For centuries, fishing has remained a consistent part of human history, whether for leisure or utility.  Many people prefer to catch fish simply as a hobby or, in other cases, it may be the way some earn a professional living.  Whatever category someone may fall into, and whether it is on a lake or in the ocean, there are many different types of equipment that every fisherman must have in order to be successful.  With this in mind, there are several proper storage and maintenance techniques that must be used throughout the year in order to keep your equipment in good working condition.  Continue reading below to find some tips and suggestions on how to properly store and maintain your fishing gear. 

Take it Apart- While it may be tempting to leave your fishing equipment put together throughout the year, be sure to take your rod and reels apart at different times so that you can clean or replace springs, gears, or any other parts that may need attention.  It is also important to clean and wipe down the outside of the rods in order to prevent rust from building up, adding to the general wear and tear that comes with use over time.  Additionally, make sure to store your rods in rod sleeves to keep parts organized and prevent them from getting mismatched. 

Use Storage Units- When you store your fishing rods, it is crucial to remember to store them vertically at room temperature.  This will help prevent possible warping, bending, or breaking due to changes in temperature.  Additionally, storing your rods in an area that is too warm can cause the graphite and fiberglass to become weakened.  The use of a storage unit would be perfect for a situation such as this.  Many times, they offer a climate-controlled environment with an interior that will help protect against hazards such as rust, mildew, and other unwanted substances.  To go along with this, you should have enough space available that will allow you to store other necessary equipment in the units as well.  Until you need it, your gear will remain safe and protected against all types of weather for as long as necessary. 

Lines, Wires, Hooks, Lures, and Knives- There are others parts of the fishing process, in addition to the actual fishing poles, that are integral to having a long-term, successful experience.  Lines, wires, hooks, lures, and fishing knives may seem small, but they can make a significant difference when it comes to fishing.  As such, you must keep this equipment properly maintained.  Be sure to examine all lines and wires for possible damage, replace them when needed, and store them in loose coils in order to prevent a tangled mess.  As far as hooks and lures are concerned, you will need to sharpen or replace anything that has become rusted.  Of course, any knives that are used for cutting or cleaning fish can certainly become dull at times, so keeping stone products around to sharpen the edges of these knives will pay off if you happen to encounter any dull spots. 

Although these storage and maintenance techniques may take some time out of your day, they are necessary to ensure that all of your fishing equipment remains in good shape while consistently performing at a high level.  The team at SMARTBOX hopes that the above information will be helpful as you continue to enjoy fishing experiences of all kinds.  If you would like more information about our company and the services we offer, feel free to contact us today at 1-877-627-8269.