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

Pot of Golden Walleye

Fishing at Whitefish Lodge in Ontario's Algoma Country

Smallmouth At Lakair Lodge

Discover wildlife, scenery, and epic fishing Ontario's fifth largest freshwater lake

Walleye Sunsets

Walleye Fishing on Lake Nipissing.

Terrestrial Flies for Brook Trout

These fish feed like crazy and look for opportunities for a big protein meal.

Outpost Walleye in Brook Trout Country

This is an outpost fishing adventure you won't want to miss.

Spanish River Resort & Campground

This phenomenal smallmouth bass fishery lies in the North Channel of Lake Huron.

Choose your Fishing Adventure: 39 Lodges Accessible by Train, Plane, Boat, and Automobile in Ontario

How will you explore the province's waterways this upcoming season?

5 Tips For How to Hire A Fishing Guide

Picking a guide is almost as fun as the actual fishing trip.

Early Summer Muskies

Ontario’s Sunset Country is muskie heaven. Here’s how to find and catch these early-summer giants.

Your Lake Nipissing Getaway Awaits

A resort located just 3 hours north of the GTA with cottages, a sandy beach, and Lake Nipissing’s most aggressive spring walleye.

Smashing Topwater Smallmouth in the Heart of Walleye Country

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

The Right Tool for the Job

Check out this guide to gear up like a pro.

World-Class Fishing and Wild Wonders of Timmins

Where trophy walleye are found within city limits and wilderness adventures include sleeping with the wolves.

A Walleye Adventure at Anderson's Lodge

Father and son visit Sunset Country to begin a walleye tradition

Christmas Walleyes in Summer

Start your summer off right with these techniques and tips for walleye.

Fishing Walleye on Dog Lake

What it is about Northern Ontario fishing lodges that appeal to so many anglers?

Lac Seul Lunkers

Non-Stop Walleye Fishing Action

Ice Perchin’ Ontario

Providing Great Fun to Adults and Children Alike

Year of the Trout

The Winter Trout Fishing in Northern Ontario is Outstanding

Gearing up for Ice Fishing

Today’s ice anglers have more quality gear to choose from than ever before.