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.
Leo And Ron.jpg

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

The Lake With Giant Bass

Lake Lauzon has tons of bass to satisfy any dedicated bass angler.

Fishing The Shoulder Season

Incredible Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike fishing at The Outpost Lodge in the Mississagi Valley

Ice-out glory 

Fish you can target as soon as the ice leaves the launch

Hawk Lake Lodge

Drive-in fishing with giant fish results

Ready for Spring

Use These Tips to Winterize Your Outboard Motor

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

Prime Time for Ontario Panfish

The best time to ice fish for crappies and panfish is when the predator activity is low

Bivins’ Bounce Crappies

This technique is a must for crappie fishing

White(fish) North

Ontario's Lakes Offer Unlimited Opportunities

Tomiko Lake Lodge

An Outstanding Resort for Fishing and Families

Chasin’ Fall Critters

Casting or trolling, what's best for musky and pike?

An unforgettable family fishing trip

Led by Mom

Troutfly Outpost is a Multi-Species Factory

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

5 Lakes, 4 Seasons, and Plenty of Fish

Fish TV selects their favourite lakes in Ontario.

Top 5 Flies for Any Species

Fve flies you should have in your fly box.

Best of The Musky West

Have you fished these top 3 musky lakes in Northwestern Ontario?

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

Fantastic Lake Trout Fishing at Manitou Weather Station.

Drive-to Ontario Lodges

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

First Time Walleye Fishing for Beginners in Ontario

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

The Best Of Times in Northern Ontario

A guide to the best time of day to hit the ice while fishing this winter.