom-staging.kinsta.cloud\/blog\/storing-ice-fishing-gear\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Ice Fishing Rods, Tackle, and Ice Augers: A Guide to Storing Ice Fishing Equipment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Picture this: it’s been roughly six months of fishing multiple times a week in warm temperatures when the cold hits.\u00a0<\/span>Suddenly, it’s time to put away your summertime fishing gear and take out the ice augers, ice fishing tackle boxes, and tents needed for ice fishing. <\/span><\/p>\n

But don’t take your rod socks off just yet \u2013 ideal ice fishing conditions aren’t as consistent as they are for regular fishing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not every day will be cold enough to freeze the pond or lake of your favorite winter fishing spot to the point of holding your weight. In fact, you could go several days or weeks before you need to use your ice auger to carve out a fishing hole again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it’s unfavorable ice fishing conditions or the return of spring, you’ll need somewhere to store your ice fishing equipment, and the garage or attic isn’t always the best place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our expert guide on how to store ice fishing rods and all your other ice fishing gear will cover everything you need to know, starting with proper cleaning. We’ll help you cultivate a fishing rod storage system that gives you easy access to all your most dependable fishing tools.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, we’ll also discuss how to convert a section of your self-storage unit into your official ice fishing rod storage space.<\/span><\/p>\n

By renting a small storage unit for your ice fishing gear, you can store all of your equipment in one place. And our<\/span> handy search tool<\/span><\/a> can help find a unit right by your favorite ice fishing location.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Store Ice Fishing Rods<\/h2>\n

Maybe you’re putting your ice fishing equipment up because winter’s over. Or maybe it’s just begun, and you’ve taken your gear out of storage and used it only to have the weather warm up on you for a week or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our first step will be folding up your ice fishing chair and prepping the gear for storage after a hard day of ice fishing. Luckily for you, we’ve prepared a cheat sheet.<\/span><\/p>\n

But before we crack into the ice fishing equipment storage checklist, let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should You Clean Ice Fishing Gear Before Storage Even if it’s Short-Term?<\/h2>\n

There’s a reason why we started the checklist the way we did: cleaning your ice fishing gear before you store it \u2013 is vital to your equipment’s life span.<\/span><\/p>\n

We know it’s tempting to toss your dirty rods into a 5-gallon bucket until your favorite lake is frozen again, but you risk returning to corroded, warped, and damaged gear. No need to take our word for it\u2014here’s what the experts have to say:<\/span><\/p>\n

“Before putting your equipment away, try to imagine the condition you started with and leave it in the same way,” says Joel Nelson, pro-staffer for <\/span>sporting equipment<\/span><\/a> retailers Otter Outdoors, Rapala, and Ice Force. Nelson says this means cleaning the equipment to remove any blemishes or debris.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ice fishing gear is used outdoors in the cold, moist weather\u2014let it sit, and it’s only a matter of time before the debris it’s caked in causes lasting damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

“After it’s been used, ice fishing gear tends to have snow and ice and other buildup on its surface,” Nelson says. “As the temperature warms up, the buildup melts and creates a moist environment for mold and mildew. To avoid this, I recommend using any kind of towel to wipe down your equipment. Leave it in the sunlight to dry it off and air it out [before putting it away.]”<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to clean your gutting equipment and any boots or clothing you’re storing as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Anything that has mud on it or was used to transport fish should be cleaned so as to not hold an odor or rust metal parts,” says John Kushniroff, manager of Prime Self Storage in Henderson, Colo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ice Fishing Rod Storage Checklist<\/h2>\n

Prep Ice Fishing Rods for Storage<\/h3>\n

-Dry all your rods, reel handles, and reel seats before you put them away to stop corrosion from setting in.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Loosen your reel’s drag settings to maintain the spring tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Remove the fishing line from your reels to prevent memory formation, bending, and line degrading.<\/span><\/p>\n