Jan 20 2007
Preparing for The Next Fishing Season
Everyone has a different routine to get ready for the upcoming season and others have none they just go . I thought I would explain my routine and show you why.
I start every season out by going thru all of my equipment with a fine tooth comb. This way i know I won’t run into any major surprises once I go out to fish the first time in the new season.
I usually start with going through my gear, i check my reels and usually take the spool out clean the reel and give it a good lube. I like to make sure that the reels are running smooth and that it does not have any hang ups.
Once i have done this i go over my rods and check all the guides and the reel seat. If there is any small problems with the guides like some fraying I will do a repair, if the problem is larger I will take it in to a good rod repair shop. You can learn to repair your rod by reading up on it. Make sure that you are careful of how you handle your rods, if you scratch it or chip it it may cause it to break under the pressure of a fish, make sure that you put it in a carrying case and not kick it around.
Boat/pontoon boat/ and float tubes. I make sure i check these for any problems, I check to see if all the things I need are there. As an example i make sure i have my anchor, net, ect… If you have a boat with a motor check your motor carefully. If it is a gas motor, check the oil, spark plugs, lube the linkage and check the prop. With an electric make sure you check the prop and check the condition of your batteries. With float tubes and pontoon boats i check the bladders for leaks, i pump them up and check them with soapy water for air bubbles. This also gives me a chance to wash the bladder and the casing. Check the casing for any rips and/or loose threads.
After this i usually check out my flies. I usually start with my Chironimids, I am a little anal when it comes to my flies, i have a list of flies i need in each of my fly boxes and I make sure i have all of the ones on my list in my box. If I don’t have them i make a list of what I need to buy. I always have at least 4 of each types and size of fly i like to use and at least 2 of ones i use only sparingly. I keep all of my flies sorted by color and size, this way i can always see what i need to pick up. Once I have finished with the Chironimids i go thru all of my wet flies and then my dry flies. This is my way of making sure I have all of the flies i will need, you can have your own system but i do suggest you keep track of your flies and keep them well stocked. I also check all of my flies each time I come back from a trip. The last thing I would do is check all of your flies for barbs, i make sure I pinch all of my flies in my box as i buy them, this way there is no need to try to pinch them while on the water.
Last thing i do is go thru all of my remaining equipment. I check my fishing vest, flippers, waders, clippers, hemostats, etc… I go thru everything to make sure all of my equipment is in top notch shape and that it will not fail me when it counts. Make sure you make a list of all the stuff you will need and have all of these things ready. I always make sure I have 3 or 4 tapered leaders, some strike indicators, at least 2 rolls of tippet 4lb and 5lb. I also make sure i have soft weight, floatant, a small flashlight with fresh batteries and anything else you can think of.
Once i have done this i go out to my local pond or even a large Field and practice casting, i know this sounds strange but it will help. I have been fly fishing for 15 years and i still do this every year, i find it helps to get the flow back into my stroke after not fishing in a while.
I almost forgot one big thing, you should clean your fly lines, this is very important and needs to be done to keep the line in good condition. I also give my dry line a stretch this will make sure the line stays straight in the water and does not sit on top in waves or curls.
Tight lines and fun times.
