It feels like just yesterday we were discussing some helpful tips for ice fishing. Although there’s still plenty of ice left across the country to get some more ice fishing in, what about the anglers who are sitting in anticipation of spring fishing? We can’t say we blame you if you’re not a fan of the cold, or ice fishing in general, but there’s plenty you can be doing right now to prepare for spring fishing — most of which can be done inside where it’s warm! Here are some of our spring fishing tips.

Check All Your Lures

The first thing you’re going to want to do to prepare for spring fishing is to check all your lures. Remove them from your tackle boxes and boat compartments and begin to organize them, checking each one as you go. If you notice any lures with broken hooks or swivels you should plan on having them replaced. On the other hand, if you notice dulled or chipped paint on your hard baits, like crankbaits and poppers, you may be able to fix this with lure paint or a permanent marker. This will save you some money while preparing for spring.

Check Your Boxes

While you’re checking your lures, don’t forget about your boxes. You may think you have the most high-quality tackle box on the market, but handles and hatches are known to break pretty easily and if they do, it could mean losing hundreds of dollars worth of fishing supplies to the lake — not a great way to start the spring fishing season.

Start Sorting

Now that your lures and tackle boxes are checked, it’s time to put everything back. However, make sure you stay organized as you do it. If you have a lot of lures, you’re going to want to mark the box to identify each section. I like to just use a sharpie for this. If you change the organization of your lures regularly, you may want to stick some tape on it instead to write on. This way, you won’t have to buy a new tackle box next season.

Examine Rods and Reels

The first thing you’ll want to do is check your line. Is it in good condition? Does it look like it's fraying or have kinks or knots in it? Make sure you have good quality line that looks ready to go for the season. Next, take a look at your rod and look at the eyes of the rod. These are the loops that hold the fishing line and if one is broken, you’re not going to have a great day of fishing. Once that’s done, take a look at your reels. Look for any wear, loose parts, or missing screws. If you have a spinning reel, you may need to oil and grease it before spring comes. Last season I noticed one of the eyes on my rod became very jagged, and by finding it before going out on the water, it saved me from potentially having my line get cut.

Learn About The New Waters You Want To Fish 

One of the greatest things about fishing is that the opportunities are endless as there's always new waters to explore and new fish to catch. Fishing new waters can be a pain sometimes, so I find it best just before the season kicks into gear to do some research on the new areas I've heard about or want to check out. I'll typically go do an exploration day with my wireless underwater fishing camera, the GoFish Cam, to pre-scout the new waters, learn about the structures, and the type of fish that are in the area. Whether you’re a serious fisherman who’s trying to get the edge, or you simply want to have a fun season filled with lots of great catches - knowing where you are fishing is necessary, and a tool like an underwater fishing camera has great capabilities to offer everyone.