Now
is the time to get organized!
By Robert Henegar
Pro Staff
Even though there's
still plenty of ice on the lakes here in the upper
Midwest, winter will soon be gone along with the ice.
Therefore, now is the time to start preparing your
gear for the upcoming season. Without overstating the
obvious, waiting to organize your gear the night
before the first trip of the season is a recipe for
disaster. I'm as guilty as the next guy of
procrastinating, but taking the time now will ensure
that you'll be ready to fish. Take the time now to
take a full inventory of your gear and spend the time
to get everything ready .Start with your rod and reel
combos. Inspect the guides on your rods, and if
necessary, replace them with new quality guides. Have
any malfunctioning reels repaired and/or cleaned then
replace the old line with new.
Next, thoroughly go
through your tackle box or bag putting any misplaced
tackle back in its place. Take the opportunity to
make note of those items to restock: worm/tube hooks
and sinkers, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits,
crankbaits, etc. then begin purchasing these items.
Right now, some of the stores that sell fishing
tackle are in the middle of clearance sales - getting
rid of remaining last year's stock; bringing in new
stock for this year and preparing for some spring
sales. I've managed to stock up on some items I use
and save a few bucks all at the same time. Don't
overlook your rain gear and outerwear. Replacing that
old, worn-out jacket and/or raingear now will pay off
- especially early in the season when the weather can
be unpredictable. Staying warm and dry will be one
less distraction.
Taking the time now to
get your gear ready for the upcoming season will save
you from rushing to get everything ready at the last
minute - usually the night before that first trip.
Doing so will allow you more time to concentrate on
fishing and worry less about whether or not you got
everything ready.
Good Luck on the water!
Bob
