Trout season is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’ve been looking forward to this for months. And finally, it’s time to get ready. First and foremost, we have to be legal and buy our required licenses and trout stamps; this is true for both my home state, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, which is close by, so I get to enjoy fishing in both of these beautiful states during this time of year.
Next comes the maintenance chores; I have my favorite three rods that I use throughout trout season, and I make sure each is operating at tip-top shape. First, I respool all the reels with 6-pound test line. This gives me the confidence of knowing that a big breeder trout won’t break my line. Next, I lubricate the reels, using specific reel oil that is manufactured just for this type of application. This makes the reels run smoothly. If you don’t maintain your fishing reels, you are in for a long day of assorted problems. Not only that, but reels can be very pricey; you want make sure that you maintain them so you don’t need to replace them. I take good care of those that I have. My oldest reel is over twenty years old and is still like brand new – runs as smooth as the day I bought it. This is what proper maintenance can do for you!
Don’t forget to wipe down your rods, checking that all the eyes are straight and not broken, and if they are, now is the time to replace them.
Some folks like to use tackle boxes. If you do, take a quick inventory so that you can refresh your boxes now before the season and fill in anything that you might need. But I generally trout fish ultra-light with a simple hook, size 12, and a splitshot, 18 inches above the hook. In over fifty years, I have done very well with this rig for trout fishing, whether using meal worms, garden worms, or Berkley’s power bait. For me, this is a tried and true method that has yet to fail me! Believe me, it has put plenty of fish in the skillet over the years.
So, basically, you want to start the new fishing season with your equipment in its best condition. Why deal with frustration when fishing is supposed to be relaxing and peaceful?!
Hope this helps. I’ll see you as the season progresses! Good luck…tight lines. Have a great opener!
