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

Weather or Not

Ice Conditions for Lake Trout Has Never Been Better in Northern Ontario

Adventures on the Nipigon River

Anglers can target Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in this body of water—but most come for the trophy Brook Trout.

A Shore Thing

Landing a Dozen Walleye in Rapid Succession

Baits for Brookies

Using Lipless Rattle Baits for Brook Trout

In Search of Solitude and Wild Brook Trout

Fly fishing adventures to remote rivers

Nipigon Brook Trout

Experience some high caliber trout fishing in Northwestern Ontario.

Family Fishing Getaway

Jenna sets her sights on Northern Ontario Smallmouth Bass.

How to Make a Fish Shore Lunch

What to pack and how to make this favourite Northern Ontario meal.

Don't Forget The Umbrella

It's raining smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike here in Northern Ontario

Bear Creek Cottages

Multi-Species Fishing on Lake Nipissing

Northern Pike Aplenty

Why the pike are so active near the end of the ice fishing season.

Birchland Cottages

Fly fish for giant smallmouth bass.

Magpie Reservoir

Excellent Drive-to Angling to Hook Big Walleye

3 Surefire Strategies for Canadian Muskies

Fishing for Ontario Musky

Portage Paradise Walleye

Remote lake fishing adventures to pristine lakes.

Lac Seul Outpost Adventure

Lac Seul is known for big fish of all species.

Lake of Bays fishing

Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Muskoka

Fly Fishing Basics

Learn Tips From An Avid Angler Towards Initial Fly FIshing Success

3 Must Fish Ontario Hotspots for Smallmouth Bass

Everyone has a bucket list for something. Die-hard bass anglers have many.

Four Fantastic Ontario Musky Waters

Discover 4 hotspots that any musky angler must add to their bucket list.