If you live in a northern state like Vermont, winter can feel like an eternity when you’re waiting to get back on the lake. While ice fishing helps scratch the itch, the offseason is also the perfect time to fine-tune your gear, upgrade equipment, and get organized for the upcoming season. A little work now means less scrambling when the ice finally melts and more time spent actually fishing.
One of my top priorities in the offseason is getting my electronics dialed in. I try to keep my Humminbird units updated throughout the season, but this year, I’m making a bigger move—upgrading to the new Humminbird XPLORE units. With my boat in storage, now is the time to prep for installation. That means gathering tools, organizing electrical components, and familiarizing myself with the new user interface. Using a Humminbird Ice Shuttle, I can power up my graphs indoors, set presets, update software, and load waypoints, so everything is ready to roll once the season kicks off.
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Beyond electronics, winter is also the perfect time to reflect on last season and focus on tackle organization. I usually start out the year with my gear dialed, but by the end of the season, things get messy. Now’s my chance to go through tackle boxes, consolidate gear, and upgrade storage with Plano’s new StowAway series and EDGE boxes. I also take inventory of terminal tackle—swapping out dull hooks, organizing weights by size, and restocking key items I ran low on last season.
Plano’s New StowAway Boxes
Plano’s new StowAway Utility Boxes take tackle storage to the next level. Built with a Duraview™ crystal-clear lid, these boxes make it easy to see exactly what’s inside at a glance. The improved labeling system allows for quick identification, while the secure ProLatch™ closures ensure your gear stays put. The redesigned divider system offers customizable storage, making them perfect for organizing everything from crankbaits to terminal tackle.
Clear Duraview™ Lid – Easily identify tackle inside Secure ProLatch™ Closures – Keeps everything locked in place Customizable Dividers – Adjust compartments to fit your gear Updated Labeling System – Quickly find what you need
The StowAway boxes are available in multiple sizes, making them a great addition to any angler’s arsenal. Whether you’re prepping for tournament season or just getting ready for spring, having a well-organized tackle system can make all the difference when it’s time to get on the water.
Here are a few simple organization tips to make the process easier:
Sort by Technique/Season
Instead of keeping a giant mix of lures in one box, separate gear by technique (cranking, jigging, finesse, topwater, etc.). This makes it easier to grab what you need quickly on the water.
Lake Champlain is so diverse, oftentimes you can catch fish however you want. With that, I started removing certain baits out of the boat during certain times of the year and storing them back in the office. With limited time to fish overall, unless I am practicing for a tournament, I typically have an idea what I want to do, and I can ensure I have the boxes needed.
Use Labeled Storage
The new Plano StowAway boxes feature an improved labeling system and customizable dividers, making it easy to keep tackle organized. This makes it simple to find what I need in the front storage compartment of the Phoenix, or among other boxes in one of the rear compartments.
Check and Clean Gear
Now is the time to clean reels, grease bearings, and replace damaged rod guides. A little maintenance now can prevent headaches during peak fishing months.
Restock Soft Plastics
Go through last season’s baits and remove any that are dried out, torn, or unused. Make a list of your go-to colors and styles so you’re stocked up before spring. I started using Daiwa D-Vec Binders, medium and large mostly, to sort soft plastics by kind, or technique. Doing so makes it easy to grab what is needed, and quickly add hot baits to the front locker.
While no one organization system will work for everyone, new products come out each year, and your style of fishing changes, making each winter the perfect opportunity to evaluate and adapt.
We’ve been fortunate to have open water through the winter on Lake Champlain the last few years, although this winter we haven’t been as lucky. But spring is coming fast, and I am ready to load the boat and chase open water!
