Winter fishing can be some of the best times on the water all year — if you are prepared. For most anglers, prepared means warm clothes, hot drinks, and the right assortment of baits & lures; but what about making sure your rod and reel are ready for freezing temperatures? Here are some tips to help ensure everything runs at peak performance even when the temperature drops to all-time lows.

Late winter fishing can be a challenge, and the conditions can be harsh. Snow, ice, and dropping temperatures require a different type of preparation than chasing bass on a sunny July afternoon. You have spent hours, if not longer, selecting the proper layered clothing, picking the best thermos, and finding bait that will remain active. But have you given any thought to how those same conditions will impact your rod & reel? Have you taken any steps to prevent everything from freezing up at a critical moment? Chances are the answer is no.

Here are some areas that deserve your consideration, along with a few tips to keep you casting all winter long.

Frozen guides. One of the first casualties of cold temperatures will be the guides. As the line passes through water, it will splash and spray the metal & ceramic guides, and that thin, almost undetectable H2O will soon turn to ice. If untreated, the ice will cut lines and eventually break guides. Fortunately, this is easily addressed by applying a de-icing agent. There are several such products marketed specifically for fishing, although many everyday household products work well too. Lip balm, cooking spray, and even Armour All have their fans, though I suggest avoiding harsh chemicals, as they are more likely to damage your equipment and are not the best for the environment either.

Frozen line. Obviously, the line being wet will eventually lead to the same icing conditions your guides face, and a frozen line is a brittle, undependable line. Although switching to a fluorocarbon version is the first step, coating any line with a de-icing agent is recommended. As with the guides, there are commercially available products available, marketed mainly to fly anglers.

Gears. One of the biggest concerns when fishing in freezing temperatures is reels freezing up. As temperatures drop, most commonly used gear greases will solidify, causing skipping or outright stoppages. To prevent this decrease, you need to re-lubricate using cold-weather oil. Most of these products are synthetic and specially designed for use in sub-zero conditions. Some anglers also elect to use older reels with slightly worn gears to compensate for the stiffening lubricant.

Tackle Boxes. Even experienced winter anglers often forget about deep-freeze-proof tackle storage, that is, until they attempt to operate zippers and small latches while covered in ice or wearing large gloves. Consider swapping out summer bags and boxes for those less likely to be affected by the conditions and with larger, easier-to-manipulate access points.