Open Water preparations...

[Corey Bechtold]

I thought I'd start a topic about thing we need to be ready for Open Water.

Boat prep...

*Charge batteries

*Check trailer lights

*Check wheel bearings

*Make sure boat registration is current

*Life jackets, throw, fire extinguiser

Anything else you can think of?

Fishing equipment...

*New line on reels

*Clean, lube reels if necessary

*Check line guides for nicks, abrasions

*Organize fishing tackle (especially fun but time consuming)

I'm sure there are a lot more good ideas. Lets hear 'em and get ready for OPEN WATER

Corey Bechtold

[WaveWacker]

I'll add a couple...

- check tire pressure and wear on tires

- flush any anti-freeze out of any lines so it doesn't end up in the lake.

- Check all lights/electrical in boat.

- Hook motor up to water and make sure it runs properly.

[Sandbar]

-verify livewell runs

-verify bilge pump runs

-sharpen hooks on crank baits

-tie lindy rigs

-fill up tank with fresh gas

-tighten any loose screws on boat

-anchor and anchor line

-12v cell phone charger

-fenders and lines

-drift sock

-hand towels

-flashlight

-matches

-extra fuses

-tool kit

and of course, beer.

[Bobby Bass]

I am ahead of the game as I pack everything in the large Zip lock storage bags and just put everything back in the same boat compartment that it came out from in the fall. I will add to the list a good cleaning of the hull and a wax job as soon as it it warm enough to do it.

[river rat316]

Hmmmm just had the boat out today and I think a good on the water test is needed, every spring. Verify that your big motor is gonna run and check/tuneup all the important things first, then leave all the equipment at home and run her through her paces, found out my bilge pump is a no go, but thats all I could find so I was pretty happy, plus the big motor ran better than ever so that os a good sign!

[eyepatrol]

Hook up your graphs/locators and make sure they work! Don't wanna hit the water without those working.

Sunscreen

Knots & line on markers are good (if you use them)

Grease zerks (or so my dad calls them)

Nuts to hold prop on motor are snug

Change lower gear unit oil (if not done b-4 winter)

Have new fishing license (in case you didn't ice fish after Feb 28)

Make sure kid's life vests support their weight (this affects me this year)

Inventory on tackle - make sure you have enough of everything you want/need

I'm sure there's more!

[harvey lee]

Go out and buy a bunch of new tackle.There is always something you can use.I needed to buy new tackle bags as I bought to much.

Trolling motor.

Wich rope or strap

Check trailer coupling.

[Rost]

-Start engine and run the fogging oil out, then replace plugs.

-Maybe replace the water impeller every few years (just for precaution)

-Grease any zercs

-tighten screws

Equipment

-replace hooks

-replace line

[Corey Bechtold]

The list is looking good so far...

Keep up the good work,

Corey Bechtold

[CrappieJohn]

I just keep it running all winter so I don't have much prep to do. I made a couple of winter runs in January that were kept kind of quiet and everything was good then. I started the motor for Fridays tour today and we are good to go.

[TravisC]

rig my new boat. i cant wait.

[Tom Linderholm]

*Pull beast from snowbank in back of field. Check

*Bring in to have Keel welded from deadhead hit last summer. Check

*Order new engine. Check

*Strip and respool Lake Superior gear. 1/2 Check

*Organize lures. Check

*Hook up new Lowrance......

*Rig kicker to main motor.....

And all of the above!

[Corey Bechtold]

Rig new boat... first need to work some OT

What boat did you get?

Corey Bechtold

[Stratosman]

Hold on here. What's all this open water talk anyway? There will be plenty of time to rig up between ice out and bass opener. Heck even walleye opener is still two months out! I wouldn't mind ice for another month the way the panfish have been slammin. Some of you guys need to turn on the heaters in your portables once in a while, your brains are frostbit! (either that or better venting).

Although....the forecast does look a tad appealing.

[Bassboy1645]

Dont do what i did and do everything on here wihtout looking at your truck!!!!!!!!!! It will get you and your fish rig to the lake so it better be running good!!!

check wiring for trailer lights

oil change

tire rotation

tune up

fix minor problems no matter how small!!!

make sure u have plugs and spare tie and jack for flats and holes.

same with trailer!!!!

oh and dont forget fish stickers and straight pipes!!!!!!

[Maximum12]

I can't wait to rig my new boat...right after I buy it this spring & sell the reliable old 12' Alumacraft.

[gunflint]

One that I forgot about last year. Get the caluses softened up on the end of the fingers. Clean the lenses on the reading glasses.

[The_Duckslayer]

Check the trailer light pigtail on the tow vehicle and ensure that it is still working. They will corrode a lot over the winter. Take care and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[Guest]

I've already been hitting the open water.. my yearly oops.

PUT IN THE PLUG, just sitting in the boat wont do...

and clean the connections on the fuse for the graph.

You guys go ahead and get ready for it.. I'll be out fishing it!