WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
April 15, 2009

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What a great week of Spring weather! A number of the smaller lakes in our area are showing signs of open fishing opportunities and those that still are ice covered are very black and looking to be open very soon. Many of the larger lakes took a serious beating this week with a number of days hitting the mid-sixty degree range. So, if there was any question on whether or not we would be seeing open water come opening day, I think we found our answer this week. Without any serious cold weather in the forcast, I think we will see open water plenty early again this year.

So as many anglers start to get the excitement in their eyes for that opening day outing and all those great summer days of fishing, we again this week talk about tackle and tips to help you with the pursuit of a meal or that trophy. One trick that I learned a number of years ago can and will make a huge difference for fixing a major problem that can make for some amazing frustration. Knicked eyes on any fishing pole can lead to fraid lines and easy breakage when that trophy is up to the boat or maybe just consitent breakoffs. Here's one way to check for knicks in the eyes of your rods is taking a Qtip and slighly rubbing the Qtip around the inner part of the rod. With the braided lines and seasonal use that many anglers put their rods through, one can detect the slightest of knicks as the Qtip will leave a piece of the cotton attached to the knick. If you do find a bad spot, simply take some clear nail polish and coat the area with one or two coats, and the line busting spot will be eliminated.

Another good idea for that opening daay preparation is checking the drag systems on your rod. One can simply fill your spool with line and then attach a tennis ball or roll of duck tape to the end of the line. Once you have something attached, tuck it under a pillow and slowly start backing away from it with your drag set very light, in fact the line should come off as you back away as if you were fighting that ten pounder. If you have any resistance from the pillow or pull the ball/tape from the pillow, there is likely a problem with your drag. Many times an easy fix is to add some reel oil to the drag, if that doesn't work, it may be time to swing down to Glens Army Navy and pick up a new one. In fact they have the best selection of reels, whether you're after the high dollow spinning or casting reel or looking for one much less, they have you covered. For me, I look no further then the 2000 Excelsor from Daiwa.

Keep in mind that those open water panfish lakes are nearly open and no better time than the Spring to chase those big panfish. Look for the first ice crappies to be in that 12-18 feet of water near the first break at the spawning bay. A small jig tipped with a minnow or plastic should entice them. If that doesn't do the trick, try the good old bobber and jig/minow combination.

If you still plan on hitting the ice, it might be the a good idea to wear a lifejacket from here on out, or give it a few more days and get those chores around the house done and then jump in the boat.

See you on the water soon,

Sean Colter
218-244-2954
www.seancolter.com
www.glensarmynavystore.com