Winterizing Your Saltwater Fishing Gear: The Complete New England Guide

Winter Comes Fast - Don’t Let It Wreck Your Gear

When the bite slows and the nor’easters start rolling through, salt, sand, and freezing temps can quietly destroy reels, rods, and tackle boxes before spring.

That’s why the crew at J&B Tackle puts together this guide: a real-world winterization plan for New England saltwater anglers. We’ve been fishing and servicing New England gear for more than forty years, and we know exactly what the cold, damp off-season can do.

1. Why Winterizing Matters in the Northeast

Continued use of your gear is always best. During the winter months, don’t let your gear hibernate—moisture creeps into reel bearings, line guides corrode, and tackle rusts. A proper winterization routine:

• Extends the life of your reels and rods

• Prevents costly corrosion and drag failure

• Keeps your line and tackle ready for the first striped-bass run

• Saves you from “frozen reel surprise” on opening day
  
  

Pro tip: Every winter, J&B Tackle offers reel service and cleaning. Drop off your gear before February 15 to beat the spring rush and have it serviced by our techs. 

2. Quick Gear-Prep Checklist

Before we dive deep, here’s the big-picture list:

• Rinse rods and reels with fresh water, optionally using SaltAway

• Tighten the drag fully for a moment, then loosen it completely for storage.

• Clean guides and line rollers

• Oil bearings, grease gears

• Mist exposed metal with corrosion inhibitor

• Store rods vertically with covers

• Open tackle boxes to air-dry

If that’s all you have time for, you’ll already be miles ahead of most anglers. But if you want pro-level results and longer gear life, read on.

3. Reels: Clean, Lube, Protect

Your reels are the heart of your setup, and saltwater can do serious damage.

Step 1: Rinse & Dry

Use low-pressure fresh water, SaltAway and a soft cloth. Never blast reels, which forces salt into bearings. Tighten the drag before rinsing so water doesn’t get into the drag system.

After everything is dry, loosen the drag again. 

Step 2: Light Cleaning

Spray with Penn Rod & Reel Cleaner or a mild soap mix. Wipe off grime, then use a cotton swab for tight spots.

Step 3: Lubricate

• Disassemble

• A dab of Penn Grease & Oil Kit on gears and handle knobs

• A drop of oil on the line roller and bail arm

• Back off the drag before storing

Step 4: Protect

Finish with CorrosionX Lubricant or similar inhibitor. Lightly mist metal surfaces and hardware.

When to Bring It In

If your reel grinds, sticks, or hasn’t been serviced in 12 months, let us handle it. Our techs use ultrasonic cleaners, replace worn drag washers, and respool with PowerPro Braid or your favorite line so it’s ready for the spring bite.
Book Reel Service Here 

4. Rods: Inspect & Store Right

A few minutes now can prevent cracked guides and moldy grips later.

1. Inspect Guides — Run a cotton swab through each eye. If it snags, that guide’s chipped and needs replacement.
   

2. Clean the Blank — Wipe with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.

3. Condition Grips — EVA: mild soap + rinse. Cork: wipe with damp cloth only.
   

4. Protect & Store — Slip on Rod Socks & Tubes to prevent dust and scratches. Store vertically or flat with no pressure on tips.
   

5. Wax (Optional) — A light coat of marine wax keeps salt off blanks. Keep in mind that wax is not good for repairs or refinishing - so hold off if you are bringing in for either of these.
   

If you notice loose reel seats or cracked guides, bring rods to J&B Tackle — we do in-house guide replacements and rewraps all winter.

5. Line Care: Replace, Reverse, or Refresh

Line often tells the real story of neglect.

• Braid: If the top half looks faded but the bottom’s new, flip it. We can reverse it for you during reel service.
  

• Fluoro/Mono: Replace yearly; UV and salt break it down.
  

• Top-Shots: Add 30 yards of fresh fluoro to save the core braid.
  

• Storage: Keep reels loose, drags backed off, and line dry.
  

Need a new line? Shop Braid & Leader Material 

6. Tackle & Lure Protection

Salt crystals + closed boxes = rust city.

1. Open every box, rinse, and dry completely.
   

2. Replace any rusted trebles or split rings with Stainless Hooks & Hardware.
   

3. Move to vented or rust-proof storage like Plano Edge Boxes.
   

4. Optional: add a small moisture-absorber packet to keep humidity down.
   

5. Avoid sealing wet lures in airtight bins.
   Organize by species, stripers, tog, fluke, so you’re ready to roll when spring hits.

7. Storage: Garage, Basement, or Boat

• Temperature: Avoid unheated sheds if possible; cold + damp air corrodes fast. Temperature changes cause condensation and rust - storing in a cool, dry area is best.
  

• Humidity: Add a small desiccant tub or plug-in dehumidifier.
  

• Airflow: Leave tackle boxes cracked open for a week, then close with fresh Zerust tabs.
  

• Boat Gear: Remove electronics and rods; wipe down hardware with inhibitor and cover metal fittings.

Product bundle to consider:

• CorrosionX Spray

• https://www.jbtackle.com/collections/tackle-storage?gf_836246=Plano

• Penn Precision Reel Grease

• Quantum Hot Sauce

• Zerust Tabs

• J&B Rod Socks
  

→ Shop the Winter Storage Collection →

8. DIY vs Professional Service

If you’re not comfortable opening side-plates or don’t have the right grease, bring it in. Our winter bench service includes ultrasonic cleaning, inspection, fresh lubrication, and respooling — all done by anglers who use this gear every day.

Drop off your reels at J&B Tackle in Niantic or ship them in — we’ll call when they’re spring-ready. Schedule Now 

9. Stay Ready for Spring

A little winter prep means more time fishing and less time fixing. Whether you do it yourself or have J&B Tackle handle it, your gear will thank you with smooth drags and rust-free hooks.

Before the first striper shows up in April, make sure your tackle is tuned, cleaned, and organized.

FAQs

Q: How often should reels be serviced?
A: Every 12 months or sooner if you fish hard through fall. Saltwater bearings degrade faster in our region.

Q: Should I back off the drag for winter?
A: Absolutely. Tight drags, compress washers and can ruin smoothness.

Q: Is WD-40 safe for reels?
A: No. Use marine-grade lubricants like Shimano Oil or Penn Reel Grease. WD-40 strips grease and attracts dirt.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent lure rust?
A: Dry tackle completely, use rust-inhibitor boxes, and replace carbon-steel hooks with stainless or tin-coated versions. Don't mix used and unused lures because moisture can transfer.

Q: What soap should I use?
A: Salt-Away. Degreasing with boat and dish soaps strips grease and needed oil from bearings and gears.