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

Predicting Lake Thickness

When Will Ontario Lakes Freeze Over This Winter?

Top 8 Places to Ice Fish in Ontario

Ice fishing in Ontario offers diverse catches in serene winter settings.

5 Deadliest Fishing Lures

Use these lures when ice fishing for lake trout in Northern Ontario.

Rainy Lake Walleye

Fishing at La Belle’s Birch Point Camp

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

Pleasant Cove Resort

Setting sights on Georgian Bay Northern Pike

Salmon Fishing

The Michipicoten River is a Sleeper for Chinook

Summer Brook Trout

Expert Advice for Fishing Ontario Lakes

Lake Nipigon Adventure

Fishing for Lake Trout, Walleye & Pike

A Whole Lota Lovin'

Burbot resembles nothing else that swims in our northern lakes and rivers.

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

Fish'n Canada heads to Lake Temiskaming to tackle Ontario Walleye.

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Year Round Fishing in Ontario

Who Says You Can’t Fish All Year in Ontario?

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

Baptiste Bass

Catching 5- to 6-Pound Smallmouth Bass Each Fishing Season

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Lac Seul

One of the Most Productive Walleye Fisheries on Earth

Shoreline Strategies

Try These 2 Techniques For Targeting Winter Brook Trout

Perfect Shore Lunch

Try This Award-Winning Recipe