Pre Season Equipment Check List
Well its time to think about getting out onto the beach and fishing for well, anything that comes along. But before I venture out there are a few things I do every year that makes my forays out to Island Beach State Park a pleasurable experience. If you are like me I hate surprises especially during my fishing time. So I put together a few things to check while I have the time and to keep me from getting board. Here is my list of things to do right before the season.
Vehicle Check:
- Make sure the vehicle is in good running condition
- Check breaks and fluid
- Check tires
- Check air down lugs to make sure they all stop at the proper pressure
- Check all fluids
- Check belts
- Make sure all lights are all working (especially for night fishing)
- Check tire gauge
- MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL NECESSARY BEACH PERMITS
- Check your First Aid kit and restock if needed
- Put your shovel back in
- Replace the carry-in carry-out garbage bags
- Check your fire extinguisher to see if it is out of date
- Check the wiper blades and replace if necessary that salt spray can be a problem
- Check the rod holders and cooler rack for any deficiencies
- Check the battery and replace if necessary I know it could be expensive but it is expensive to get stuck out on the sand
- Replace the batteries in your flashlight weather it needs it or not corrosion can be a nightmare to these devices
- Make sure your snatch rope or tow chain is not worn and in good condition
- Check your spare tire it might come in handy one day
- Make sure to pack a couple flairs just in case
Tackle Check:
Rods
- Check all rods for loose tip tops and guides. If they seem loose do the repair yourself or take to a tackle shop that can do the repair for you
- Check reel seats for corrosion and clean the threads so you can remove your reels for easy cleaning
- Check all grips to make sure they are secure and do not twist or if cork the wrap is still on tight
- Check for cracks or nicks. If you spot any repair yourself or take it to a tackle shop that can reseal the top coat for you.
Reels
- Wash outside of reel in warm water and a mild soap solution to get the old salt from last season off
- Check the line and I usually change mine every 2 years and I try to stagger them so as not to hit the pocket book to hard
- If the reel feels sluggish or is grinding time to look under the hood. Either do this yourself if you feel comfortable or take it to your local tackle shop for a good cleaning and re-lube job
Tackle
- Check all hooks on your plugs, metals and rigs to make sure they are not rusting out which can be a bad thing if that trophy fish happens to come across your offering
- Time to restock your surf bag with some new toys you deserve for having to put up with a long winter of boredom
- Try a new technique or piece of tackle it just might make your life a lot easier out on the beach. Last year I was having a problem with ny snap swivels opening up and loosing either the tackle or expensive plug. I was told to try this new produce called fast links by Breakaway. Fantastic product and they do work. Since the switch over the only tome I loose tackle is because the choppers of a bluefish or shark bit threw the line. Good luck
Clothing and Waders
- Check your rain gear for cracks or rips and either repair or replace before you get a wet wake up call when you least expect it
- Waders should be checked as well for leaks. Cracks can be very small and well lets say the spring waters around here are not tropical
- Check your jetty cleats or felt sole boots as well that little check could mean your life
This may all seem like a lot of work but let me assure you it is well worth the little bit of time you put in now and leave the worries at home and enjoy a trouble free day on the beach. If you can add anything to the list by all means do so as I might of overlooked something.
Happy Catching
Paul
