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

Non-Stop Action and Trophy Catches at Timberlane Lodge

With 3,000 miles of shoreline and world-renowned natural reproduction, this 150-mile-long fishery is a must-visit for every serious angler.

Welcome to Wally World

Lake Nipissing is a must-fish destination, putting you right in the heart of the action for post-spawn walleye, pike, and big bass.

Smashing Topwater Smallmouth in the Heart of Walleye Country

From spacious, spotlessly clean cottages to aggressive multi-species action.

Trade the Signal for the Strike

Why Fly-In Walleye Trips are Ontario’s Ultimate Bucket List Adventure

Cast Into the Heart of a Walleye Paradise

Experience world-class angling and remote island luxury at the only resort on the pristine waters of Route Lake.

Labour Day Lunkers: Why Fall is the Ultimate Time for Lang Lake Bass

Discover a chain of seven interconnected lakes where the smallmouth are built like footballs and the topwater action remains white-hot well into September.

Big Smallmouth on the Ned Rig

From cozy lakefront cabins to 4-pound bass, Snowshoe Camp Resort is the ultimate Algoma fishing getaway.

Why Anglers Are Falling for Golden Lake in Ontario’s Ottawa Valley

From trophy bass to beachside cottages, Golden Lake blends serious fishing with relaxed cottage life.

Tomiko Lake Lodge

An Outstanding Resort for Fishing and Families

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Guardian Eagle Resort

Travel in style to this remote wilderness lodge in Northwestern Ontario for excellent fishing.

St. Francis Titans

Fishing the Original Muskie Capital of the World

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

Shoreline Strategies

Try These 2 Techniques For Targeting Winter Brook Trout

Lake Temagami Fishing

Sharpshooting Trophy Lake Trout At Loon Lodge.

Keystone Muskies

Fishing Tips for Targeting Muskie on Cedar Lake

White(fish) North

Ontario's Lakes Offer Unlimited Opportunities

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Wasi Lake Fishing

Fishing at Booth Landing Camping & Cottages