Off the back of a fantastic fishing season, it’s time to pack it in for the winter. The easy thing to do would be to chuck the gear in the garage and pick it up next season.
Most of the gear will be fine and functional the following spring as most fly fishing gear is relatively low maintenance. But with a few tips and tricks, you can extend the working life of your gear by taking a little extra care before you store it away for the winter break.
It doesn’t take too much time and can save you money in the long run. Keeping your fly fishing gear clean and organized is the best way to ensure the equipment lasts longer and, most importantly, doesn’t fail you when you have that monster at the end of your line.
How to Store Fly Fishing Gear
Below are what we use when fly fishing and how these items should be prepped for the off-season break.
Fly Line
The fly fishing fly line is one of the most essential gear on the setup. Fly lines are what make casting possible and are often the least looked after each season.
Not looking after the fly line correctly will result in a cracked, stiff fly line that won’t function well and probably just knot and tangle all the time.
A fly line comprises a braided power inner core covered in PVC or Polyurethane. The PVC method is older, while polyurethane has a more sustainable, modern approach. The polyurethane method keeps the fly lines softer for longer and doesn’t leech any unwanted chemicals into the water systems.
Both coatings of the fly line require care and the correct storage procedures to prevent damage and wear.
After each session, it is advised to wash the fly lines and leave them in loose coils around the reel.
Keep the fly line loose and dry on these spools, with the reel end out to be attached first.
For a new line, wet it thoroughly before use and ensure you don’t get unnecessary coils wound up in it.
Anglers are also encouraged to wipe the line with a damp cloth for extended storage.
Things to avoid when storing fly line
- Tightly wound lines begin to crack.
- Avoid loose lines; make use of an Omnispool for correct storage.
- Don’t store the lines on a small arbor, which causes coils.
- Don’t just leave the line after fishing; a good wash is recommended.
- Packing the line away when wet will cause mold.
- Keep the line in a cool, dark place out of direct light.
Wading boots
Considering the price you pay for wading boots these days, storing them correctly over the winter is essential. Not looking after the boots correctly will cause the glue to separate and the stitching thread to weaken. Loosening thread is the first sign of boots that won’t last much longer.
After finishing your boots for the season, clean them well with soap and warm water. Make sure all the mud and dirt are off them.
It’s essential to keep the boots out of direct sunlight. When drying them out from the soap wash, the sun is the best place to have them, but once they have dried completely, leaving them in a shaded, dry place for a few more days is recommended.
Once completely dry, they can be placed on a dry shelf in a breathable bag or box until needed again. It’s best to store the boots with the laces out and the tongue pulled forward to allow air into the boot.
Waders
Storing waders correctly ensures they can be used for a few seasons without leaking issues.
Give the waders a thorough wash in and out with warm water. If any leaks are found, it is an excellent time to repair them. Anglers often only wash the outside of the waders, forgetting that the inside has seen some hot days out on the water.
The stocking foot bootie should be treated like a wetsuit with minimal sunlight and completely dry before storage. Once washed and repaired, hang the waders out to dry. Keep them out of direct sunlight as the rays soften the construction and stitching, leading to leaks. Drying the booties thoroughly is essential, or else they will start to mold.
Hang the waders up for the fall; waders should always be stored on a hanger in working condition to prevent cracks and tears on the fabric. For waders with boots attached, hang them upside down for any water to run out.
This is the best way to store the waders and ensure longevity.
Fly Rods
Fly rods are the easiest piece of fly fishing gear to clean and store for the off-season.
Using a hose pipe or, better yet, a shower, gently wet the fly rod and lightly scrub the rod’s eyes, reel seat, and cork. You will notice the change in cork color once finished.
Ensure all the grit and dirt are off the rod for the winter. If the fly rod has been used in the salt, the angler should take extra care to wash all parts very well. Salt is the worst corrosive, and it’s worth putting the extra time into cleaning the rod thoroughly.
Once the rod is clean and dry, store it in the rod tube off the ground if you have a vermin problem. Store the rod in the case in a dry place with the top unzipped to allow the rod to breathe.
It’s best to keep the system simple and well-organized when storing fishing reels.
Pulling all the lines off the reel until the backing is the best way to start. Keep the reel’s drag in the loosest setting so there is no tension on the drag while in storage.
Give the reel a good brush scrub, ensuring all the dirt and grit are off. Most reels have removable spools; removing the spool and giving the immediate inner workings a rinse is recommended. If you are uncomfortable with this, get your local fly shop to clean the reel and provide service.
This wash and care must be done after every fishing session or at least every second day for salt reels. The corrosive properties of salt will destroy the features of the reel over time.
The correct care and servicing of your fly reel can last a lifetime.
Float Tubes
A float tube is to remain semi-inflated during storage and between sessions. The worst thing an angler can do is leave it rolled up for prolonged periods. The folded points eventually dry and crack and become weak spots.
Flies
Sound silly? Taking a few minutes to properly clean and store your flies will ensure a longer fishable fly and stop the hook from deteriorating.
Removing all the flies from the fly boxes and soaking them in fresh water for a while is best.
Once the flies have thoroughly soaked, please remove them and place them on a board to dry out completely. Once dry, return to the fly boxes, storing them open, if possible, until needed.
Conclusion
By using these tips with your fly gear, you will ensure a longer life for most of it. Each angler has a system they follow, which is excellent. Getting most of the cleaning done early is essential so the gear can dry and be stored in a cool, dry place for the winter.
Looking after your gear with the above tips and tricks will ensure that every time on the water will be great. The gear will last a long time and may even be the fly fishing setup you give your grandchildren.
Look after your fly fishing gear, and it will look after you. That is true!
Tight lines!
