The Opener...

The anticipation of the gamefish season is setting in. I always feel it as May approaches. This year I can hardly stand it.

The opener is always a busy time for the shop, so in the days remaining before it gets here, here's a couple of things to do.

1.) Get your fishing license. Do it now. Nothing will tie you up on your way out than having to wait in line for it opening weekend.

2.) Restring your reels. Here's a great after work activity, pull all the old line off your spools and bring them to the shop for fresh line. Do it before opening weekend, and its one more thing that will save you some time and hassle.

3.) Do a quick inventory of your tackle needs. See what things you are almost out of. Hooks, jigs, sinkers and bobbers are four items that get used up quick. Make a list of what you need and stop by the shop to replenish your supplies. Do you need (or want) a new rod and/or reel? We can make some excellent suggestions.

4.) Buy a new lure. (Or three) Everybody wants to do it. Our shop has all sorts of new tackle this year ranging from soft plastics to spinner and buzzbaits to hardbodied crankbiats and topwaters. Pick yourself up a new favorite and don't be afraid to ask the guys who work at the shop for some advice.

5.) Decide where you'll fish the opener and make your travel plans. Know that many of the launches fill up Friday night and plan accordingly.

6.) Charge up the boat batteries, fill up your gas cans and check the tire bearings on your trailer. Oh yeah, make sure you have the drain plug and its put in.

7.) Did you get your fishing license yet?

8.) Air out your raingear. Fishing raingear gets a certain "funk" to it. I love the smell personally, but most people don't.

9.) Check your PFD's, fire extinguisher and tie lies. Test your graph and your navigation lights. Replace anything that isn't working.

10.) Stop by the shop. We can help you to get ready and suggest some locations for fishing the opener. I'll be out the frriday before on at least three lakes scouting, and will have a good idea of the conditions.

Good luck out there
CT