THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501050185
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Tight Lines
SOURCE: Ford Reid
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
There comes a time in every fishing season when the angler must finally admit that it is over.
You may, of course, fish all year round in the ocean and sounds.
It is legal and it is theoretically possible. There are even days in January and February when the sun shines, the wind blows soft and warm across the Gulf Stream and the sea gulls scream over feeding fish.
But that is not something that you want to hold your breath waiting for. That is primarily a case of being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
When it comes time to pack it in for a few months, you take the crumpled pair of waders out of the back of the truck and stick the rods, reels and tackle boxes in the garage.
That way, when the fish show up in early spring you can be sure that your waders will leak, the drags on your reels will stick, a guide will break on your favorite rod and everything in your tackle box will be a uniform color of rusty brown.
If you hunt, you probably treat your guns at least as well as you treat your family. If you own a beach buggy, you fuss over it, changing the oil frequently and carefully washing off the salt spray each time you return from the beach.
But if you are like most fishermen, you treat your rods and reels with flagrant disregard. Most people give their bowling balls more care than they give their fishing gear.
A little bit of attention now will save you a world of frustration later.
Wash your rods in warm, soapy water and dry them off before you put them away. This is something that you ought to do every time you fish, but better late than never.
Although guides and reel seats are made with corrosion resistant materials, nothing really avoids the punishment of salt water.
Reels ought to be taken down, washed with a mild soap, then oiled and greased.
This is also a good time to strip off the old line. Otherwise, you might be tempted to try and use it again in the spring. Starting the season with fresh line is cheap insurance against losing a fish.
Think about it. You spend a lot of money to go fishing, then the trip is ruined because you've cheaped out on five bucks worth of line.
If you have been having trouble with a reel, this is a good time to repair it or take it to the tackle shop for a professional job.
Wash and dry everything in the tackle box.
Pliers should be cleaned and oiled. Filet knives should be sharpened.
Check waders for leaks, then hang them out of the sunlight.
Do all of that, and when spring time comes, you will really be ready to go fishing. by CNB