On those winter days when fronts blow away your fishing adventures, turn those lost opportunities into future successes. Reframe the disappointment into an opportunity by using your “found” time to sharpen your game. Reorganize your tackle, and make sure all systems are in perfect order when conditions improve. This is the perfect time to service your outboard, trailer and all the other myriad components that combine for success.
Check all rods and reels for signs of wear and tear, clean fly lines and maybe even spool on some fresh line. This is a chance to correct mistakes before they happen. There’s nothing more frustrating than finally getting on the water, hooking a good fish and losing it to a sticking drag, dull hook or frayed line. Sitting down and making a checklist can help with the organization process and assist you in remembering those items that might get overlooked.
Starting with the tackle box or tackle system, go through and make note of any lures or flies that you haven’t used. Put them in a backup box or throw them away. Especially look for corrosion on hooks. It might not be apparent, but even a spot of rust might be a harbinger of disaster. More than once I’ve watched a fish eat my fly, wonder why I missed the hookup only to find the hook was broken.
In the scheme of things, line is inexpensive and warrants a close look. If you have any question about wear and tear or are considering making changes to a new line, this is a good time to take the plunge. Generally, with spinning tackle, it’s only a small amount of line that sees the light of day. It’s a good idea to check line carefully for nicks, corrosion or other signs of wear. If you have any question at all about the condition of the line, change it. It’s probably the cheapest and one of the most important pieces of the equation. Even if you wash your tackle after every use, it’s a good idea to unspool a couple of hundred feet of line to check for any issues. There’s a good chance that the fresh water you used didn’t penetrate deep into the line or backing. When you do wash tackle, it’s a good idea to use a light stream of water rather than a sharp spray. The water pressure can actually drive salt into the remaining line on the spool.
Reels should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated once or twice a year depending on how much they’re used. Rod maintenance should include a wipe down with silicone on a clean rag and a close inspection and cleaning of ferrules and reel seats. Make sure to check guides closely for any sign of nicks or cracked ceramic inserts. I like to lightly sand cork grips to remove the dirt and oils that can make them slick and hard.
No matter how good you are about maintaining your gear, a close look at all systems is advisable. It might just reveal an overlooked element. Think of those cold windy days as a prelude and a vital part of your future fishing success. Today’s adversity can equal the opportunity of a lifetime.
