While there are a number of die-hard anglers still fishing, several anglers have called it a season and have turned their attention to hunting and football.
I certainly understand that. I am often conflicted this time of year as well, trying to choose between deer hunting and fishing for quality fall bass.
If your attention has been diverted from fishing and you’re putting the boat up for the season, I have some helpful hints for you that will make next year’s fishing more enjoyable and trouble-free.
Of course, if you live in cold weather, you already know how important it is to winterize the rig before storing it. But don’t just stop at that.
It’s a good time to go through your boat from bow to stern to double-check everything from the tightness of engine bolts to replacing gear lube on the outboard lower unit and doing maintenance on the trailer.
Check your prop to see if it needs to be repaired and tuned; examine the trailer wheel bearings, and if required, repack and replace bearings that are worn. Rotating tires will help even the wear on older trailers.
This also is a good time to create a list of boating equipment you’d like to update or add. I’m in the process of doing that before my new Nitro Z21 arrives.
For example, I plan to add Humminbird’s new Helix electronics to the mix with my Onix units. The reviews on the Helix have been awesome.
I’ll also mount them on TH Marine’s new KVD Kong bracket that is nearly indestructible and what we need to protect our electronics when running in rough water. It’s amazing how much of a beating our equipment takes on big water, and the Kong units are designed to handle that abuse.
TH Marine offers a variety of cool aftermarket boating accessories for bass anglers. I’ll be getting an Atlas jackplate and Hot Foot accelerator, which I’ve run for years, a G Force Trolling Motor Handle, and the Two-Way Alarm System to protect my gear when the boat is sitting alone in parking lots.
The G Force Handle replaces the standard cord that comes on MotorGuide or Minn Kota trolling motors. It’s a durable coated, steel cable that won’t snap when you pull the motor up into the store position. Anyone who has had that happen to them with an older trolling motor knows how dangerous that can be. All rope cords need to be replaced after extended use.
Creating lists is important for a number of reasons. First, you won’t forget, but more importantly, you can refer to it when looking for good deals. It also works as a Christmas list for family members.
And remember – Black Friday at Thanksgiving isn’t that far away. Although we tend to think of Black Friday deals at malls, many tackle outlets offer special pricing, too. In fact, Bass Pro Shops is planning some super deals for the holiday, and they carry a lot of boating equipment specials in addition to tackle bargains.
So, as your thoughts wander from fishing this fall and winter, take time to prep your boat for spring, inventory your needs and start shopping for bargains.
Remember, it’s all about the attitude!
Kevin VanDam’s column appears weekly on Bassmaster.com. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.
