Pack Baskets...........

[piscesman]

      Hello,
I just purchased a used pack basket that doesn't have stain or preservative on it. I'm asking you is there anything I should do to treat or put on the basket to keep it from rotting out and all??? Thanks for any help........
     Kim     

[jacksmelt71]

when i used to use them i used to put a good exterior stain on it. a layer of polyurethane after will seal it good. ive switched to a 6 gal bucket with a top of a laundry bag pop riveted on top so you can cinch the rope around the tip ups so they stay in. does better in the tote sled behind the snowmobile. if youre on foot though the pack baskets fine and your tip ups dry better too.

[pennreels]

I have used linseed oil and it works great. Put a few coatings on the first year and another the year after,  none since.  It has been a good  5 years since I put any more on.

Tom

[Out4Trout]

I use linseed oil also. 

[Mainedog]

I have heard polyurathane makes them brittle.  Stain sounds like the way to go.
I've had one for several years, and done nothing to it.  Seems to be holding up
okay, but maybe I'll put some stain on it as I wait for the season to begin.

[coldbum]

I have always just left the pack baskets natural wood. I have had the same two baskets since I was a child they are still in
good condition... no treatment required

[piscesman]

Thanks for all the info there. I'm concerned if I don't seal the wood it will pick up a fishy smell and rot the wood. I also use 5 gal buckets that set perfectly in my portable shanty bottom when collapsed. I like the idea with the cloth on top. Still have some time on my hands until good ice arrives to experiment.
      Kim