Mark Fike
Winter may be here and we may be getting bored with the cold rain and occasional snow and downright miserable temperatures, but there is much we all should be doing to prepare for spring fishing and hunting.
Fishing
- Take a look at your lures. Are the hooks rusty? Change them out.
- Inspect the lips on plugs. Clip off old knots.
- Sharpen hooks.
- Change the line out on reels.
- Oil and clean your reels.
- Inspect the guides on your rods. Are they cracked or need replacing?
- Clean the reel seats and inspect for damage or corrosion.
- Wash out the tackle box. Be sure to dry it before loading it back up NEATLY.
- Wash and dry your waders and boat shoes. Replace straps and laces as needed.
- Go through the fishing vests too. Take inventory of what you need.
Boats
Hopefully, you have winterized your boat by now. If not, do so.
- Now is the time to inspect the underside of the boat for repair needs or cleaning.
- Remove the battery and store in a warm place so it will not freeze. Keep a trickle charge on it if possible.
- Inspect the trailer for rust, repairs, and lube. Note the joints, rollers, pins and suspension.
- Check the bearings and repack with grease.
- Check the tires for dry rot and proper pressure.
- Check the winch and the strap.
- Check the trailer tongue and jack. Lube as needed.
- Check wiring and replace as needed.
- Dry out storage areas to avoid mildew or mold.
Hunting
Clean all guns before storing them. If you have not, please be sure they are unloaded and then be sure to check the following in your inspections:
- Take the stock off and wipe away all moisture and apply a small amount of Blue Wonder Armadillo paste to stock, to wood contact points, and all metal surfaces.
- Apply a very small amount of lube to working metal surfaces after cleaning. The Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner is safe to use and great for a quick clean up. This is especially true for the bore. Follow up with the Armadillo for storage.
- Be sure to wipe down any ammo you were carrying in your pocket so the brass does not corrode.
- Wash and dry hunting clothes with Knight and Hale OdorStop and store.
- Dry out all boxes and containers.
- Sharpen knives.
- Wash and dry calls as needed.
- Care for boots as needed.
- Store all items appropriately.
- Inventory needed items and begin saving for necessary items.
As you can see, there is plenty to do and much of it is inside work for the times the weather is bad. Fire up the space heater in the garage or take a trip to the basement to get busy. You will be glad you did once the season comes back around.