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

Northern Bass High

3 surprising things to know about trophy smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Ontario

Calmwaters Fly Fishing

Bringing in Fresh Faces to the Sport

Dreams of Bass at Waterfalls Lodge

This drive-to lodge is the perfect location for anyone looking to get a little R&R.

The Legendary Brook Trout of the Albany

Experience a once in a lifetime remote fishing adventure.

Fly-in Fishing with Glassy Bay Outfitters

Wilderness and walleye await with this Northern Ontario experience.

La Place Rendez-Vous on Rainy Lake

Fish for big northern pike, musky, smallmouth bass and walleye.

Casting for Coasters

Fishing for Brook Trout at Bowman Island Lodge

Big Smallmouth Bass at Waterfalls Lodge

Waterfalls Lodge offers fishing on a chain of seven trophy lakes as well as remote lake fishing.

Rainy Lake Bass Blast

Camp Narrows Lodge

Lakers of Lower Manitou: Fishing Just North of the U.S. Border

Fantastic Lake Trout Fishing at Manitou Weather Station.

Escaping To Bass Wilderness

With Nestor Falls Fly-In Outposts

Dive and Rise Muskies

Ontario offers the best muskie fishing anywhere—and fall is the prime time to catch your fish of a lifetime.

Ontario’s Monster Pike Fishing Adventures

Ontario is home to first-class accommodations and an incredible fishing experience for northern pike.

Off-Grid Ontario Fishing Adventures

Escape to one of these 4 remote Ontario outposts this summer

Drive-to Ontario Lodges

Ontario has the perfect easy-to-access fishing oasis for every angler!

Dream Fishing Trips

These two Ontario lodges, just across the border from Minnesota, offer anglers the chance to fish multiple species.

Different Strokes

From jigging and buzzing to chunking' and windin', there's no right or wrong way to work a fishing lure.

Como Lake Resort

Genuine hospitality and excellent fishing is found here.

Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Kesagami Lake has just under a million acres of fishable water that is chock full of pike and walleye.

First Time Walleye Fishing for Beginners in Ontario

I was lucky to share that experience with first-time anglers twice last week.