You’re Ready but is your Tackle and Gear?
Spring is here and you’re ready to fish, but is your tackle? It’s been a while since your gear was stored, so is it ready to land that biggun’ tomorrow if he bites? Now’s the time to make sure your hooks are sharp, the line is fresh, and all your equipment functions perfectly….then you will be ready to go! Like the scouts say, “be Prepared!”
No matter what, your line is the first direct link between you and that nice fish. If it’s old mono, considering replacing it…if it’s braid and looks dull, consider turning it on your reel. Possibly remove it all and start fresh if you have any doubts. While respooling your line, see if the reel is functioning properly. Stop reeling occasionally and test the drag. Loosen it and retrieve. Tighten the drag and retrieve. That way you’ll know your drag is working properly. Does the roller on the retrieve arm of the reel spin freely. A little oil or silicone spray can help. Once your reel is in good shape and your line is fresh and strong, your ready to go! Now let’s check the rods.
Are your rod guides and eyes free of “burrs” or sharp areas that may cut or fray the line? Any problem areas need to be reworked. Are the eyes strongly attached? Is the reel seat tight and proper? Put some stress on the rod and reel and line and check your drag system once again. All three (Line, Rod, and Reel) should function together as one unit. A little metal polish will go a long way on refreshing the guides, but keep the polish handy…Now to your tackle….
Clean out your tackle box. Sharp hooks only and swivels that swivel. Much of our gear today is Salt water tolerant, but it never hurts to look at your hook shanks, the connectors to the lures, the screw eyes where your leader will attach….can your lure take the sharp strain and sudden impact of a fine fish in action? Don’t wait to find out… now is the time. Polish your mirror lures, gotchas, any metal lure to restore the luster and reflectivity of that lure or jig..on your Clarkspoon, wiggle you’re hook to make sure it is solid…if it breaks, replace and polish. If your gear is ready for the fish so are you! If there is any question or doubt, discard it and replace. It’s that simple!
And how about you personally? Have you put on a lot of weight during the quarantine? Are you paler than a ghost? Maybe a few short fishing trips at first to get some sun but not enough to burn. Some boat seats are rickety at best so that extra weight you carry now, can that seat stand it? An accident anywhere on the water is a disaster and it is better to find a problem in your yard or boatslip than out on the water. After a few trips, you’ll know your own physical demands and that of your equipment, gear, and boat, but your first trip should be as safe and enjoyable as your last trip of the past season.
If boating, before you go be sure to check your trailer lights and grease your bearings at the house! Nothing worse than you and your friends driving to the ramp and having a major tire or bearing issue. Not the way to get your season started, and for the love of Mercy make sure you have boat plugs and put them in…maybe even check your battery! Why not put some muffs on your motor and crack it in your yard, check the shift levers, and even tilt and trim? Way tooo many “Yahoos” at the ramp to slow everyone else who is prepped and ready….Don’t be a Yahoo!
So you’ve had a great first trip and now that you’ve returned from your successful first trip, if there has been an issue, address it NOW! Fix it! Don’t wait! If you don’t fix it immediately, you’ll forget what was the problem! If you correct it now, you’ll be ready to go on a moments notice on your next trip with no issues to face! But remember, “Murphy” is always lurking…..just deal with him and have fun! I love my cell phone for “Notes” on the little stuff you’ve need to replace or get for the next effort….
Tight lines and strong knots, and take that kid fishing! More tackle boxes, less X-boxes!
About the Author: Captain Charlie Schoonmaker grew up on the waters of North Carolina which has given him experience in all water sports from freshwater canoeing to deep sea “bluewater” fishing. Having seen all aspects of the ocean world Capt. Charlie can appreciate all the fishing and water communities. Capt. Charlie has over 50 years of local knowledge and experience fishing the Beautiful Southeastern Coast of North Carolina (SENCland). He continues operating his charter fishing business “Back Bay Fishing Charters” and his new family oriented excursions “Capt. Charlie’s Adventures” in Carolina Beach, N C. Ready to fish, Call: 910-262-3474
About the Author: Captain Charlie Schoonmaker grew up on the waters of North Carolina which has given him experience in all water sports from freshwater canoeing to deep sea “bluewater” fishing. Having seen all aspects of the ocean world Capt. Charlie can appreciate all the fishing and water communities. Capt. Charlie has over 50 years of local knowledge and experience fishing the Beautiful Southeastern Coast of North Carolina (SENCland). He continues operating his charter fishing business “