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

Fishing Big Rideau Lake

This is a Bucket List Fishing Trip

The Eagle has Landed

If you're looking to make your Ontario fishing dreams come true, this is the place to do it.

Walleye Sunsets

Walleye Fishing on Lake Nipissing.

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Ontario has some of the top smallmouth bass opportunities. in the world.

Go Shallow For More Walleye

Walleye anglers think the fish are always in at least ten-foot or deeper. They're wrong!

Timber Edge Camps

Drive-to Walleye Fishing in Ontario's Sunset Country

Speckle Splake Spectacular

Ice Fishing for big Northern Ontario speckled & splake trout.

Beaverland Bass on Marten River

In search of smallmouth bass at a traditional Northern Ontario fishing camp.

Take Someone Fishing

Easy to learn, affordable, and fun: Fishing is a sport for everyone!

When to Use Bright Lures and Dark Lures

An interesting insight, using bright lures on bright days and dark lures on dark days.

Bob Izumi searches for bass and pike

Fishing unfamiliar territory, Bob Izumi lands monster smallies and Northern pike

Browns' Clearwater West Lodge

Home to incredible fishing for trophy Smallmouth Bass.

Tomiko Lake Lodge

An Outstanding Resort for Fishing and Families

Year Round Fishing in Ontario

Who Says You Can’t Fish All Year in Ontario?

Creating an Angler

Family Fishing in Northern Ontario

Hard Balling Walleyes

Spring Fishing Tactics to Catch Ontario Walleye

Muskie Moons

More than just superstition?

Slow Death Revisited

This technique is used to slow down the walleye bite transitioning from spring to summer.

Fly-in Fishing

Why You Need to Book a Fly-in Fishing Trip

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.