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

Ontario's Trophy - Splake Prize

It is fair to say that Ontario offers the finest fishing for splake anywhere in the world

A Walleye Adventure at Anderson's Lodge

Father and son visit Sunset Country to begin a walleye tradition

World Class Carp

Ontario is a World-Class Fishery for Carp

Cedar Lake Skies

Cedar Lake Lodge is home to big muskies.

When to Use Bright Lures and Dark Lures

An interesting insight, using bright lures on bright days and dark lures on dark days.

Twitchbait Smallies

Your guide to open water smallmouth fishing in Atikokan.

Dog Lake Walleye

This lake has it all, but the incredible walleye fishing is what brought us back

The Spin on Early Season Walleye

Depending on where you are walleye fishing in Ontario, the conditions range from early spring to near summer-like.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Carp

Learn how to detect these fish species and how to keep them out of the Great Lakes.

Fishing for Muskie on the French River

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

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

How to: Target Black Crappies (Part 1)

Learn to target Black Crappies in Ontario like an Elite Angler

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

Youngs Wilderness Muskies

A trip to Lake of the Woods never disappoints The Musky Hunter

Big Boat Portaging

Fishing on Lady Evelyn Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Hidden Musky Gems

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

Killarney’s Pike Fishing Paradise

Plan your next northern pike fishing vacation to the Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina.

Nordic Point Lodge

Epic Fishing & Luxury in Ontario's Sunset Country

True Colours

How important is your lure colour when selecting a bait?

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.