Any Reason Not To Leave Rods And Reels In Boat Rod Locker When Stored?

[tcbass]

So, I'm storing my boat at my mom's place in a pole barn out in the woods. Not really worried about thieves. I'm wondering if there is any reason not to store my rods and reels in the boat's rod locker?

 

 

 

 

[cadman]

I store my boat in an enclosed rental place all year long. During the summer when I use my boat I naturally leave all my tackle in their. In winter, I take all my tackle, rods and reels included, out of the boat. I then loosen all my drags and take the reels off the rod, and put the rods in a rod rack. They stay that way until Spring. I just like to keep the rods standing up with no stress on them.  I don't think it matters, but this is the way I do it for piece of mind. I would like to hear other guys input as well.

[Jig Man]

I keep my rods in my boat all the time, except for the seldom used ones like for FnF.  They live in the rod closet that I had built in when we built the house.  Mine are used quite a bit as I only stop fishing when the water is hard.  I have never noticed any ill effects of keeping them in the boat.  Between trips I loosen the drags on my bait casters to keep pressure off the drag washers (that was recommended by Heartland Tackle service several years ago).

[BassnChris]

I remove my rods after each outing and bring them and the tackle into the house. I do not know if there is any reason to......I just feel like the extreme heat and moderately cold weather are not necessarily good for them......just how my mind works

[J Francho]

In a pole barn, as in sheltered?  Just crack the hatches so moisture isn't trapped in there, and watch out for squirrels and other vermin.  I keep both my boats in a pole barn.  Vermin is a bigger concern than anything else.

[Fisher-O-men]

In a pole barn, as in sheltered?  Just crack the hatches so moisture isn't trapped in there, and watch out for squirrels and other vermin.  I keep both my boats in a pole barn.  Vermin is a bigger concern than anything else.

What he said.  Rats are hard on everything. I would be sure that each rod is laid straight.  I hate to see rods leaned into corners. (not that you intend to do that)

[Tony L.]

I don't think that there would be too much stress in your gear so long as you get enough air and keep things free from moisture that could cause rust, corosion, or mold. I imagine that all of that time sitting idle and exposed to temperature extremes would be pretty tough on your line and cause a lot of coiling/memory though. Not a problem if you change it every spring. The only other drawback is that you miss out on the opportunity to disassemble and clean everything during the winter months.

[gramps50]

In a pole barn, as in sheltered?  Just crack the hatches so moisture isn't trapped in there, and watch out for squirrels and other vermin.  I keep both my boats in a pole barn.  Vermin is a bigger concern than anything else.

 

I have heard that putting moth balls in the boat would did courage vermin. 

[F14A-B]

Sure, if you use less expensive gear, and don't mind a potential surprise in spring. At a bare minimum I would bring my reels in, electronics, I have gear, that, there's no way it's going to spend the winter in storage ( boat ) when you stop considering thief's as a non- issue, that's when you may very well get burned. While its not likley to happen at a pole barn, on private property, that means nothing to a thief or other animals...

[Lund Explorer]

I always store my rods and reels in the house.

 

Each fall I bring them all inside and go over each one until the pile is done.  I strip the old line off and clean/lubricate the reels.  Any that are in need of repairs that I don't feel comfortable doing myself get shipped out.  All of my rods are cleaned off and I inspect line guides for wear that can be repaired as well. 

 

It also makes it easier to get them all ready as spring approaches.  I'm spooling line before the snow is gone.

[Chief 2]

I am fortunate to be able to fish year round so my stuff stays in my boat. I do loosen the drags at the end of the days fishing and keep moisture absorbing pouches I picked up at Tractor Supply in the compartments.

[J Francho]

I have heard that putting moth balls in the boat would did courage vermin. 

 

Yep, moth balls and dryer sheets work.  Red squirrels don't seem affected by them though.  The respond better to .177 cal pellets, though.

 

I think we need to find if the OP means storing it through winter, or just between trips.  For winter storage, everything comes out - gear, batteries, prop, electronics, etc.  There's a whole process to wintering a boat, and that all depends on where you live and temperatures/climate.

[Long Mike]

Potential theft issues aside, and assuming that there will be a week or so between trips, I bring all of my gear inside where it is kept at room temperature.  I don't bother slackening off on the brakes, because it is no longer necessary with today's technology.  I just don't like the idea of my gear going through extreme temperature cycles.  I figure if it isn't good for me, it can't be good for my gear. 

[Driftb]

A friend had some rods stored on his boat in a shed and squirrels or mice, or rats chewed up the handles on 8 Loomis IMX rods, and handles on his reels too.  He was not too pleased.

[WIGuide]

In between trips everything of mine stays in the boat. Storing it for winter though is when it all gets pulled out.

[Glenn]

Depends on whether or not your rod lockers are water-proof.  If they're sealed and dry, no problem.  But if they're prone to letting moisture in, then I'd take everything out.

[desmobob]

I could never leave my rods/reels in the boat's rod locker all winter.  I'm 53 years old, going on 12.  At some point during the winter, I'm going to want to get my toys out and play with them and daydream about spring fishing.  :-)

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[BassnChris]

Potential theft issues aside, and assuming that there will be a week or so between trips, I bring all of my gear inside where it is kept at room temperature. I don't bother slackening off on the brakes, because it is no longer necessary with today's technology. I just don't like the idea of my gear going through extreme temperature cycles. I figure if it isn't good for me, it can't be good for my gear.

Speaking of good for you.......might they get a little sip out of the box too?

[Long Mike]

The box is mine!  Mine, I tell you!  No one touches my precious box! 

[J Francho]

The box is mine!  Mine, I tell you!  No one touches my precious box!