The offseason is a great time to catch up on equipment maintenance.
By Steve Zelck
Well folks, it’s March and there’s not much to talk about on the fishing front unless you’re into ice fishing – and even so, the ice has been unpredictable for most of the season. The saltwater scene is dead; I’d say you got about 60 days until it all comes back to life again.
So, how are you spending your off-season? Unfortunately, the Patriots bowed out early, but I can guarantee you Coach Belichick was back in his office the next week preparing for next season.
So I ask you… are you in the workshop preparing for next season? Are your rods and reels completely clean and free of junk? Did you take your reels apart? Make sure the internal parts are free of sand. How are those drag washers looking? Did you back all drags off completely for winter storage? And lube. Plenty of lube. I can’t stress the importance of lube to keep things very smooth.
How’s the rest of your equipment? Perhaps the hooks on your lures are rusty and need replacement. And how about those barbs? If they’re rounded off and rusted, they’re not going to do much good in a fish’s jaw – or in your hand for that matter if the fish shakes it loose. Trust me – you want a nice, clean, sharp hook going into your hand… not an old rusty one.
Do you need new stuff? Nothing like having new stuff. Just like your wife or girlfriend needs new shoes, you need new fishing stuff. The store is receiving spring inventory on a daily basis, so it’s the right time to get out of the house and check it out. Not to mention, all the fishing and outdoor shows are still happening for at the least, another month or so. I’m sure you where at the New England Boat Show. How could you not be?
So there is my advice during the down time. Clean and maintain the old stuff and go out and get tons of new stuff. The season will be here sooner than you think.
FORECAST BY: 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 & Fishing, you can bet he’s out working on his lobster boat, F/V Erik and Devin, named after his kids. He also tuna fishes aboard the F/V Bounty Hunter with Captain Bill Monte from Wicked Tuna.