Spring is in the Air!

It's time to take stock of your gear, and get ready for spring. Don't skip these essential steps.

It's now time to look forward to things blossoming, trees growing leaves, fish moving shallow to spawn, and getting back out on the water.

Before I even think about going fishing I get things ready for the season. First I pull out all of my stuff and do an inventory, from rods to baits to even clothing for the different weather changes. Some of the things I do to prepare are:

1. Check Your Rod & Reels

rods-reels

I check all my rods, reels, and line and I make sure to look over all my rods for any guides missing or wrap coming off, then I take my reels apart and grease them up so there is no sand or dust in the gears and then I move onto the line.

2. check your Fishing Lines

fishing-lines

When it comes to fishing lines nowadays, there are so many superb lines out there that can last for years on your reel. I use Suffix 832 braid and love it, it has no memory so there is no coil when it comes off the reel, it casts a long way and is very strong. I change my line if it changes colour from the sun or from the water and I also look for frays in the line as well.

3. Clean out your Tackle Box

tackle-box

I take a look in my tackle box next. I am looking for rusty hooks first and then I start to organize for species so I can put walleye tackle in one tray and bass tackle in another and so on.

4. dust off those fishing duds

what-to-wear

Clothing is actually quite important but this seems to be something a lot of people overlook. It is very important to have proper clothing when heading out fishing, right from hats to rain suits to the proper shirts. When it comes to the sun in this day and age I do not fool around because when you’re on the water as long as I am during the fishing season, you want to be protected and comfortable.

hats

  • I start with a good hat that can breathe
  • Move down to a buff (a cloth over your face)
  • A long-sleeve microfiber shirt that is breathable
  • Either cotton pants or longer shorts that cover the knee
  • I top it all off with sunblock applied 3 to 4 times a day.

buff

Being this well-prepared might sound a little much but when I am comfortable, I concentrate more, and when I concentrate I catch more fish! So before your buddy says let’s go fishing this spring and summer, be prepared and you will have a way better experience and catch more fish!

About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Top 5 Musky Destinations in Ontario

The Musky Hunter shows you where to land the best musky in Ontario waters.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Top Flies for Northern Pike

Try These Go-to Flies and Tips on Your Next Trip

The Best Brook Trout Fishing

Discover world class fishing in Northern Ontario—home of the world record brook trout!

Beyond the Walleye: Cracking the Code on Timiskaming’s Coffee-Coloured Giants

High-tech sonar and pink lures uncover a world-class smallmouth fishery.

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Ontario has some of the top smallmouth bass opportunities. in the world.

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

Veteran Grit vs. High-Tech Odds: The Ultimate Algoma Derby Showdown

Facing off against a powered-up duo and a technological disadvantage in a length-based battle across the pristine waters of Whitefish and Manitouwik Lakes.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Multi-Species Action

With so many lakes in Ontario, it's hard to narrow down the best multi-species lakes. We're here to help!

In Search of Brookies

Fly Fishing at Esnagami Wilderness Lodge

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

The inside scoop on bass flies from the hosts of The New Fly Fisher.

Top 5 Flies for Brook Trout

Favourite fly patterns from The New Fly Fisher

Remote and Unique Lodges in Ontario

Ontario is home to drive-to, fly-in and boat-in experiences.

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip