Fred Raby
fraby@hook1.com
hook1.com
"FISHING WITH FRED"
Covering Tidal Waters And Impoundments
"Be Prepared"
One very often overlooked factors of a fishing trip is the readiness of your equipment. This included not only your tackle, boat, and gear, but also and most importantly your own preparedness for the weather.
A recent bass tournament was scheduled on a day with a weather prediction for 30% rain and a high of 61. You wish! As it turned out it was 100% rain and a high of 50, with a constatnt wind of 15-20 mph. We had several fishermen who were forced to go home early. Some even with fish! Many others weathered out the bad conditions in spite of their ill preparedness while some of us suffered through the day even though we did have adequate clothing and protection for the day.
It took me several years of fishing to invest in a good Gore Tex rainsuit, but I have to admit it has saved me many times on the water. First it will keep the rain out! It will also provide warmth on those days when an unexpected cold front hits a day or so early. In the summer 'it breathes' so you do not roast like those vinyl jobs. An equally if not more important part is footware. I keep a pair of rubber shoes in my boat for unexpected rain, but on a day like we had I wore rubber boots to keep me as comfortable as possible.
You should check the weather several times before a trip. Right up to the time of departure there could be changes that would change your plans.
When fall comes around I always put an extra change of clothes in the boat (sealed in plastic) just in case. On a day like we had, I put a second change in the truck including socks and shoes.
Now, a wet cold day is bad enough, but how about a day when your equipment fails you. Even if you do not have the confidence to completely disassemble your reels, you should flush and lubricate them every month or so to be sure they are ready.
Of course the regular inspection of your boat before every trip goes without saying. But pay particular attention to your lights, and trailer lights. These can give you added visibility to other boaters and drivers.
Keep your bait in the water!
Fred
