Good morning everyone

I want to start by saying I’m sorry for being away for so long. Had to much on my hands and couldn’t find the time.

Anyhow, let’s get back on topic.

I don’t know about you but the season is still far away. Where I live the season starts at the end of June and I find it very far. Sure trout has open and I’m going this weekend, but it’s not the same for me.

The rush of seeing the bass jump in the air because you used a popper to catch it, as an example, is awesome. Following a big one in the weeds and going after it is a great thrill.

Anyway you get the drift.

But what should you do in the mean time.

Get ready !

There are so many things to do before a season starts.

Here is a few to get you going.

The boat

Cleaning it.

Usually you do this at the end of the season, but sometimes you didn’t get around to it and would like to have a nice clean boat for your first outing.

Make sure you use a good boat cleaning product for the hull. You don’t want to damage the surface, let’s face it boat are expensive and you want to preserve it as long as you can.

If you use a power washer good but make sure you don’t use to much pressure. Adjust it if you can or, simply move back a little.

Check for any repair on the body. If you see a scratch make sure to repair it before it gets worse.

Check the lights.

The lights are very important for yours and other people safety. It is also law everywhere I believe.

Gas tank and hoses.

Check for any signs of dryness. If you have a plastic tank and it was expose to the sun all winter, the plastic could be compromised. The sun is terrible for that. Check your hoses also. The will suck air if they are in bad shape.

Dashboard , if equipped, and wires.

Usually you just have to clean it. But sometimes, like once for me, I had a family of mice that made their winter bed in my dashboard and they chew all my wires. I had to replace a lot of it.

Boat bilges.

They are often hard to get and we don’t check them before it is too late. Make sure there is no debris around them which would make them not work properly. If you see a lot of sludge and oil residue. They make good commercial cleaner out there that will not damage the integrity of the pump or metal around it.

Motor

Check the foot for proper fluid

Make sure there is no water in the oil. If you do find where the leak comes from and repair, do not wait because it can cause more damage.

Check the prop

A crack of ship prop can cause a small vibration and cause other parts to brake after a while. Sometimes a good repair shop can repair the damage prop if you can’t afford a new one.

Spark plugs

Some places recommend to change them every two years. I do it every year. They don’t cost much and can make a big difference.

Oil level

Motor now days mix the oil themselves. You don’t have to measure anything. The problem for some of us, is that we forget to check the level inside the cover and let the motor go dry. A big no no for a two cycle engine.

Trailer

Tires

Make sure there is no crack, tiny ones are not to bad but big ones are signs to replace it. Small bulge or golf ball like on the side is definitely a sign to change it.

Proper air pressure is also very important. My friend once bought a brand new tire and didn’t put the proper air pressure in it, we had a blowout on the way.

Bearings

I clean mine and repack them with new grease every year. If they show signs of wear after you have clean them then I recommend you replace them.

Axles

Axles don’t need much except to make sure they are not bend. Sometimes we overload the boat and it results in excess weight. The trailer is often built for a maximum amount of weight, be careful not to overload.

Rope or belt (used to pull the boat in)

Check for wear and tear. Last thing you want is to be stuck without a rope or belt to bring your boat in.

Lights

Light are very important, safety calls for it. Make sure they all work. If they don’t, check the fuses in the truck before you replace anything. Unless you see the obvious, a busted light for example.

Wiring

The wires often corrode with time. The ground is a big one on any trailer. If you have a problem with your lights, check the ground, if you see rust, clean it and try them again. I know my truck was very “touchy” with it’s ground.

Boat accessories

Boat well

They need to be cleaned regularly. Don’t use any chemical product for that and make sure you rinse them properly.

Cup holder

Small gadget in a boat but very important for some of us. They are often built not to last. Replace them if you have to.

Rod holder

Having rod holders that work in a boat is essential for me. It makes it more enjoyable to walk around in the boat. I hate having a mess on the floor while I’m fishing or moving from one place to another.

Fish finder

Works properly and the transducer is at the right place. If it’s a portable one make sure the batteries are in good condition. I replace mine every season.

Safety equipment

Boat lights

Often there is corrosion that builds up. Make sure they are clean otherwise they may not work when needed.

Life jackets

Most of us just leave them in the boat and sometimes mice get to it, after a long winter like where I live. Make sure they are without holes and still fit you or your family. Once I got in a boat and I ask the guy if he had life jackets. He said yes and showed them to me. They were from 1960 and kid sizes. I said : I think you need to update them.

Boat safety kit

Depending on the size of your boat, the law is different. You might only need some kind of a container to remove excess water and a whistle or, in some bigger boats, you will need a fire extinguisher.

Me, I recommend at least the following: container,rope, whistle, light and a small emergency flare kit.

Cary small emergency kit

For small cuts and burns

I don’t know about you but I always need some small bandages at one point during my trip.

Rods and reels

Rods are pretty simple. You just need to clean them with warm water and a light soapy agent. I would also recommend to use light reel grease on the guides to prevent corrosion.

Reels are a bit more tricky. If you are not afraid of opening it, go ahead and clean everything. Go on youtube if you want a bit of help. Make sure to use the proper grease, a very light maintenance one. If you don’t feel like taking a chance, like me sometimes. Clean the obvious, take of the spool and wipe clean, make sure there is no dust or sand on any of the surface.

One thing for sure, DO NOT submerge it in water or use a pressure system. Once water gets in, it can damage the gearing and drag system.

Most of what is mention up above is common knowledge for a lot of you, but if you are like me, often wait for the last minute or you just forget sometimes. Result is, you are on the water and say to yourself; I should have done this and should have done that.

Have a great season

Thanks for visiting bassfishingworld.com

Carl

P.S. I’m sure you can think of a lot more things to do, or things I forgot to mention. If you think that what I have forgotten is important to share, feel free to let me know. Remember this site is for everyone that wants to learn or share.