How to Store Fishing Gear

Planning on getting Dad some new fishing gear for Father’s Day? We’ve got some great tips for storing fishing gear the right way. Share this guide with Dad and he’ll be able to keep using rods, reels and waders on fishing trips for years to come.

Storing Fishing Reels

1. Cut off old/used line.
2. Thoroughly clean reels after each use by washing them in hot, soapy water and make sure to let them fully dry.
3. If you’re storing for an extended period of time (such as over the winter months), then it’s imperative to:
4. Lubricate all moving parts of the reel. Most sporting goods stores sell special fishing gear lubricants but you can also use common oil.
5. Grease the small moving parts of the reel with Vaseline. Apply it liberally and turn the handle to work the Vaseline through all the parts. Wipe off excess.

Storing Fishing Rods

1. 1. Use a cloth soaked in lukewarm water and mild detergent/vinegar to clean rods every time you finish fishing. If you’ve been fishing in saltwater, this is especially important as saltwater is corrosive.

1. 1. If you’ve been fishing in saltwater, remove the line from both the rod and reel, and wash and store these items separately.

1. 1. Use paraffin or candle wax to rub the joints of the rod (also known as ferrules) – the places where the separate sections of the rod attach together.

1. 1. Remove dirt from rod with a soft-bristle brush. An old toothbrush works too.

1. 1. Allow the rod to dry completely before storing it.

1. 1. Loosen the drag completely before storing your rod and reel so the line does not pull on the rod.

1. Keep rod on a rack mounted vertically or horizontally, preferably indoors and away from the elements. This is critical as improper storage can result in curvature or damage.

Storing Waders
Properly cleaning and storing waders are important to preserve the synthetic or rubber materials they’re made from.

1. 1. Clean with freshwater and allow to dry completely.

1. 1. Pack boot-style waders with newspaper; this will allow the boots to retain their shape.

1. 1. Once dry, ROLL them. Do NOT fold. Creases can create cracks and leaks.

1. 1. Place rolled waders in a dark garbage or dry cleaning bag to block out light.

1. Store in a cool and dark place, away from sunlight.

To see how to make your own fishing rod mount for storage, check out this guide from Trails.com.