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

Brook Trout: A Natural Work of Art

Ontario is one of the world's best brook trout fishing destinations.

Angling Escape to Edgewater

Just 3 hours north of Toronto, this amenity-packed resort has something for the whole family.

Mattawa River Resort

The perfect home base for not only anglers but couples and families.

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Discover this newly renovated luxury resort and marina in Georgian Bay.

The 2022 Northern Ontario Fishing Survey and Contest

Enter to win $1,000 in fishing gear.

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

Slate Falls Outposts: Arc Lake Outpost

Fly-in Adventure and First-class Service in Northern Ontario

Eagle Lake Fall Muskies

Discover why in the late fall Eagle Lake is a prime location to catch giant muskies in Sunset Country.

Catching Bass Can Be Crystal Clear

Head to this Northwest Ontario resort for an opportunity to catch your personal best smallmouth bass.

Why I Use Sinking Fly Lines

What these are and how to use them for fly fishing.

Trophy Lake Trout on Lake Obabika

The pursuit of giants on a recovered fishery.

Troutfly Outpost is a Multi-Species Factory

This fly-in off-the-grid outpost offers excellent fishing and comfort.

Bass Abound

Fishing at Lorimer Lake Resort for Big Bass

Ideal Christmas Gifts For The Northern Ontario Ice Angler

Inexpensive, bullet-proof suggestions for the ice angler on your Christmas list.

Saugeen River Fishing

Great Fly Fishing Guide Trips with Grindstone Angling

The Joy of Fishing

Unforgettable Walleye Fishing on the Bay of Quinte

Ice Fishing Trout

A Secret to Use to Increase Your Odds

Timber Edge Camps

Walleye Adventures Abound at This Sunset Country Lodge

Surface Sizzle Smallmouth

Fishing at Fireside Lodge on Little Vermillion Lake

Island Camping

An Isle of Fishing Heaven in Ontario