> If you’re running a flip-over-style shack, odds are the bottom of your sled is preeeetty gross…take a deck scrub brush with a little warm + soapy water and clean out those nasty crevices.

> One of the biggest killers from long-term shack storage is moisture…ultimately leading to mold. Set your shack(s) up in the yard on a sunny day and really let ’em air out/dry — neighbors might look at you funny but it works.

> Throw some dryer sheets and cheap car air fresheners in your shack to keep the rodents out. Shouts to Brad Hawthorne for the tip! Throws 8-10 of ’em and a pair of air fresheners in each shack…likes the Gain ones ‘cuz they smell horrible (lol).

> Another great way to keep the critters outta your shack is to get it up off the ground. Lots of different budget-friendly ways to do it, but one of the better options we’ve seen (if you’re willing to spend some $$$) is the Racor Ceiling Storage Lift.

Fish-head Steve Kloos just installed one and is already thinking about picking up another — easy to see why.

> Dial back the drags on your reels…increases the longevity of drag systems.

> Leaving line on ice reels over the off-season can leave you with a coiled mess come first ice. Way easier to strip the line off your reels now and start fresh come next season. Also the perfect time to grease/oil your reels. It’s cheap and can add years to your gear.

> I like to take all my reels off my ice rods and store separately. You can fit a pile of rods securely in a hard case like this super-popular one from Otter

.

> Electric augers: Charge your batteries throughout the off season — monthly if possible — to get the most out of ’em. Same goes for electronics.

> Gas augers: Be sure to change the oil and clean the spark plugs. Some like to drain any remaining gas and add fuel stabilizer — making sure to pump through the fuel lines with the primer bulb.

> Draining gas can be a huge pain and sometimes do more harm than good. It can dry out and crack gaskets, and seals…or invite corrosion = no bueno.

> Additives like AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer fight fuel deterioration and can “help keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months…prevents the formation of varnish and sludge…eases starting process when taken out of storage.” Only takes 1-oz to treat 2.5 gallons of fuel that contains up to 10% ethanol.

> Sturgeon often relate to the deepest holes in the river. That depth will vary from 15-30′ depending which section of water you’re on. Trust your Side Imaging….

> Position the boat on the upcurrent side of the hole. This area seems to hold more active fish as they funnel upriver, following the contour lines right to your bait. If you’re not catching anything: move onto the next hole! For me it’s 45-ish minutes of no action and I’m pulling up my hypothetical anchor [thx Spot-Lock!].

> A stout catfish or musky rod spooled up with 65-lb Sufix 832 Advanced Superline will do the trick. Best leader lengths can vary…usually 10-18″ is a good starting point.

> If the current is really ripping — or the fish are hugging tight to bottom — chop your leader down to 6-10″ to keep your bait closer to bottom. Play with longer 24-36″ leaders if you’re seeing the fish come through high on your electronics.

> A 5/0 VMC 7384 Sport Circle Hook has a large-enough gap to load it up with bait, yet it’s not too large that you’ll sacrifice bites.

> You’re more likely to keep fish pinned with circle hooks, and less likely to gut-hook ’em. Don’t swing for the fences on the hookset…sorry bass guys! Instead, pick up the slack then start steadily reeling while sweeping the rod tip upriver. The circle hook will slide into the corner of the fish’s mouth and whammy — it’s game time.

> Sturgeon are great at feeding by scent, so make sure to frequently re-bait. I like to put on fresh meat about every 20 minutes to keep that scent trail strong.

> Some guys — *cough* me included *cough* — swear by adding a couple frozen shiners to a glob of 3 or 4 ‘crawlers. It’s tough to tell if it makes a big difference, but catch a couple of bigguns while using ’em and you wouldn’t want to switch either!

> Swift current is good at stripping bait clean off the hook — especially frozen emerald shiners. Using BIG GAME Bait Buttons (a small rubber “button” that slips over the hook barb) helps to keep your bait in place. They pay for themselves after just a few trips out. Don’t worry — your buddies will stop making fun of you once they try ’em.