Well, spring is finally here! If you haven't gotten your equipment ready and the boat all spruced up, time is running out. If you are like me, those first couple of trips to the lake in the spring are my favorite times. After being cooped up all winter, the idea of finally casting out a line is about the best picker-up I can think of.Those first few trips are the ones that can cause the most trouble. We are out of the habit of checking all the necessities and anxious to get on the water. There are a few things that need to be checked out before each trip.
Always check the trailer lights and make sure that they have not gotten corroded over the winter (or that little critters haven't eaten through the wires). Sometimes, if your lights are dim, try cleaning the ball hitch and that will often improve the grounding enough to brighten your lights.
If you haven't repacked your wheel bearings, at least check the grease and make sure there isn't any water in the casing. Of course, always check your tire pressures (including the spare). Make sure that you have all your safety equipment loaded back into the boat, including extra warm clothes, life jacket, tool box and extra oil.
Make sure you have your boat and trailer registration in your tow vehicle and don't forget your fishing license. For a more complete checklist, check out the article on Safe Boating under Articles for some other good tips to make all your trips safe ones.
When you get to the lake, don't forget to check your drain plug and when you get on the water the first time, check out all your gauges, LCR's and livewells to make sure they are functioning before that first tournament. It is a good time to also check your boat lights and bilge pumps.
Now, for another thought for this year. I am not sure how many of you are familiar with the I.U. Bass Club. These are a great bunch of young men who also show some great angling ability. College bass clubs are becoming very popular and there is even a Big 10 championship. The biggest problem is finding boaters for these tournaments.
I always feel that fishing has given me a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment and I like to give some back. One of the great ways would be to donate a day and help the I.U. Bass Club by being a boater for their tournament. It is very satisfying and everyone I know that has done this has really enjoyed it. The future of fishing is with the next generation and this is a great way to give something back and still enjoy being on the water and helping a upcoming angler.
If anyone would be interested (especially any I.U. fans or alumni out there), please either contact me via email or check out the Federation and we can put you in touch with the right people. I promise, you won't regret it. I have over 135 tournaments listed on the Tournament Schedule Page. I am getting a lot of email concerning tournaments, so if you would like your tournament listed, please email me the particulars or fill out the form on the Tournament Schedule page. I also will be posting results of tournaments.
Speaking of tournaments, the Children's Wish Foundation Charity Tournament, which is sponsored by the IBF is April 25 at Monroe. This is a wonderful organization to help seriously ill or terminally ill children and the IBF has sponsored this tournament for 9 years and raised thousands of dollars. It is always a great tournament with an excellent payback. Please consider adding this to your schedule. For further information, you can check it out on the tournament schedule or contact Eldon Crabtree of the IBF or any other IBF member. I have fished every single WISH tournament and have never been disappointed with the totally professional way this tournament is held. (I have often been disappointed with my catch, however.)
Hope to see everyone out on the lakes very soon. Best of luck to everyone on the upcoming tournament season and please be careful. Our Indiana Lakes are becoming very congested and it is everyone's responsibilty to follow the rules of the water and use some common sense. No fishing hole is worth risking a life!
Tip of the Month: Remember that in the early spring, the warmest water is on the West and North parts of the lake. Always use a temperature gauge in the early spring to help find those pre-spawners.
A good way to keep your hands dry when fishing in the rain is to wear a pair of thin latex gloves like are worn in hospitals. They keep your hands dry and somewhat warm, but are so thin that you can feel your line and you can retie with them on and they won't let your rod slip out of your hand (if you know a nurse or someone who works in the healthcare field, they probably have some or you can buy them cheaply at a drugstore.)
M.J.
| ARTICLES/TIPS | TOURNAMENT INFO | LAKE INFORMATION | PERSONAL PAGE | |
| FISHING LINKS | BASSRINGS | WEBPAGE AWARDS | BASS BOOKSTORE |
