Get ready for f-i-s-h-i-n-g

After the warmest March in our lifetime, I have just one thing on my mind and that’s fishing. With a little over a month to go until opener, it’s time to start getting ready. I know a lot of you are thinking, what’s he talking about? I still have over a month to do all that stuff!

As true as that is, I wonder how many of you will be changing line or buying new equipment at the last minute. If you own a boat it’s even more important to start now. There is absolutely nothing worse than having boat trouble on opening day, especially on the ramp, in front of a large crowd of people.

I have a regimen that I follow every year. I start by taking an inventory of all of my fishing equipment and everything gets the once over. Anything that isn’t up to par either gets fixed or replaced. All reels with mono on them get new line no matter what condition it’s in.

I then inspect all the reels with braided line and if it looks bad I replace it. Braided line is far more durable than mono, so you can often get more than one season on a spool of braided line.

Once all of the line issues have been taken care of I make sure all the rods/reels are clean and lubricated. A little furniture polish on a soft cloth will do wonders for your rods. I also remove the reels and clean the reel seat and wipe down all the surfaces on the handles. This kind of care will add years to your rods/reels.

Next I get my boats out and begin with a bow to stern inspection. The electrical system is typically where problems start. Make sure all connections are clean and secure. Check batteries for any damage from the long winter. Make sure pumps for the live wells and the bilge are in good working order. Check fuses and make sure you have extras. Check that running lights are working properly.

Then I make sure my safety equipment is in the boat and ready to use. You’ll want to replace any lifejackets that aren’t up to USCG standards, check your fire extinguishers to be sure they still have a full charge, see that I have a fully stocked first aid kit in a dry storage area or container.

Nothing ruins a fishing trip faster than having boat or equipment problems. Those days on the water are too precious to spend them at the marina, waiting for boat repairs. The same goes for your tackle because you can’t catch fish on a busted rod, or a reel that won’t reel anymore.

Have a great season, I have a feeling it’s going to be a fantastic one on beautiful Lake Vermilion this summer.

Terry “Ace” Sjoberg, Ace Guide Service On Beautiful Lake Vermilion, Muskies and More. Member Lake Vermilion Guides League, www.aceguideservice. com.