Rods & Reels & Other Stuff
Craig Sandell © 2010
 I have gotten some Email concerning the storage of Muskie
equipment during the cold off season period. I have done a little research and offer the
following for your consideration:
RODS
Technically speaking, the fiber glass and composite graphite
material used for Muskie rods should not be affected by the cold. Having said that,
however, you must consider that any material that is subjected to extremes in temperature
is likely to be effected in some way. Consider also, that many Muskie anglers have rods
with cork butts. Cork is likely to retain some moisture. When moisture is frozen, it tends
to expand causing some displacement to adjacent areas. This can translate into shorter
life for the butt material of your rod.
I would recommend that you store your rods in an area where the
temperature does not get below freezing. The basement, the den, a hall closet; all of
these would be a good choice.
REELS
Throughout the season, your reels are constantly subjected to
moisture. Regardless of what you do, some moisture will remain in your reels. In addition,
the grease used as lubricant in your reels will, under extremely cold temperatures,
freeze. When the grease thaws, it will become brittle because the moisture in the grease
will have separated. Your reel lubrication will no longer be effective.
As with the Rods, store your reels some where in the home where
the temperature will remain above freezing.
LURES
Lures, especially wooden lures, will be damaged by extremely
cold temperatures. Keep your lures in the house where they are warm. You have invested a
lot of money in those lures and you need to treat them accordingly.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Prolonged storage of electrical equipment such as, depth
finders, flashers, GPS systems, etc. in temperatures under freezing may cause the seals in
the LCD compartments to rupture. In all cases, follow the manufacturer's instructions for
storage. If you are unsure, keep them in the house where it is warm.
A PARTING WORD
All Muskie equipment was designed to be most effective in the
warmer periods of the year. Don't put your equipment anywhere where you would not want to
spend the winter. There is nothing more disappointing than the discovery that your
equipment is no longer up to the rigors of Muskie fishing.
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