Humans have been fishing for thousands of years, and many today fish for recreation rather than survival. Central Texas has several fishing spots where you can throw in your line to catch your dinner, or just have a relaxing time. After visiting your favorite Central Texas fishing spot, it’s also important to know how to properly store your fishing rods and gear when you’re not using them so you can continue to use them for years to come.
Storing Fishing Rods and Gear
Fishing Reels
- Cut off your old line that you have used in the past.
- Be sure to clean your reel with soap and hot water. Let them dry before attempting storage.
- It’s a good idea to lubricate your reel with a special oil specific for a reel, but regular oil can also work.
- Work the oil or Vaseline into small parts of your reel and turn it so it gets deeper into the mechanisms.
- Replace any parts that are worn or broken.
Fishing Rods
- You should be cleaning your rod after every use, but before storing it give it an extra wash by using a cloth soaked in detergent and saltwater. If not cleaned properly, your rod can become corroded.
- Remove the line from the rod and reel.
- Use paraffin or candle wax to rub the joints of the rod (also known as ferrules) – the places where the separate sections of the rod attach to each other.
- Remove dirt from the rod with a soft-bristle brush. An old toothbrush works too. Allow the rod to dry completely before storing it.
- Remove extra dirt from the rod using any kind of brush and if you are using water, let it dry completely before storage.
- Loosen the drag completely before storing your rod and reel so the line does not pull on the rod.
- Store your rod away from the elements and mounted off the floor, either horizontally or vertically, so it doesn’t bend.
Fishing Hooks
- Get a good tackle box, and be sure to label each box so you remember which hooks are there.
- Draw moisture from your hooks in storage by placing cotton balls or wooden toothpicks in there to let them absorb what would eventually rust your hooks.
- Another method is to purchase Silica dry-gel packets and place them in each box.
Other Fishing Equipment
It may be a good idea to store a few other items with your fishing gear so they are ready for you when you decide to go fishing. Some recommended items to keep in your fishing kit include:
- Line clippers
- Hemostats or needle nose pliers
- Measuring tape or fish ruler
- Ice chest
- A net to help you land your fish
- First-Aid Kit
Great Places to Fish in Central Texas
Cedar Ridge
Address: Cedar Ridge Park, Temple, TX 76502
Phone: (254) 986-1404
White Flint Park
Address: 10977-11117 White Flint Park Rd, Moody, TX 76557
Phone: (254) 939-2461
Temple Lake Park
Address: FM2305, Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 780-2461
Koehne Park
Address: Koehne Park Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Phone: (254) 756-5359
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson
Address: Reservoir on the Colorado River (approx. 45 miles northwest of Austin)
Buy Fishing Supplies and Gear in Central Texas
Tightlines Premium Fishing Tackle
Phone: (254) 690-3474
Address: 5902 E Veterans Memorial Blvd, Killeen, TX 76543
National Athletic Supply
Phone: (254) 939-8789
Address: 1255 Industrial Park Rd, Belton, TX 76513
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Phone: (254) 523-3510
Address: 6001 W Waco Dr Unit 316, Waco, TX 76710
Most Common Fish Caught in Central Texas
Central TX has plenty of different kinds of fish, but there are some fish more likely to be caught than others, such as:
- Bass
- Black Crappie
- White Crappie
- Catfish
- Bullheads
- Carp
- Gar
- Sunfish
These species are freshwater and plentiful where they can be caught. Knowing that these are the fish you’ll likely encounter gives you the ability to plan the type of bait, hooks and fishing line you want to use before you go on your next fishing trip. It’s always a good idea to research where you are fishing so you are ready for what you may come across.
Famous Fisherman from Texas
Texas is home to a few famous anglers who have made their mark on the fishing community / industry. Texas is proud to be the home to the successful fishermen listed below:
- Keith Combs
- Jerry Dunaway
- Deborah Dunaway
- Jeff Sprague
- Takahiro Omori
- Chris Zaldain
These individuals have traveled around the country and world fishing (often breaking records during their tournaments). With a lot of training and proper rod maintenance, you may have your name in the Texas record books too.
Central TX Self Storage Facilities – Amy’s Attic Self Storage
Amy’s Attic Self Storage offers a safe storage environment for your fishing gear and poles. With temperature-controlled units and awesome customer service, we are ready to serve you. If you are interested in renting a unit or have questions, then please contact Amy’s Attic at 855-426-9728.
