Walleye season is just about to open and the first day is always an eye-opening experience for all. You need to start preparing in order to enjoy maximum fishing pleasure. Although you do this every year, you still end up forgetting one or two essentials. For a perfect start this year, use the following tips as a checklist of things to do and bring.
Checking Your Fishing Gear and Equipment for the Walleye Season
Fishing License – Don’t wait for trouble to come knocking at your door. Apply early, submit your requirements promptly, and keep your fishing license together with the rest of your fishing gear.
Tackle Box – You can’t catch walleye without bait so make sure your tackle box contains all the necessary equipment: live and plastic bait, jigs and rigs, hooks, slip bobbers, split shots, hooks, plugs, crank baits, and crawler harnesses. Keep in mind that the quantity of bait and other tackling essentials you’ll bring with you will greatly depend on when and where you’ll be fishing.
Fishing Rods, Reels, and Lines – For fishing novices, keep in mind that this recreational activity is just like playing golf or tennis. There are certain rods, reels, and lines that work better in certain situations.
Fishing Nets – Consider taking with you several types and sizes of fishing nets to meet all possible fishing needs you’ll encounter on the opening day of walleye season.
Troubleshooting Kit – Take a pair of pliers with you: this is the ultimate fishing tool that will help you solve lots of small and big troubles while you’re fishing for walleye. Make sure you also have a filet knife, side planers, fish chains, nail clippers, forceps, and hook sharpeners included in your troubleshooting kit.
Locating Tools – To help you search for more walleye, make sure you’ve got with you fish markers, a portable fish finder, compass, head lamps, fish scale, fishing maps, and tape measure.
Electronic Equipment – Have a camera with you at all times to keep photographic evidence and remembrances of your catches. Make sure you’ve got an extra electric motor ready for emergency needs. If possible, have GPS and batteries as well.
Comfort – To be able to fish more comfortably and successfully, make sure you’re wearing fishing boots and you’ve got life jackets and rain gear ready in cases of emergency. A pair of fishing gloves, a bottle of mosquito repellent (one that won’t be easily washed off by water, preferably), sunscreen and sunglasses, all-purpose rags, and a small bucket for your dumping needs. Pillows and sleeping bags are also necessary if you’re staying the whole day. There’ll be times when you’ll need to take a short nap while waiting for some walleye to take the bait.
Consider any special health conditions you may have. If you are wearing contact lenses, be sure to take with you all your supplies.
Consider bringing means to entertain yourself especially if you’re fishing on your own. Take with you a couple of books, a portable DVD or music player, or playing cards. Other essentials you could bring are garbage bags, a knife, axe, and flashlight.
Food – If it’s going to be a long trip, decide if you wish to go to the bank once in a while to eat. If not that, check if you’ve got all your cooking supplies. Have your coolers ready, a bottle opener, coffee maker, ice, eating utensils, plates and glasses, and sealable bags.
Boat – Have a professional give your boat a thorough checkup at least a month before the opening of walleye season to ascertain if it’s ready to face another fun but challenging voyage. Make sure you’ve got boat seats, anchors, and an adequate supplies of oil or gas. Take a repair kit on board and make sure you know the basic troubleshooting solutions for common boating problems.
If you’re fishing in a new area, make sure your boat is capable of meeting the expected current strength, depth, and weather conditions.
Medical Kit – Besides the usual essentials of a basic medical kit, take with you as well a couple of painkillers, moist towelettes, tissue paper, and allergy medicine since you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
General Concerns – Of course, preparing for the opening of walleye season isn’t limited to checking your gear and equipment. Familiarize yourself with the rules and requirements as well.
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