Winter Is Going To Be Over Soon So Now What Should I Do?

Headed out the door now to get a new trout tag.

Hey Tim,

Do you have a lifetime Missouri fishing license? If you do the trout tag is included.

Bill

Besides cleaning my rod up, I inspect the fly line.  Get out the magnifying glass and inspect the line for cracks and the “Loop” on the end for any possible damage.  If you line has not been floating well, it is a good bet that the loop end has cracks.  If the crack(s) are just on the loop end, you can cut off the loop and reweld a new loop in place.

Also cleaning the fly line with some mild soap and water is a good idea.  Then treat with the appropriate line dressing. It should really “Sing” after a good cleaning and dressing.

Get those waders and boots inspected.  Wash the waders according to manufacturers instructions and look those boots over.  If you have cleats or other metal on the soles, inspect them for security and overall wear.  Laces or BOA wires need a close look cause a failure of this equipment can put you out of action fast.

Look your fly boxes over and list the flies you need to tie to replace the one’s you lost in the bushes or on rocks.

How about some new leaders on those lines.  I usually fish my leaders for a year and then change to new at the beginning of the season.  If you use tippet rings, it will extend the life of those leaders and let you be flexible with your tippet size.

Clean out that sling pack or vest.  Look at the items you have not used in a year ( or ever) and lighten that load.  You back will thank you.

Just a couple of thoughts before the new season starts.

Bob

I’ve got new rock treads installed on my boots, waders are clean and ready to go, I’ve  even been trying to practice my casting which has a ways to go, but I won’t give up. I could use advice on getting the memory out of my fly line. Other than that I’m just waiting for the weather to cooperate.

Hi, Steve, I usually try to stretch my line out the day before a trip. I’m lucky that my wife will give a helping hand. I tie the line around her waist and let her run around the field and try to land her. She usually puts up a good fight but we are both getting up there in age and she tires quicker than she used to. If your wife isn’t the sporting type take a towel and wrap it around a tree, then run the line around it and back away and pull to stretch the line. It’s a simpler way to stretch your line out but not as much fun.

Bill

Steve,  I use a piece of 2 ft.  garden hose and pass my fly line through it, then place it on the back side of a tree or fence post. Then I back away letting fly line out and stretching as I back up. Works good for me.

I think Rio has a Fly Line cleaning video, it is worth watching. Also, I think Kenny recently made a post on cleaning a fly line.

Tim Thanks for the tip.  I’m going to give the hose a try.  I have some line that could use some work.

I’m going to take my reels and line over to Kenny so he can clean and buff them!  Thanks for your generous offer.