Spring Cleaning

[TylerS]

Well, with the news we may reach above freezing for the next week, it's tough not to think about spring and, more importantly, CATFISHING!

With that said, now is about the time I ready my gear for the upcoming season. Since I'm primarily a shore fisherman, I don't have to worry about de-winterizing a boat, but there still is plenty to do.

First, I take out my rods and wipe them down. Get off the layers of mud and grime that accumulated during last season.

Next, I'll take apart the reels as best I can and clean out the old grease and lube. Then it's just a matter of reapplying and putting it back together.

Checking the line is important. If it looks frayed or if it weekened during the winter, rip it off and respool. So far I've been using the same line for two seasons (I'm going to get my money's worth out of that Powerpro yet!) But it may be time to think about fresh line.

Last, but not least, I check my gear: hooks, swivels, sinkers. If need be, I'll pour some more no-rolls to restock (but currently I have about 25-pound of 3, 4, and 5 ouncers ready to rock). Also have to check my fillet knife that I use for cutbait. Doesn't take much to dull it after going through those tough goldeye, so a quick sharpen and you're good to go.

That's about all I can think of. What do you guys do to get ready for the season? Anything people might overlook while preparing? What's the No. 1 most important thing to have ready before it's cat time?

-Tyler

[Surreal Deal]

Yesterday I ordered a replacement crank for my Daiwa Sea Line. I busted it on my last trip of the season last summer.

I need to pick up a second rig for my father in-law, I'm thinking the Cabelas Salt Striker/King Cat combo.

[pikestabber]

I second the rod and reel clean-up prep. I also tie up a few dozen new snells in various size hooks with various lengths of leaders to be ready for any depth or size of fish or speed of current. I have gotten in the habit of using different colored pin heads used to hold the snells in my "fancy" $.49 foam holders--aka, pipe insulators cut to size. I use a different color for different leader lengths to quickly identify in the dark with just a flashlight--red for 1', blue for 1.5', green for 2', yellow for 3', etc. Any edge to keep a line in the water the longest. This year, I am also working on rigging up lighted rod holders to make things a little brighter for the night bite.

[proguide]

I have already ordered new rods, hooks, line and other tackle I need for the season. About the only thing I have yet to do is change out some lines on reels and time to fish.

I always keep 2 extra reels spooled and 2 new rods ready to go in case something happens. At the end of the year any baitcasters that are broken or need the two year clean go to the shop to get ready for the next season.

About the only thing left to do is pour a couple hundred sinkers and tie about 200 snells and bring on the kitties.

[harvey lee]

I typically clean and fix everything on my cat gear before I put it away for the winter. That way, its all ready for the spring.

I like to check to see that all my clickers are fine and also go over my line and replaced what looks to be a bit worn.

If I put on new line on this season, next season I will reverse it and then the following year, I will replace it.

It stinks when one gets a good fish on and the line breaks due to a weak spot or a nicked line.

[DARK30]

I think I know where my gear is...I better clean the garage first

[TylerS]

About the only thing left to do is pour a couple hundred sinkers and tie about 200 snells and bring on the kitties.

I always wanted to figure out a way to effectively dredge the Red for lead. I bet you could bring up a cubic ton of old sinkers in one 100-yard drag...

And at least 50% of those would be frome me

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I will go through my gear and tackle. First I will probably take inventory of what I have for hooks, sinkers, beads, etc. and then place an order to BLANK or stop in at BLANKS to fill my collection (LOL forum rules).

Then I will probably check all my line. Maybe some oil on the reels. I will need to get some new boots since I shore fish mostly and I also need a new backpack to haul my gear around. I was thinking about going to a military surplus store and finding a military style backpack.

Then I MIGHT upgrade my Creekside rod to something a little nicer for my main Flathead rig.

[Scott K]

Jeff, you can say the name of the stores, just dont give a HSOforum, or phone number.