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Beginning a New Year
By David Swenson

As the opener of muskie fishing approaches the thoughts of missed opportunities and the catches of last year begin to fade away. It is now time to concentrate on what lies ahead. Will this be the year for a personal best or will it be your first muskie boated? Before the season begins, there are things we all need to do prior to opening day to increase our chances for success this season.

There is nothing more important than preparedness when muskie fishing and I do not mean picking the lake or first spot you will fish. Every good muskie angler will have his equipment in top working order.

One of the first pieces of muskie equipment I perform maintenance on is my reels. They should either be brought in for service or you should service them yourself. If servicing yourself you should wipe the reel down inside and out to ensure there is no sand or dirt.

Remove old dirty grease and oil and replace with new per manufacturers recommendations. Every year I replace my line whether it is needed or not. Spools should be filled to maximum line capacity to ensure smooth casting and proper bait retrieval. Also check all screws and fittings for tightness. Ensure all parts (i.e. drag, anti-backlash, etc.) are working correctly.

Next, I inspect my rods. I check the eyes for any loose thread or ceramic. Any crack, grooves, or loosening of the ceramic must be corrected. Check the reel seat and handle for cracks or damage. Inspect your rod carefully for nicks or cracks. If any large nicks or any crack is found the rod should be replaced. If you are unsure if a flaw in your rod warrants replacing the rod or just needs repair take your rod to someone who repairs or builds rods.

They should be able to tell if it can be repaired or not. Most muskie rods come with a warranty. If a rod needs replacement take it back to the retailer you purchased it from. They may exchange the rod right there for you or give you instructions on how to replace the rod if the damage is covered by a warranty. Try your rod and reel out in the back yard to ensure proper functioning.

When it comes to lures take your time. Check each lures split rings and hooks for any sign of weakness (i.e. rust, bent, etc.). If any flaw is found replace it immediately. Check each lures areas of attachment to the hooks or leader. Any bend, crack, or rust should be repaired, replaced, or the lure should be placed into retirement.

Check under the hair of buck tails for rust or kinks. Check the lure body for any damage that may cause failure or make the lure work improperly. Paint lures that are a little worn from use on the water. Replace worn blades, swivels, snaps, or lips on your lures. Most importantly, sharpen your hooks! Your lure is the first item a fish comes in contact with; make sure it will not fail you.

Another item to check over is your net or cradle. Make sure there are no tears or frays in the netting. If there is repair it if possible or replace the netting. Inspect the handle and hoop for cracks, bends, or other signs of wear. Any flaw in the handle or hoop should mean replacement of the net or cradle. On nets, make sure the locking device is working properly.

Other equipment that should be inspected for damage or wear are pliers, bolt cutters, files, line clippers, mouth spreaders, split ring pliers, and measuring devices (should be checked for stretching). Terminal tackle (i.e. leaders, snaps, split rings, etc.) should be checked for wear and tear. Make sure your tackle boxes are not damaged and the latches work properly.

Finally, it should go without saying your boat should be in top working order. It would take a whole page just to outline preparing your boat for the season. Talk to your marine mechanic regarding maintenance and service of your boat, motor, and trailer.

Also, refer to safety rules and regulations that apply to the areas you plan to fish to ensure your boat is equipped with the proper safety equipment. Take your boat out for a trial run prior to the season opener or any big trip you are planning.

The equipment is the most important part in a successful muskie trip. Knowing were they are and what they bite on does you no good if your boat can not make it there or your reel fails when a fish hits. So take the extra time and go through your equipment. Make sure it all works properly and repair or replace faulty equipment. It can mean the difference between an unsuccessful or a successful day of muskie fishing.

Good luck fishing! Let'em go, Let'em grow!

Red Pine Resort
Ice Fishing on Kabetogama.