Getting ready for a new season

Cold, cold and more cold has been the forecast the past few weeks. There are still a few fish biting but you have to really want to fish to brave the cold and slow bite.

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 you had it in the water last season, it is 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.

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!

Catching report

The cold weather has really slowed down the inshore bite but a few fish are being caught. I saw some nice reds hit the deck this week. Try fishing the sand flats on sunny afternoons. I also saw a few being caught in the surf this week on a warm, sunny afternoon. A few trout are also being caught but very few it seems. Try down sizing your bait and retrieve very slowly.

Some very nice grouper are being caught off shore. Red, gag and scamp grouper are being caught in the 30-45 mile range. Some nice grunts, b-liners and ring tails are also being caught. I even saw pictures of one cobia landed while bottom fishing last week. There have been a few tallow fin tuna caught out close to the Gulf stream. Black sea bass and grunts have been reported being caught near shore.

Tight lines to all!