The unusually warm temperatures (yes, even down here in the South it is way above normal!) this winter have me itching to get out on the water while I am home next week and catch some of those largemouths I hear are biting as if it isn't February 2nd. Before doing so however, I have got to go through my fishing equipment and, most importantly, give my boat a look over. That being said, I just wanted to share some tips for preparation this year, just in case you haven't been lucky enough to have already been out on your favorite lake.
- Strip your reels, give them a good cleaning, re-oil and lube moving parts and re-spool with fresh line.
- Check your rods for cracks and broken eyes.
- Give your lures a look over to see which ones need new hooks, split rings or a touch-up with a paint pen or brush.
- Sharpen any dull hooks you may find (or just create some sort of excuse to buy new ones like I always seem to do)
- Organize all your tackle. Yes, no matter how much you think you can keep it organized while out fishing, something gets misplaced somewhere it shouldn't be.
- Give your boat hull a good look over to make sure there is nothing structurally wrong with it.
- Charge all your batteries and make sure they work!
- Check all boat wiring to make sure nothing is loose.
- Top off the oil in your boat motor and check spark plugs to make sure none are fouled.
- Lube boat motor where it calls for it i.e. pinon shaft, prop shaft, etc.
- Check and replace propeller and blade on trolling motor if needed.
- Make sure all electronics, as well as you trolling motor, are working properly.
- Hook your motor up to the water hose to make sure she fires right up without any issues. (Believe me, sitting at the dock trying to get your boat to start after launching it is no fun)
- Lastly, give your boat a much needed cleaning, top her off with gas and some Stabil ethanol treatment then head out to your favorite lake for some pre-spawn action.
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