With the holidays in the rearview, it’s time to focus on the next season… SPRING! For many anglers, this month is our version of spring-cleaning. It’s time to get everything ready to go for what some consider their favorite time of year to be on the water. Here’s a couple of simple, yet often overlooked, things to consider when prepping you gear.
Rule No. 1: Can’t fish it if you can’t find it
One thing I always have when it comes to tackle is too much… too much of everything. I find security in having lots of baits, specifically as many different colors, sizes and weights of every bait that might work. I don’t ever want to watch so and so catch every fish in the lake right in front of me simply because I have black-with-blue flake and they have black-with-blue-er flake. If you’re like me, then try to optimize your space to maximize you’re arsenal. If you have a garage, then know pegboard is your friend. Plastic tubs and storage cabinets are made for a reason. In some cases, it’s also within acceptable limits to opt for a small storage unit. This helps you keep the garage or the—ahem—living room clean. My wife is very happy that I now keep all my gear off-site (which also means outta sight).
Organization is key
I separate my lures into two categories: hard baits and soft plastics. Since I fish from a kayak, I usually only have two large Plano boxes on board, one for each. This helps build confidence in the baits at my disposal because I can only use what is at hand. While this seems like a very rudimentary “tip,” you’ll be surprised how much this can help you weed out tackle and gear you don’t use… which means more room for your favorite crankbaits.
Spend a little, save a lot
Another tip that’ll save you not only time and money, but also a big fish, is changing and organizing your hooks. For a long time I would fish a crankbait or jerkbait until it was “all used up.” Then it would find its way into a tangled pile of baits that needed to be “fixed.” The nest of treble hooks and baits would finally end up in a box, which would then end up in the carpet, then my hand or foot and finally the trash. I was throwing away hundreds of dollars a year in baits that just needed a little TLC. Quality crankbaits and jerkbaits have gotten crazy expensive. The six treble hooks that will save three baits are only half the cost of replacing one bait. The math is simple; with a half hour and a pair of split ring pliers, you can save a nice chunk of change.
Stewart Venable is a member of the Jackson Kayak Fishing Team and on the pro staffs of these companies: Dobyns, YakAttack, Bending Branches, Georgia Kayak Adventures and Ram Mounts. Contact him at (704) 307-9427.