There's another Fall fishing season right around the corner. This is a good time to go over your equipment while the summer is nearing to an end.  By checking your rods &  reels you can maintain your equipment and still have time to be ready for the first big  Fall Run.  Check your rod for clean guides and no snags inside them by running a nylon stocking thru the center of each guide. If there is a nick or a burr inside, it will snag on the nylon stocking.  Make note of the line guides that need attention and have them serviced or replaced. Check the thread wrapping and Flex Coating around them and also look for a good firm fit of the furls between each rod section. Make sure the reel seat is clean and that the threaded locking ring is working and in good shape. If  you have a hook keeper near the top of the cork handle where the rod meets the cork grip, check it for any damage along with the the thread wrapping and Flex Coating to make sure it is still  in good shape.                                                                                                                                                       
  Take time to check your reels and how well they fit into the reel seat on the rods. Do check the balance  and know which reels fit and work best for each rod/reel combo that you fish with. Do inspect the line , leader and tippet material you have, especially if  it's been sitting in your vest or jacket since you've put it away for a few months. Many  products break down and lose their original make-up after sitting for a period of time and not coated or dressed with the proper line dressings and floatants that are sometimes included in the box when purchased. If not included, then read the box and use recommeded materials to keep the equipment fresh and in working order. A good fly line is not inexpensive and when it's well taken care of will last you a long time. I try to clean and dress mine before every trip to the water, at least the night before I go. Keep your equipment in top shape and it will pay off on the days you hook those trophy fish. You just never know when you may  latch onto the next state record.
  This is also a great time to check your supply of Terminal Tackle. These are items that are most often used while fly fishing the flowing waters. Things like Split Shot, Strike Indicators, Flies, Nippers and other tools, etc. If your supplies have dwindled down and you've lost some of your favorite tools, or maybe broke a tool retractor, this is the time to restock and prepare for the Fall season. It's difficult to make proper presentations and turn your fishing into success without the proper equipment and proper working equipment. Early preparation means least frustration.
 Have a great season on the water.
 


Comments

Mike Cousino
08/26/2010 06:50

Thanks for the words Steve. Do you still want me to keep "Moss Point" a secret?
The water in the North Ga. and WNC has been warm as a result of the hotter than normal summer weather. Some trout are still being caught as vacationers visit the smokey mountain areas.
However, the fish are stressed and should be handled with care. Land quickly and release even quicker.
I am looking forward to fishing cooler water as Pastor Ray makes his way down to his winter haunts.
Thanks again.
Mike in SC

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    Steven Vorkapich

    Fly fishing since 1970 and enjoying every bit of it. Targeting steelhead trout & salmon in the Great Lakes Tributaries, and traditional trout fishing in the Mid West and Mid Atlantic states.

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