Don’t let preparing for the fishing season bog you down. Follow our checklist and you’ll be ready to go fishing in short order.

Documents

• Renew your fishing license(s)
• Read the latest fishing regulations, noting changes to season dates, slot limits, fish sanctuaries and so on
• Renew boat and trailer insurance
• Attain any special fishing permits required for specific zones
• Get written or verbal “sign off” for private property access to fishing spots, if applicable

Tackle

• Clean and organize tackle bags and trays
• If hard-baits get tangled during storage, buy hook bonnets
• Label trays (if you haven’t already)
• Replace lost lures
• Sort soft-baits and restock low items
• Treat yourself to some new lures (you deserve it) and tackle trays to keep them organized
• Replenish your jig supply
• Stock-up on snaps, swivels, spare hooks, sinkers, split rings and other terminal tackle
• Check mono and fluorocarbon leader spools, buying more if needed
• Cut off old knots from lures
• Sharpen hooks
• Replace rusty hooks and split rings with new ones
• Tip: As a budgeting measure, consider making a list of seasonal baits and staggering purchases of what you need a few weeks before

Rods & Reels

• Inspect guides, the reel seat assembly and other rod components for damage, repairing if needed
• Clean dirty rod handles with a mild soap solution
• Perform reel maintenance, cleaning and lubricating as per the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Spool reels with fresh monofilament and fluorocarbon line
• Check the capacity and condition of braid on reels, replacing if needed
• Remove last season’s leaders from braided line
• Buy new rods and reels to be ready for the season
• Buy extra rod and lure wraps
• Buy a rod tip repair kit if you don’t own one already

Tools & Equipment

• Organize fishing and catch-and-release tools, replacing rusty, lost or malfunctioning pliers, scissors and other important items
• Get a new ruler if your fishing measuring device has been lost or become warped
• Clean and sharpen fillet knives
• Stock-up on fish scent, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, bug spray and line conditioner
• Replace batteries in electric fish scales, headlamps, flashlights, portable bait aerators and other electrical devices
• Put a fish towel for wiping hands in your fishing tackle bag

Apparel

• Clean and reapply the durable water repellency coating to rain gear, replace with a new rain suit if necessary
• Ensure you have UV Buffs, sun shirts and hats
• Inspect polarized fishing sunglasses, getting new ones if lenses are scratched
• Organize gloves, toques and insulating layers for cool spring mornings
• Don’t forget about footwear, ensuring you have options for cold, rain and hot sun
• Test waders and boots for leaks, fixing or replacing

Boat

• Perform trailer inspection, checking lights, tires for wear, and so on
• Complete trailer maintenance and repairs
• Service the motor (if not done in the fall)
• Check fluid levels and overall condition of deep cycle and cranking batteries
• Remove trolling motor prop and remove any tangled fishing line on the shaft
• Wash, vacuum and tidy your boat
• Return any boating items removed for storage season, such as oars, docking ropes, drift socks and anchor
• Clean and inspect life jackets; follow maintenance for inflatable models
• Review boat safety kit and make sure it’s up to date, which may include replacing expired flares and putting fresh batteries in the flashlight
• Go through the boat first aid kit, checking medications for expiration and topping-up supplies
• Restock boat rags
• For kayak or canoe anglers, check the condition of carrier racks and that all required items are on hand

Are you taking a fishing trip this season? Do as much planning and preparation now before the open-water season gets underway. Making a “to-do” list is a good starting point.

Have we missed any chores and to-dos for getting ready for fishing season? Let us know and we’ll add them to this list. Have a safe and fish-filled season!