Author Topic: Pre Season Equipment Check List  (Read 2924 times)

Offline ped579

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Pre Season Equipment Check List
« on: March 01, 2009, 12:30:26 AM »
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-   Check your fire extinguisher to see if it is out of date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
IN GOD WE TRUST

"Hypocrisy is not a fault these days - it is a lifestyle"

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Offline seanr8w

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2009, 01:50:48 AM »
Thanks Paul... this list is very helpful for the simple minded  nts and forgetful  ??? 5hrug folks such as myself! I will be running through it and crossing it of as I go so as not to forget anything!  chrz
"Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish....."
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Offline Fishin Dude

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2009, 05:15:27 AM »
Great list. t^ <'((((><
I've spent most of my life fishing, the rest I've just wasted     <'((((><

Offline ChrisL

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2009, 07:51:08 AM »
 t^ Very nice list Paul. Thanks

I made it simple this year....bought all new rods, reels, truck, etc.  Now my wallet hurts.


Offline seanr8w

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2009, 09:37:38 AM »
t^ Very nice list Paul. Thanks

I made it simple this year....bought all new rods, reels, truck, etc.  Now my wallet hurts.
Shoot, you better make sure you catch fish, or you just might starve to death. You can't possibly have $$ left for groceries
"Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish....."
Steven Wright

Offline Pfishingruven

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2009, 11:48:02 AM »
Great info!

 TT^


Offline Luna Sea 5

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2009, 04:23:26 PM »
great post
Fish out of Toms River NJ.
Call Nick for open boat, 973-417-5756, or on Channel 68.

Team Luna Sea 6


Offline PeggyLee

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Re: Pre Season Equipment Check List
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2009, 06:48:55 PM »
Thanks Paul, will copy and use.

 

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