Winterizing vs. Winter Fishing

[elnutsmalljaws]

I fish alot in the winter also, besides making sure you drain your motor, i change my lower unit oil every year also. One other thing i always make sure i put my plug in before i leave out, cause i have gotten there and couldn't get my plug in cause of ice in the threads of the plug hole.

JD

Been there and done that -with the frozen plug threads. I keep cans of de-icer in the boat that works plus you can back your boat in the water while still on the trailer and let the lake water un-thaw it. Just a couple of tips if needed.

[slowride]

OK....so I keep reading about folks fishing in the Winter and was curious HOW DO THEY DO THAT without ruining their engine? I mean so many people fish in December and January, so without winterizing or even storing your boat in a heated garage....how does someone do this with a normal Mercury outboard. Is it a partial Winterize, or do they just winterize every time they get off the water?

If your done fishing for the winter and plan on storing it for up to 3 months i would for sure winterize, even in a heated garage. These boats and trucks are way too expensive to skip out on proper maintenance! I for one take great care of my stuff because i want it to last and fewer problems=more time on the water. I don't fish Dec through Feb and i keep my boat in a garage. I have a 50 2 stroke merc. Put stabilizer in your gas and put your rabbit ears on and run it for 125min to ensure its throughout the motor. Drain your lower unit and change the oil in it. Fog the carb and spray the fogger in the spark plugs, then turn it over once. Wash and wax before storage and grease fittings and hinges. That's what i would recommend, i know some guys are saying they have never winterize, but i would stick to the preventive maintenance at all cost whether its your boat or your tow vehicle.

[slowride]

woops run it for only 15 min