Spring Fishing is at Hand

By: Will Whitehead – Professional Angler

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz… I wonder where the flowers is? Yep… Spring has finally arrived and anglers everywhere are honing hooks, spooling new line, buying new tackle and cleaning out the boat. The cry of “Play ball!” will soon echo across the land and homeowners are eagerly attacking the crabgrass with renewed enthusiasm.

Now is the time to finish all of those fishing “Preparations” you have been putting off all winter long. Some of the things you want to do before you take to the water this spring…………………………………

1. Reels

1. Strip off all of that line that has been on your reels since last summer.
2. Dismantle the reel as far as you can, and still get it back together properly. Clean the reel by flushing it out with Shooter’s Choice “Gun Scrub II” cleaner and degreaser, WD-40, or some other cleaner/degreaser. Use a “High Quality” reel lubricant on all moving surfaces and re-assemble the reel.
3. Re-spool your reels with “High Quality” monofilament fishing line, like abrasion resistant, copolymer “Super Silver Thread”.
4. Back off the drag to “0”, until you are ready to go fishing.
5. Cover the reel with an old sock, reel cover, old panty hose or other “breathable” material to keep out dirt.
6. Store your reels in a “cool” location… NOT in a garage, car trunk, or pickup cab.

2. Rods

1. Wipe rods down with warm dish soap and water solution and rinse thoroughly.
2. Cork handles can be made like new with a light sanding with very fine sandpaper or warm water, a toothbrush and some mild shampoo.
3. Check guides for nicks, burrs and cracks by pulling a strip of old panty hose through each guide.
4. Visually inspect guide wrappings, handle attachments, reel seats, tip sections and guide alignment.
5. Stand rods upright in a rod rack. NEVER lean rods in a corner or hang them from the tip-top guide.

3. Boat

1. Have engine tuned and/or serviced by a reputable dealer or good mechanic. Or do it yourself if you are so talented.
2. Remove prop from engine and trolling motor. Inspect prop shaft for tangled fishing line, worn seals, and rusted shaft.
3. Reinstall props.
4. Drain and replace lower unit oil.
5. Give boat a through cleaning and organizing. Check all nut, bolts, screws, fittings, hinges and latches for tightness and condition.
6. Make sure you have the proper and required safety equipment on board. Some important articles I ALWAYS have on board are……
   1. First Aid kit
   2. Tool kit
   3. Fire extinguisher
   4. Extra drain plug, spark plugs, fuses, prop, trolling motor prop and shear pin and lots of ropes.
   5. Emergency snacks in waterproof container.
   6. A Landing net, Boga grip, push pole and boat hook.
   7. Roll of toilet paper in waterproof container.
   8. Paddle or oar.
   9. Anchor and sufficient rope.
   10. A PFD for every passenger.
   11. A set of good raingear (and a spare set for a buddy).
   12. A cell phone, CB radio or VHF radio for emergencies.
   13. A small, about 8’ X 10’, vinyl tarp.
   14. A manual bailing device. Such as a coffee can or gallon jug with the bottom cut out (can come in handy when nature calls).
   15. Spare sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and hand towels.
   16. Disposable camera.
   17. Registration for boat and trailer. NOTE: I’m sure you can think of a few more useful items to keep on board and I’m sure I have some I have forgotten to mention here. PLANO, the tackle box folks, have a GREAT waterproof box on the market now. It is designed much like the old military ammo can, with an O-ring seal in the lid, and secure latch. They come in two sizes and green or white colors. I have several on board my boat and I keep anything important, especially that which I wish to keep dry, in them.
7. Check your fire extinguisher for condition and serviceability.
8. CHECK PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVISES FOR SERVICEABILITY AND CONDITION. AND WEAR THEM WHILE MOTORING!
9. Thoroughly check hull, deck and transom for cracks, holes or other damage.
10. Check steering system and be sure attachment at engine is secure.
11. Check wiring and electronics for condition and operation.
12. Check battery, oil injection tank and fuel levels.

4. Trailer

1. Check tires for tread wear, sidewall and tread for damage, air pressure, and it’s a good idea to have them balanced too. Do the same for your spare too.
2. Check lug nuts for tightness.
3. Check wheel bearings (I replace them every two years… Regardless), repack bearings with a top quality waterproof bearing lubricant, install “Bearing Buddies” and covers.
4. Check tail light and side marker lights for cracks or damage and proper operation. Replace blown out or broken bulbs.
5. Check wiring and connector plug.
6. Check winch, hook, winch strap and winch stand and tighten all bolts. Grease winch gears and moving parts.
7. Check bunkers, drive on guides, rollers and bow stop.
8. Check and lube coupler, check coupler and hitch ball for operation and damage. Tighten hitch ball nut, drill a hole through the nut and stud, and install a cotter pin or wire to prevent loosening.
9. Sand down rusted spots, prime and paint.

5. Tackle and Lures

1. Go through your tackle boxes, bags or other storage containers and get rid of any damaged lures, bend hooks, rusted hooks, useless or broken items.
2. Restock sinkers, hooks, snaps, jig heads, Cabin Creek soft plastic lures, and other expendable items you use a lot of.
3. Sharpen every hook on every lure.
4. Be honest with yourself and get rid of old lures you haven’t thrown in years. Concentrate on what you use and what works for you.
5. Make sure you have needle nose fishin’ pliers, wire cutters, forceps, knife, and Boga grip (preferably made of stainless steel or titanium).
6. Pinch down the barb on every lure you own. Barbs were NOT put on hooks to keep fish on… They were put on hooks to keep BAIT on. But you need to keep the barbs on spinnerbaits, jigs, buzzbaits and regular hooks. Anything you might fish with a trailer or bait. When you get a hook hung in the landing net, you finger or some delicate “pieces part” you will be glad you followed my advice. I DO THIS ALWAYS… And I don’t loose any more fish than the next guy, maybe even fewer. AND… It’s a whole lot easier to release the fish, and causes less damage to them.
7. Replace the lures you lost last year and make sure you have at least two of the really good lures you use a lot and do well on, in sizes and colors you have confidence in.

Make sure everything, from your tackle boxes to your boat and motor, is in good condition and proper working order. You will have a lot less trouble throughout the season and experience memorable and trouble free outings with your friends and family. I can honestly say, that in forty years of fishing and traveling all over the world, I have never had an instance where my equipment has left me stranded, in a bind, or in a situation I was not prepared for. I have always been a firm believer in preventive maintenance and preparation. By now you should know my number one saying… “There is no such thing as luck”! “Luck is when opportunity meets preparation, and the result is a good thing”. Don’t forget to take care of that towing vehicle too! AND WEAR THAT LIFE JACKET WHEN YOUR GAS ENGINE IS OPERATING!

Tight Lines,
Will Whitehead

E-Bait Express
“Pro Staff” Director
Professional Angler
24 Time “World Record Holder”

“You can tell the dedicated anglers by the condition of their yards”!