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Storing your gear after fishing season

Belfast Road Self Storage • March 3, 2020

Get ready to 'winterize' your fishing gear

The New Zealand fishing scene is a huge time of year for many kiwis and anglers who come from overseas who come to the southern hemisphere to escape the winter and enjoy their favourite hobby at the hight of New Zealand summer. 


Some the best fishing and the greatest chances of catching that trophy trout that every angler dreams of is early on in the season between October and February.  As March and April come around the weather starts to change and the fishing season starts to slow down, this is a great time to prepare your fishing gear for winter storage. 


So if you have space at home or have a self storage unit for your hobbies here are some top tips for storing your boat and hanging up your hook this winter.

Storing your Fishing Equipment

1. Take your reels apart

You should Take your reels apart so you can clean, grease and oil them. Replace any gears or springs that are worn. 
Also, clean and oil the reel handles and reel seat hardware. Making sure that all the moving parts are well oiled and lubricated is essential so they don't freeze up with corrosion.

2.  Check the guides and winding wraps

Check your rod for worn guides and loose winding wraps. You should remove and replace any guides with nicks or grooves and if the wraps are loose or exposed, repair with a few wraps of winding thread and coat with rod spar varnish.

3. Use rod sleeves

When you disassemble your rods, make sure to store them using rod sleeves to keep tip and butt sections from becoming mismatched.

4. Store your rods vertically

Storing your rods vertically will avoid a set or bend.  You should also make sure they are kept at room temperature. Storing them in a hot place can weaken the graphite or fiberglass.

5. Storing your waders

If you use waders, check them for leaks. Most leaks are easy to find, but pinhole leaks can be a challenge. An easy way to find a pinhole leak is with a torch and a pen.   Go into a dark room or area and put the torch or light inside your waders.  The light will shine through the pinhole. Circle any holes you find with the pen then you can patch them with a waterproof adhesive.  To store them is is best to let dry, and hang waders in a cool, dry place. 

6. Fishing Line

Examine monofilament and braided lines for wear, replace where necessary and store in loose coils. When cleaning your lines use dish detergent.  For fly lines, make sure to remove the line from your reel and store in loose coils. This is important as fly lines have memory and by storing them in loose coils they are less likely to kink and tangle in the spring.

7. Hooks and Lures

You should check and Replace or sharpen rusty or bent hooks and Replace all broken lures, necessary tools (like pliers or hook hones) and terminal tackle.

8. Fishing Knives

Filet knives get dull with lots of use. Use a 65-120 grit stone to sharpen the edge for next season. Clean, dry the knife then coat the blade with a light oil before storing for the winter.

 Storing your Boat

1. The engine

Winterize your engine by running fogging oil through the cylinders. Change your spark plugs, water filter, and lower unit oil.

2. The gas tank

Before filling your tank, be sure to add gas stabiliser to avoid unwanted moisture while it is in storage

3.The Battery

Remove the battery from the boat and store it in a warm, dry place. When it comes to getting your boat out of storage int he spring you should trickle charge it. 

4. Store your boat clean

Alway make sure that you thoroughly clean your boat before putting into storage and ensure that the interior compartments of are as dry as possible before putting its cover. If you don't have a cover, consider shrink-wrapping or using a closed storage unit. 

5. The Outboards

Trim outboards down so all water can drain. If you remove your outboard attach it to a saw horse in the upright position (rather than laying on its side). Tune up inboards by replacing all fluids and sparkplugs and fill with antifreeze.

6.Trailer

If you store your boat on a trailer be sure to jack up the wheels and place a block under the axles prevent damage or misshapen tyres  As rubber breaks down with repeated soakings and exposure to the sun and saltwater, consider replacing your tires every four to five years regardless of tread wear.
Pack your trailer hubs and your steering cable with grease so hubs and cables don't freeze up.  Inspect any trailer leaf springs and U-bolts and change if they are corroded.  Inspect all trailer lighting harnesses, brake light harnesses, and directionals to be sure your lighting system is intact.

7. Restock 

Restock your first-aid kit, update flares, replace flashlight, life jackets and handheld marine radios if necessary. Replace sun screen and bug repellent, as well as any other items you've used during the season.

You've invested in your fishing gear and you'll want to get the best life from it so storing it properly will keep it in top condition. 


If the fishing season is more than just an every so often hobby for you, then you may want want to think about having a dedicated storage space.   It is worth clearing an area of your garage or home and building in shelving for your equipment or you could rent a self storage unit and install storage racks for your rods and other fishing equipment.   Whatever your need, Belfast Road Self Storage can help with flexible and friendly storage options. 


Whether you're moving, downsizing or just need a place to put some boxes, we look at how to find a storage facility that's right for you. We offer great value, secure storage units in Christchurch with flexible agreements which can dove-tail with your personal requirements.  Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your storage needs, 
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