open water season prep
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!