Part 2

There’s no better time than the dark days of winter to check on the condition of your fishing gear. 

In my last column I mentioned some of the steps we can all take that help a bunch when the chance to fish does come.  Now let’s look closely at what some of the other things are.

We’ll start with hooks.  Chances are some were dulled when you bounced them off the rocks last summer.  Is there a barb missing on some of your trebles?  Replace the hooks that should be replaced, sharpen those that need it.

I also use my downtime to take care of the skirts on my spinnerbaits.  Sprays are available to spray on rubber skirts so the tails stay separated.  Taking care of the skirts on your spinnerbaits or other lures is another of those little details so easily taken care of when the winter winds are blowing. 

Do it now and next spring you won't lose valuable fishing time.  I know I’ll be reaching into my tackle box on my first 2009 bass fishing trip to find a favorite Stan’s Spin spinnerbait.  Then, when I do find it, I don’t want to discover its skirt looks like the last rose of summer.  Clean up worn lure skirts now during your down time.  If they’re really beat up, simply replace them.

While hook sharpeners and skirt sprays are great items for getting tackle into shape, don't despair if you don't have them.  There are a jillion other things you can do.  They range from painting plugs to polishing spinners. 

Like me, you may have found certain lure colors more effective than others last season.  A variety of paints are available.  I purchase some of them from auto supply houses.  Another great spot to find such items is them Jann’s s Netcraft catalog.  If you’re really into fishing, you should have one.  You can visit the Netcraft website at www.jannsnetcraft.com and get all the details.

If you've read my book, "Catch More Steelhead," you know there's a chapter titled "Do It In Advance."  Often winter steelheading means repeated casting in air temperatures near freezing and water temperatures not much warmer.  That book was written many years ago but what I said about preparation then still applies today.

 They say the future belongs to the guy who prepares for it.  I'll go along with that because when it comes to steelhead fishing the prepared angler is going to wind up with more fish.

One of the simple but important things a steelheader can do in advance is pre-tie leader and hook setups.  I’ve always done it on those dreary winter days I can't fish.  It applies whether you are using natural bait or artificial lures.  

Many Mack's Lure products come all rigged and ready to go.  The Kokanee Pro pictured here is an example.  All you need do is determine the length of leader you want, then tie a loop knot in the end of it.  This is a great help to the wise angler who favors advance preparation.

That’s one of the things I especially like about certain of the Mack’s Lure products.  Many come already rigged.  All you need do is tie a loop in the end of your leader and you’re ready to go.

Mack’s Lure’s Pip’s Leader Caddy as well as its Pip’s Box are made to order for the guy who is serious about advance preparation.  If I rig up drift bobber rigs and perhaps leaders that have two hooks, all I have to do is store them in the Pip’s Leader Caddy.  The Leader Caddy is a magnum version of the smaller Pip’s Box.        

Having your hook and leader set up all rigged and ready means more time with your lure in the water.  It also means you've got a better shot at catching fish than other anglers who aren't as well prepared.

The smaller Pip’s Box provides super storage for your pre-tied leaders.  Like the Leader Caddy, it comes in different colors so you can tell a glance what you have where.

Once you've got your rigs tied up and ready, put 'em in the Pip's Box, slip the box into a pocket of your fishing vest and you're ready to go.

I do most of my fly tying in the winter.  If there's a better time to stock up on productive patterns, I've not found it.  I never put the finishing touches on a proven pattern without catching myself grinning.  I do so because I know what I'm going to do with that fly once the snowflakes quit flying.

We’ll take a final look at how to make your winter downtime pay dividends in my third column in this series.  It’s set to begin on February 15.

-To Be Continued-