Storing Fishing Tackle In The Cold?

[tcbass]

So last year I left all of my bass fishing tackle in my boat in an unheated pole barn which I stored up North where it probably got to -10 or more a few times. I had all of my tackle including reels, soft plastics, and everything else. This year everything worked fine.

 

 

 

However, my brother said it probably wasn't a good idea to leave all of my soft plastics in temperature like that, so i took all of my tackle and brought inside my house. I left my rods and reels outside in my garage which will get cold eventually. But I figure the rods and reels can take it. I also assume that rods, reels, and tackle face inclement weather conditions when they are stored by the manufacture and travel in transport trucks. I also figure the rods and reels are fine because rods and reels are used for icefishing all the time as are soft plastics.

 

 

 

 

So, are baits, specifically soft plastics and rods/reels affected by cold weather?

[Sam]

I don't take a chance with temperatures.

 

All tackle and baits go inside my house in my man cave at all times when not put on the boat the day of evening before going fishing.

 

If you store your tackle in a barn or outside you run the risk of an unwanted critter nibbling on them.

 

I don't think it is wise to allow the reel grease to freeze however I will defer to DVT for that answer.

 

Good question and I think the guys will steer  you in the right direction.

[deaknh03]

I don't take a chance with temperatures.

All tackle and baits go inside my house in my man cave at all times when not put on the boat the day of evening before going fishing.

If you store your tackle in a barn or outside you run the risk of an unwanted critter nibbling on them.

I don't think it is wise to allow the reel grease to freeze however I will defer to DVT for that answer.

Good question and I think the guys will steer you in the right direction.

grease wont freeze..otherwise cars might have an issue.

[Jeff H]

Won't bother the rods none.  Reels I would worry more about condensation forming inside from temp changes.  Plastics?  I wouldn't worry about those at all.

 

Bring the reels in and tear them down for service this winter.  It's something to do and you'll have plenty of time to do it.

[Tony L.]

I don't think temperature changes themselves are much of an issue for rods/reels, but accumulation of moisture from said temperature changes can be a huge problem. You could keep things inside just to be safe if you choose, but make sure that wherever you store your gear, it has airflow.

The only other thing that I have noticed in the way of effects after outdoor storage is increased memory in the fishing line that is spooled on the reels. Not a problem if you change your line each spring.

Personally, I like having everything indoors so I can take apart and clean the reels a couple times over the winter when I am feeling cabin fever.

Tackleboxes I almost always bring in because of again condensation/rust that can accompany temperature changes. Also, I have a few jars of Gulp Alive for panfish, which probably shouldn't freeze. Never heard anything about soft plastics before, but what you were saying makes sense.

[Fat Ika]

What about hardbaits in a cold garage? Any issues with altering the integrity of hardbaits in 20-40 degree temps?

[MickD]

My tackle has always been stored in an unheated pole building and I've never seen a problem of any type with any of my rods/reels/lures/anything due to temperature in Michigan.  

 

Yes, you want critter control.   I did have the grips on a reel nibbled one time.  The "camp" type bucket mouse traps are good in that they can keep trapping and killing mice without having to be constantly reset.  

[NorthernBasser]

49 minutes ago, Fat Ika said:

What about hardbaits in a cold garage? Any issues with altering the integrity of hardbaits in 20-40 degree temps?

No, they'll be fine...

[MN Fisher]

17 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

No, they'll be fine...

^ What he said. I've left mine in the garage and it occasionally gets down to -5 to -10 in there...not an issue.

[Fat Ika]

26 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

^ What he said. I've left mine in the garage and it occasionally gets down to -5 to -10 in there...not an issue.

 

 

46 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

No, they'll be fine...

Thanks guys. MN and WI approval....that's precisely what I was hoping for.

[NorthernBasser]

14 minutes ago, Fat Ika said:

 

 

Thanks guys. MN and WI approval....that's precisely what I was hoping for.

 ?

[MN Fisher]

[Black Hawk Basser]

I've never given it a thought to store any of my stuff anywhere but in my garage like always, and I do not notice any ill effects.  Us hardwater guys have our stuff out on the ice and play with it on -10 days!  Only thing I've broken is my butt from falling down.