MAINELY OUTDOORS
by Bill Graves
That old adage that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb doesn’t always hold true here in Aroostook County. For ardent anglers who have waited all winter for April 1 and open water fishing season, Mother Nature can be a real stumbling block. Just because the regulations say fishing begins in a few days by no means assures that Jack Frost and Mother Nature agree. Perhaps that’s the true logic of April Fool’s Day for regional sportsmen!
Over the next couple of weeks I’ll spend a few minutes here and there, nights and weekends going over my rods and reels, sorting through my tackle and checking over fly boxes doing an annual equipment check and fix-up. Nothing is more irritating than to call a buddy, set up an early season outing, and arrive to find he hasn’t a clue where his fishing gear is, or worse, it’s right where he dropped it in full disrepair at the end of last season. Then he buzzes around like a hummingbird with a tail wind doing things that should already be done, and delaying the fishing. Don’t be that guy, plan ahead and locate and check out your equipment before you actually need it. It’s a shame to miss one minute of fishing due to broken or malfunctioning gear.
Check your rods over first. Make sure the inside of each guide is smooth, not line worn and rough, so that it might ruin the coating on a fly line or cut through monofilament. Check each guide winding to make sure there’s no looseness or unraveling. Perhaps the thread needs a new waterproof coating of preservative. Replace or rewind any faulty guides. It’s a simple task that takes less than 30 minutes per guide. Wipe the rod down with a spray household cleaner, especially the rings and grooves of the reel seat. Spray a cloth with WD40 and rub down the cork grip to remove grime, and remnants of sunscreen and fly dope, and give the handle a brand new look.
Go over the reels next. If a line is over two years old it may need to be replaced. Fly lines crack and lose flotation, and become difficult to cast well. Monofilament weakens, leading to losing fish, and it retains memory making it difficult to cast. Clean each fly line thoroughly, going over it at least three times with cleaner and once with floatant if it’s a floating line. Change all leaders and double check all knots.
Take the reels apart and go over the parts with a moist soft cloth, then a dry cloth and finally with a cloth sprayed with silicone. Avoid spraying the entire reel, especially the gear mechanisms, with lubricant, as it will often attract and hold dirt and grit in the delicate winding and drag gears. Apply small drops of lightweight oil only to the gear shafts and cogs and wipe off excess. Always release the drag tension when storing a reel for a week or more. Use a quality, fitted screwdriver and check each exterior screw for tightness.
Flies and lures are the next equipment to be checked. Most fish that strike will hook themselves on a sharp hook, but dull, bent points and barbs will allow fish to pull free at the strike or during the ensuing fight. Take a second and make a few swipes with a good diamond file along each point edge of favorite flies and lures. Use steel wool or metal polish to shine up tarnished or rusted lures. Check all the eyes and hook rings for tightness in lures and plugs, and make sure the hooks and inserts aren’t bent.
Look over flies to make sure the head doesn’t need to be rewound or need a coat of head cement. Repair or discard flies with loose hackles or ribbing, and replace lost tail or wing feathers. Flies that have caught a lot of fish tend to get bedraggled, but 30 seconds in the steam from a tea kettle will revive colors and renew feather quality. Wash the fly in soapy water, rinse in clean water and partially dry with a paper towel, and then steam it thoroughly over a boiling tea kettle using long, needle nose pliers. Then preen the feathers and lay every fly on a paper towel to dry. Steam can burn in an instant so take great care.
Locate your net, creel, fly vest and waders to be sure all are in good shape. Go the sporting goods store and replace any swivels, sinkers, bobbers, spinners, or other gear you’re low on. Give your boat and trailer a quick once over and make sure the tires are properly inflated and have good tread. Don’t forget to check the spare. Grease the hubs or replace them if it’s been four to five years since they were new and they don’t have grease fittings. Look over the portable gas tank and fuel line for problems and test the motor in a barrel of water to assure ease of starting, smooth running and a strong, steady water pump. Problems can be easily fixed a week or so before the season, not so simple when you’re on the water!
Save yourself time, aggravation, and perhaps a ruined fishing trip by preparing your gear early. The height of frustration is trying to repair gear or jury-rig equipment while your partner is fishing and catching fish! Spring fishing is not far away, so start fixing things now and when your buddy calls, you’ll be ready to start casting.
