As an avid angler and former captain, I was particular about my fishing gear. Not only was it important to me to make sure everything was working properly, but also to ensure I was stocked up for the season. Without question, you don’t want to be put out of a day of fishing because you were not prepared in advance. Here is what you need to know about preparing fishing gear so that you are ready for the spring after a cold winter. 

Why Is It Important To Prepare Fishing Equipment In The Winter

The fishing season is highly dependent on where you live. At one point, I was living in South Florida, compared to where I am now living in Georgia. In Georgia, the number of days to fish is limited because of temperatures. Here is why it is important to prepare fishing gear during the offseason. 

You Have The Time

During the offseason, when the number of days to fish is slim to none, you will have the time to prepare equipment. 

Don’t let the rods, nets, lures, hooks, weights, and more go overlooked in the winter. Winter is the perfect time to give everything a close look, including inventory and condition, and to consider upgrades. 

Remember, you don’t want to find out when it is too late, and you’re ready to head to the water. At this point, it will cause delays, or you will be unprepared. In the winter, get up off the couch and give your gear a good lookover. 

You’ll Be Ready When You Can Fish On A Weekly Basis

In the summer, I fish at least twice a week. When the weather is right, I want to ensure that nothing is holding me up from casting a line. 

Importantly, similar to the gear, the same applies to a boat if you fish on the water versus from the shore. Ensure that the boat is tuned up and ready to go. 

Without a doubt, equipment fails unexpectedly despite bringing it in for routine maintenance. However, be as prepared as you can be ahead of time so that you can fish without interruption during the peak seasons. 

Considerations For Preparing Fishing Gear In The Winter

Without a doubt, there are things to consider when preparing fishing equipment for the spring. Here is what you should put on your preparation checklist to be ready for spring fishing. 

Test Rods And Reels

Rods and reels are subject to wear and tear, especially in saltwater environments. Remember, reels are prone to seizing, and rod eyes are subject to cracking and breakage. 

That said, make sure that the reels run smoothly and the eyes are in excellent condition. I prefer to have my reels serviced yearly to ensure they are ready when I am on a big fish. 

Replace Fishing Line

It should be noted that fishing line does not last forever. Unfortunately, it breaks down and takes the shape of the spool when on the reel for extended periods of time. 

For this reason, the fishing line should be changed yearly. The cold winter season is the best time to strip and replace it. 

Check Inventory Of Fishing Rigs

I tend to use a lot of different types of rigs because I target a wide range of fish. With that said, I’ve overlooked my stock and run short on occasions. 

During the winter, it is a good practice to look over your inventory. In the event you’re running low on important gear such as hooks, lures, weights, or anything else, order it in or visit a tackle shop to stock up. 

Look Over Fishing Accessories

Unquestionably, there are a lot of fishing accessories, including nets, pliers, fillet knives, and more. It is imperative to look at everything associated with fishing. 

Remember, a fishing net may have developed a hole over time, the pliers might be locked closed, and fillet knives will require sharpening. 

When putting all of the pieces together, it can take a few hours to make sure that everything is as it should be. However, you can’t forget about the accessories that are most often overlooked. 

Prepare For Spring Fishing Ahead Of Time

One of my favorite things to do is get out on the water and go fishing. However, I don’t want to encounter any issues that could have been avoided with preparation. Make a checklist so that you can stay on top of your fishing gear on a yearly basis during the winter. Be ready to go every time you get the chance to fish.