By Steve Zelck
I thought I would pick up where I left off last month about not being that guy. You know… that guy that doesn’t take care of his gear and tackle. Go through your tackle box—do you have hooks that need to be sharpened or replaced? Nothing hurts more than losing a monster early in the season because you were too lazy to replace a 25-cent hook. Take inventory of what you need and go out and buy some new hooks, maybe even a plug or two, to make yourself feel better and let the few remaining winter days pass.
What are you going to do differently this year? Are you going to go to the same areas and catch the same average fish or are you going to branch out? Go ahead and make this year the year to focus on some new areas and take a chance. If it helps, look at what areas were the hottest on certain days last year. Most likely those fish will be in the same area again.
Lastly, did you land a monster last year or did he get away? What will you do differently the next time you hook up so you don’t make the same mistakes and lose another beast? I can honestly tell you I’ve learned more from the fish and deer that have escaped than I do when they end up on the deck.
Steve Zelck was born and raised in Gloucester. Steve’s love of the sea lured him back to pursue his fishing passion and not a day goes by without him checking the pulse of the harbor for action. If you don’t find Steve at Three Lantern Marine helping customers, you can bet he’s out working on the F/V Jean Elizabeth hauling traps or hunting bluefin on the F/V Eagles Nest. www.threelanternmarine.com
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