Getting Ready for Spring Fishing

Warm days and sunny skies! Exactly the type of weather forecast that causes many of us to begin daydreaming of putting a line in the water and trying for a fish. Or maybe two or three! Even though it has been a relatively mild winter in eastern NC, fishing activity slows down the first few months of the year. This is the time of year to get ready for the new fishing season. That’s right if you can’t fish at least you can get ready to catch a few once the fish begin to bite. A little time spent now preparing for the season will help you get off to a great start this spring and fish right on through the fall with fewer missed opportunities.

If you make your own rigs, winter is a good time to do that. I like to make my own Flounder rigs and King Mackerel rigs. It saves a little money but the “reel” pleasure is a certain satisfaction I get when catching fish on something I handcrafted. It also keeps me connected to fishing activities when cold or stormy weather forces me indoors. The materials are simple and are available at most well equipped tackle shops.

Maintenance of your gear is very important too. Check those favorite lures to make sure they are still serviceable. Look for cracks or deep dings in the lure body or connecting materials and replace those lures that will likely break when fighting that next smoker fish. You may need to change the hooks if corrosion or rust has appeared. Even if the hook looks fine, it probably could benefit from sharpening. You’ll catch more fish with very sharp hooks. Check your leaders made from monofilament or fluorocarbon material to make sure there are no nicks or cuts and that your knots are still tight, replace the line if needed. Replace any wire leaders that are bent or with loose twists or crimps. Now is a good time to organize them as well. Go ahead and clean out that tackle box and tackle bag, you’ll be happy you did when the bite is hot and you need another terminal rig quickly.

Now is also the time to clean and lube those reels. Check the guides on your rods to make sure the wraps haven’t begun to fray. Also check for nicks on the inside of the guides, these can cause your fishing line to break and let the BIG one get away. If you are using monofilament line on your reels it needs to be replaced each fishing season. Even if it looks okay to the eye, if it was in the water last season, it is probably in a weaken condition. Monofilament fishing line once wet will absorb some of the water then dry out causing the line to lose strength over a period of time. Catching fish also stretches the line and weakens it.

Now once that is complete, take a trip to your favorite tackle shop and treat yourself to that new reel or lure you have had your eye on. You are ready to fish!