Preparation
How many times did my mother tell me to “dress warm” or “put on sun screen” or similar things? A million times and not enough apparently…. I still find myself leaving one venue for another, more promising fishing spot, only to find that I’m not prepared for the conditions. Too cold, super windy, forgot the waders or burn the heck out of my “lily-white” legs on the kayak because I forgot the sunscreen — (Not as bad as the tanning bed incident, but horrible none the less!). Yep, I suck, but I’m getting better. I’ve realized that I can’t pack everything that I’ll ever need for fishing into my car (all though, my friends may tell you other-wise. LOL ) . What one can do is make a general fishing pack or packs. I usually travel with a fly rod and a spinning rod (at minimum) so I need a “Swiss-Army” type tackle box approach. A few spoons, crank baits, jigs, hooks, small line spools, pliers, Gulp! bait pack and some “Go To” flies in a slim case. Waders, pack-able wading boots and a light wind jacket.
Whew! We’re done right?!… Just until we get to the fishin’ hole. Stop. Preparation time again. Relax a minute, while you survey the surroundings and assess the situation. Take time to check the line, the knot, the lure or fly. Check the tightness of the sections of your rod. Check the drag and spool settings: It can make or break your day. I once traveled almost an hour, only to over-run, backlash, bird’s nest or what have you, (basically ruin) a whole spool of expensive braided line on my first and only cast! My new Bait Casting rod and reel that I was so excited about and couldn’t wait to use was rendered: USELESS. It couldn’t be saved and I had no other equipment to fish with. I went from excited to dejected in no-time-flat. I cursed the whole way home and just about cried. However, I gained a whole lot of wisdom that day. Wisdom that I hope I have passed on to you: Be prepared, dress well and check your fly.
Tight lines!
