I store my rods in the garage and it gets pretty cold up here in MN. my buddy told me graphite does not like the cold. so i wonder is this really an issue? they are just sitting there not bent at all. i have released the drag on all my reels. should i move them into the house or is it just a myth. i guess i could see if they were bent a little.

most of them are avids but i have a kistler h2 and a g-loomis spinnerbait series if that makes any difference.

I used to keep my equipment in the garage during the cold. Then I read that the mono on the spool of your reel could contract in the cold and actually damage the spool. I use mono for backing on all my reels, so I started removing the reels and store them inside the house. Then I heard that the cold could effect the epoxy coating on some areas of the rod from what I assume is the different contraction rate of graphite and the epoxy, thus forcing a separation. I don't know if this is true or not, but instead of risking it, I keep everything in the house now.

I always keep mine nice and toasty warm. One bad experience and that was all it took. Dont know if it effects it or not but I dont think it can hurt. In a late November tourney last year, my buddy left his rods in my boat, and it got down to about 20* the night before. The first hookset of the day, that graphite Criox EXPLODED. Not pretty and can be painful.

Some really good points here. Mainly freshwater rods should be stored in a warm (above freezing) dry area. The reels should be removed, the rods should be stored vertically either by hanging from the tiptops or in a rack. The extreme cold does have a negative effect on the blanks make up, plus the guides finish can be effected by the cold. Lots of good reasons for not storing your expensive gear (no matter what you paid) in the extreme cold.

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!!