Ebb & F low The Spring Roar
By Trey Leggett
A
lthough Punxsutawney Phil advised that we have six more weeks of winter, March is still the time for St. Patrick’s Day, green beer, azalea blooms, turkey hunting, and last-ditch efforts to get ready for full blown fishing season. Typically, fishermen use the months of January through March to get ready for warmer weather fishing, even if they fish all year round. This is the perfect time for boat and kayak deep cleaning and rigging of rod holders, tackle storage, motor maintenance, and electronics installations.
Fishing Rods are ready! Photo by Trey Leggett
Boat Work • Although I fish all during the year, I go through my boat and kayak from front to back, cleaning and making sure I have all the regulated equipment (like throwables, life jackets, ropes, fire extinguishers, etc.) onboard and in proper working order. • I check my trailer lights, bolts, tires, and wheel hubs for functionality and perform whatever maintenance is required. • This is a good time for adding items of convenience like rod holders and better tackle storage to keep items secure and readily available. A cluttered fishing vessel is aggravating and unsafe. • Even if you have motor maintenance done when you get to the required hours, you can still check your propeller and lower unit for any damage. • Checking your battery is a must; recharge or replace if needed. Being stranded and having to call for a tow is no fun.
• Check your fishing line and replace if necessary. Braided lines are very durable and can be used for a long time. I've been known to unspool my braid and spool it back on, backwards, so I can use the line I haven’t used much previously. • Inventory lures, leader material, hooks, weights, popping corks, and other tackle items. Having needed items on hand is a must on any successful fishing trip. • Take the time to replace or sharpen hooks on lures. Losing a fish to a broken or dull hook isn’t fun. I believe 2018 is going to be a great fishing year for our area and I hope you all have great success! Stay informed of current fishing regulations, weather reports, fishing reports, and any fun fishing tournaments in your area. Don’t forget, kids love fishing and it gets them out of the house and off the video games, so take a kid fishing!
Fishing Gear Late winter is also a great time to clean, repair, or replace your fishing equipment. • A smooth fishing reel is a must when casting and reeling in fish. Make sure dust, sand, and other foreign objects are cleaned from your reels. Check and/or replace drag washers or brakes, depending on what type of reel you have. • Check your fishing rods for any bad eyelets that can cut your line or diminish the performance of your rod. Replacing eyelets is relatively easy, or you can get a repair person to do it at minimal cost. March 2018
Southern Tides Magazine
Stay safe and tight lines.
Trey fishes for Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, and ENGEL Coolers.
Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com 9
