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What should I do with my rods and reels

Question:
Sadly, it's almost time to start putting away my fishing gear for the winter and switch to hunting mode. What should I do with my rods and reels as far as cleaning and storing them so they will be ready for the next spring?

-Matthew

Answer:
Great question Matthew,But I wouldn't put all of my tackle away their is some really good fishing still to be done .I do bring all of my rods,reels in the house and clean the rod guides with a cotton swab and cleaner.The reels I go over theme making sure all of the screws are tight,WD-40 them good then let dry. a few drops of oil on the knobs on the reel handle and worm shaft.Also, I store them in a rod sock in side the house. I bring in all of my tackle and put in the basement. I go over every hard bait check hooks,split rings and clean any rust off.The same with spinner baits clean them up, fix all of the skirts and organize by weight.Go over plastics,I keep all of the craws,twin tails,chunks in one container,Trick worms Old monsters,stix worms in one container and try to keep the from getting bent up. I go thru all of the T-Tungsten weights organize and make sure I have all the different sizes and colors of weights.The hooks I go thru and check the hook point and barbs make sure their is no rust on any of the hooks or in the hook box and organize 1# 2# 3# in order for the strait shank worm hooks,wide gap hooks.Also I go thru all of my different fishing line and store it in a dark cool place.This is very time consuming work but fun! Taking care of the fishing equipment and being organized has great rewards.

Thanks for the Question and FISH HARD!

Mark Tucker
B.A.S.S. Elite Angler