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

Fly-in Fishing

Why You Need to Book a Fly-in Fishing Trip

10 Essential Items to Put in Your Boat

Often easily forgotten items that take emergency preparedness to next level

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

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

Spring Walleye

Try These Tips on Your Next Ontario Walleye Fishing Trip

An Angler’s Perspective on Northern Ontario

Find Your Favourite Fishing Adventure in the North.

Cedar Lake Showdown

Cedar Lake, like so many other Ontario waters, is loaded with muskies.

Lake Nipigon Adventure

Fishing for Lake Trout, Walleye & Pike

The 3 Best Baits For Northern Ontario Walleye

Catch those golden bars in any lake depth.

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

Fishing The Shoulder Season

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

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.

Abitibi Walleye Experience

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch

Lake Temagami Fishing

Sharpshooting Trophy Lake Trout At Loon Lodge.

Ontario Fly Fishing Hotspots

The Top 10 List from The New Fly Fisher TV Show.

Sliding Into Bass Heaven

Fall is approaching, and they need to start feeding for the winter.

Fantastic Brook Trout

A Train-in Trip to Loch Island Lodge

Big Moose Camp

Fishing for Trophy Musky on Lake Nosbonsing

Fall Walleye

Using Chub, Bottom Bouncers and Beads