In
the “great
white North,” winter is upon us in some form or fashion. So what can
you do now? If your lakes are sufficiently frozen there is always ice
fishing.
There is nothing like heading out onto the lake and catch some “perch pops” (or
walleye, trout, pike, bass, etc.). Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy fishing
in the winter. It doesn’t take a whole lot of equipment to get out there (but
then
again, we wouldn’t be anglers if we didn’t over equip!).
Just make sure you have
adequate layers of clothing to regulate your body temperature (yes,
you can get overheated in -10 degree weather). Take an ice rod (or
more) and a tip-up, along
with some extra hooks and sinkers, then grab some “waxies” at the bait shop and
throw it all into a 5 gallon bucket. Add a spud or an auger to make a hole in
the ice, and you’re basically ready to go “hard water” fishing. Oh sure, you
can add an Ice Trap shelter, colored flasher or your LCD graph and a host of
other toys, but those are icing (pun intended) on the cake.
If the weather isn’t cooperating and the ice isn’t strong enough, there are several
fishing activities to do at home. Winter is a great time to get organized for
the
next “soft water” season. I use this time to take stock of all the stuff I put
in my Ranger and decide if I really need to carry it this year. Inventory your
tackle
so you can “strategically” (stay out of trouble with your wife) buy new and/or
replacement equipment at the shows and tackle stores or from catalogs.
It’s also a great time to organize a different tackle storage system. I have
placed most of my hard baits into Plano 3700 series tackle boxes which are segregated
by bait type/function (i.e. shallow diving crankbaits, topwaters, etc.) This
way I can refine my tackle choices (take less stuff) for the specific body of
water I am fishing. I carry only my prime baits in the boat and put the rest
of the boxes in a milk crate box in the back of my Silverado. I use Plano’s Tackle
Logic bags for my plastics, typically organizing by color. I used to organize
by bait type and color (causing a nationwide shortage of bags one year) but I
refined my system during a previous winter organizing session.
Take advantage
of the down time and check over your rods and reels to make sure
they are set to go. If your cherished baitcaster sounds like a Cuisinart
munching a Buick,
it’s time to clean and re-lubricate it yourself or take it to someone. I have
had the same Quantum Energy reels for over six years – with nary a problem – because
of preventative maintenance. Check your rod guides for line-weakening rough spots.
Clean your cork handles so you can hang on when the big ones strike.
While you
are reorganizing you tackle, take time to evaluate your boat’s safety equipment
too. Check those seldom used flares and fire extinguisher to make sure
they haven’t expired. Add or restock that first aid kit, anchor, tie ropes, fuses,
spare bulbs for running lights, etc. and make sure they are all ready to go when
you are. If you carry a toolbox (and you should), make sure it still contains
everything you hope you’ll never need to use, or that experience has told you
to always have with you.
Nothing beats the winter
blues like going to the boat shows and seeing what the manufacturers
have to offer. And you can get out of
your wife’s hair (unless she likes to go) for the day so she can go to some
craft or antique show (insert your own comment here). The new season of television
fishing shows are also underway on the weekends (right before the other sporting
events) and are another opportunity to learn more about your sport, while
being entertained.
So, what can you do in
the winter? Quite a lot. Take advantage of
this time and get ready for the 2003 fishing season. It will
be here before you know it.
Jeff Morton
Any fishing or vehicle
questions? Drop me a line… jeffmorton@gofishmidwest.com.
Go
FISH Midwest, YOUR source for Midwest fishing information… and more!
More
Articles by Jeff
