Angler’s Cures for Cabin Fever

With cold weather and slushy to completely frozen conditions in much of the country, many anglers are sitting home, watching playoffs and waiting for the warmer weather of Spring.  There are many activities the home-bound angler can do to prevent the Winter duldrums.  Below is  a to-do list for the angler to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

Take Inventory- Now is the time to clean out the tackle box or vest and find out what you need for the upcoming year.  It is much better to find out that you are out of your pet lure now than wen the bite is on.  Many times anglers find that it is best to stock up on productive lures at the best prices.  It is also a good time to trim the used line and leaders from the eyes of used flies, hooks and lures.  By purchasing a few extras of your favorite lures or rigs now, you won’t run out when the bite is on.

Learn to tie flies-Many flyfishers think that tying is too complicated, or that becasue they have large fingers that it’s nearly impossible.  That is simply not true.  Many of the worlds best fly tiers are adult men with large hands.  Many flies are very easy to tie and have relatively few materials.  Some local sportman’s clubs and fly shops offer free or low cost lessons to get started.

Re-Spool your reels- Now is the time to re-spool all reels in preparation of the new season.  Old line becomes coiled and weakened, causing difficulty casting and retrieving, not to mention landing a large fish.  Braided lines can occassionally be used more than one season, but should be inspected for frays or weak spots.

Join a Club- around the world, anglers come together for the betterment of the sport.  Many of these organizations influence government concerning the protection of habitat and access.  Becoming involved allows an angler to voice his or her concerns on behalf of the fish.

Attend Sports Shows- Nearly all major cities have a outdoor sports show during the Winter.  There you can purchase gear, see seminars, view displays, and book charters or guides.  These events are usually reasonable priced for admission and provide a day’s entertainment for the whole family.

Plan a Trip- By planning your next fishing trip now, you can usually get the prime dates that will be filled by Spring.  Also, by allowing extra time, one can be more thourogh in searching for a guide or charter.  And as with all trips, most of the fun is in the planning.

Tie Fly Leaders-  By investing a few dollars up front, an angler can make custom leaders for any fly fishing situation.  The internet has plenty of “recipes” for leaders used to catch just about any fish on the fly. A tying jig can be made from a board and a few nails.  The leader material and a pair of clippers are all that are needed to make enough leaders to last for years.

Clean Your Fly Line- A dirty fly line will hamper distance and accuracy in casting.  A clean fly line also lasts longer and is more resistant to cracking.

Replace Wading Shoe Studs and Felt-  By replacing your felts and studs now, you can prevent nasty spills early in the season when water is coldest.  Most manufacturers offer replacement felt and studs for a nominal price.  Don’t forget about the wading sandals either.

Inspect and Repair Boats- If you fish from a boat, now is the time to do those little repairs so that they aren’t nagging in May.  Boat repair services tend to be slow this time of year, and by taking your boat for service now, you can prevent missing the early season because your boat was getting service at the busiest time of the year. Even float tubes and personal pontoons can benefit from a regular inspection and cleaning.

Try Ice Fishing- Ice fishing is more comfortable and productive now than any time in history.  Give it a try and you may even hope for cold weather.

Fish A Tailwater- While many waterways are frozen, most tailwaters have open water throughout the Winter.  Often, the water temperatures will be in the 50 degree range, which causes the fish to be more active than most other areas.  Trout, pike, muskie and walleye are popular Winter tailwater fish.

By preparing now, you will have a more productive and enjoyable open water season.