Amidst the February drudge of winter, there are subtle signs that spring is fast approaching. When ice off happens the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared for the spring fish feeding frenzy.
Follow these five tips to make sure your gear is in great shape and ready for when the hard water melts.
1. Check your rods for marks and scuffs.
Wear and tare on a fly rod is normal and usually not something to be too concerned over, but if while giving the rod a delicate flex you hear any pops, you may want to start saving up for the next replacement.
2. Make sure your line is cleaned or replaced.
For optimal performance a fly line needs to be cleaned a minimum of two to three times a year for the average fisher, but keep in mind, the more your fish the more you should clean your line. Lost River Angler fly shop carries Loon Line Speed Cleaner for $9.00 and a leader straighterner/cleaner for $4.99. In a pinch, you can get away with cleaning your line with mild dish soap and warm water.
Check your line by looking for any cracks in the line. Make sure to check the loop at the tip of the line for any wear and tear. Other signs that your line needs to be replaced are the line sinking in the water instead of floating and a reduction in line shooting smoothness when casting. A reasonably maintained fly line should last around 250 days on the river. How long this is depends on how often you fish. If your are not sure if your line needs to be replaced bring it into the shop to have it checked.
3. Test waders for leaks.
A potentially great first day of spring fishing can turn to cold, wet, misery in a hurry when you step into the water only to remember that hole in your waders you forgot to patch last fall.
We suggest testing your waders for leaks before hitting the water every spring. A great way to do this is to sit in a bath with your waders on. Any leaks will then show up on your pants allowing you to easily find the leak or leaks on the waders and get them patched before a day on the water.
Lost River Angler carries AquaSeal repair kits for $7.50, or if you would prefer, save time and have Lost River Angler repair your waders for you.
4. Boots are often overlooked.
Make sure your wading boots are in good condition and ready to go. Do this early so there will be plenty of time to replace them if needed. If the boots are in good condition but the laceses need replacing 5-50 cord will do the trick allowing for good laces without breaking the bank.
5. Get those fly boxes in order.
Winter is a great time to stock up on the flies you will need for the spring. Spend a night going through your boxes to clean out anything thrashed from last seasons use. Make a note of those thrashed flies or anything else you are missing so you will be able to replace them. Organize and put like flies together for a quick fly change on the river. Once you know what you are missing either get to tying or stop into the shop to stock up.
