Is it Spring yet?

Dennis Bligh Jr · Post by **Dennis Bligh Jr** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 2:16 am

Hello Pro-Staff, Long time no talk. I was just wondering what preperations your taking to gear up for 2004. I'm waiting for my new Nitro to show up, and reading, reading, reading up on tips and techs. Does anyone have any quirks when it comes to getting ready for the next season? Just trying to start a new topic.
Check out the updated website www.dennisbligh.com

BASSGUIDEPA · Post by **BASSGUIDEPA** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 2:32 am

Dennis,

This the time of year when I go thru my tackle and get rid of lures that I haven't use the previous year. I will load up my soft plactis bags, replace old hooks, and organize my lure boxes. I will also take apart my reels and make repairs and grease them up. One of the most import things that I always do is watch all of my fishing videos to pick up any tips that I may forgot about during the previous year. I almost forgot--I pray for an early spring.........

johnnie crain outdoors · Thu Jan 15, 2004 6:33 am

I spend a lot of time trying to eliminate baits from last season, but usually end up with them anyway. I do like to respool new line and go through my spinnerbaits and replace stuck together skirts, discolored or rusty blades and hone the hook if needed. Same with jigs, a lot of them get stuck together, it's ugly. Peanut butter cups can really get disgusting after a few months in the ole tackle box! They get fuzzy. Will probably keep them for emergency use only. Good post. Johnnie

catt951 · Post by **catt951** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 11:20 am

Let's see it's 57, dead calm, & foggy! Nope it's the middle of winter! I'm always picked on for being so organized, I can find any color worm you want at night with no light. I was taught to use my time fishing!

bassin butch · Post by **bassin butch** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 5:50 pm

I do the same as the others. Replace hooks, organize and load up on plastics. Also I throughly inspect the rod eyes on all of my sticks for even minor damage. This is something that can be over-looked. I make sure that all or the drag systems are released on reels an lubricate them. Also I like to help others out by giving them the plastic baits that I know I'm never going to use. It makes for room and helps someone else. I check each rod for signs of stress. Winter in Illinois is the time to research and plan for the coming tourney year. A complete plan involves historical lake records, current lake maps, determining development of shoreline IE; new rip rap, and back up launches if theyre needed, effective colors, lure size, and most importantly talking to the local guys. A wealth of information is available from the local guy. Another item is where can I get an edge? new techniques, new methods of presentation? Lure styles/colors? And some fabrication: Grind some plastic off the lips of poppers to create a unique disturbance, cut knotch out of the center of my wacky worms to give extra flex ect...

Bassin Butch

mofish · Post by **mofish** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 7:39 pm

Guess I'm spoiled like Catt. I never stop fishing! It does get cold but I never let that stop me. Matter of fact we are still catching some fish shallow right now when its been warm for a couple of days. I know this is rubbing it in and I sorry?! NOT! I love living down here!

Matter of fact I will be fishing a club tournament next weekend. Sorry to say the season never stops for me.

Conley

catt951 · Post by **catt951** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 1:17 pm

Mo when you gonna come down to Toledo?

JT_BAGWELL · Post by **JT_BAGWELL** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 4:13 am

About as close as I have come to getting ready for next season is ordering a small quantity of stuff from Yamamoto. I probably should get around to ordering the rest of it sometime soon.

JT Bagwell

mofish · Post by **mofish** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:49 pm

Catt,

You know what I do for a living. So my time is really cut into right now with all the securtiy alerts. I have had to cut back on my fishing for the last two years now and it is really hurting me on my travels and adventures. I am hoping that nest year I can get back to the BFL and make some of those trips to TB.

Don't ya just hate it when making a living get in the way of living?

Conley

catt951 · Post by **catt951** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:14 am

I own a construction company so any time you want a guided trip for fun let me know. This goes for all of you.