Spring Cleaning: Ten Top Tips to Help You Take Full Advantage of ‘The Close’
1. Check and Replace Your Fishing Line
Assess the condition of your fishing line on each reel. Old, damaged line can lead to disaster when you hook a big one. So, replace any line that shows signs of wear.
2. Service Your Reels
Give your reels a thorough clean and lubrication to ensure smooth operation when the season opens. This maintenance will prolong the reels’ lifespan and ensure they won’t let you know at critical times – like when you’re playing that next PB.
3. Take Inventory of Your Tackle
Conduct a thorough assessment of your tackle shed. Identify any surplus kit that can be offloaded to fund any glaring gaps that need filling. This helps in budgeting for any new purchases while decluttering your fishing gear.
4. Audit and Organise Your Terminal Tackle
Go through your terminal tackle. Organise hooks, weights, and other accessories systematically to ensure you have all the essential bits and bobs you’ll need for your preferred rigs. Discard anything rusty or damaged. An organised tackle box saves time on the water and ensures you have all the essentials at your fingertips.
5. Clean All Your Kit
Deep clean your rods, reels, and luggage. Remove dirt, mud, and grime that can corrode your gear. Don’t forget to dry everything thoroughly to prevent rust or mildew, especially on your rod guides and reel seats.
6. Check your bait
Take time to go through your bait. Discard any bait that has expired or smells ‘off’ (or not at all!). This is also a good opportunity to plan new bait strategies for the upcoming season based on your target species’ preferences, your venue choice (and any related bait restrictions) and seasonal changes. Assess what bait you’ll need for your upcoming campaigns. Purchase fresh supplies tailored to your new targets.
7. Research New Venues
Use this time to explore new lakes and rivers that interest you. Research the resident species and weights. Consider local regulations and accessibility options, ensuring the best possible start to your next campaign.
8. Plan Your Fishing Challenges
Set specific goals for the upcoming season. Whether it’s targeting a new species or mastering a new technique, having clear objectives will enhance your fishing experiences.
9. Check your nets
Ensure your keepnets, weigh slings and – most importantly – landing nets are all in tip-top order. (The last thing you want to do is bank a PB, only to damage the fish’s fins due to a gaping hole in your net.)
10. Connect with Fellow Anglers
Use the closed season as an opportunity to engage with local angling communities online or in-person. Share tips, discuss new venues, and learn from each other’s experiences to enhance your own skills.
