When I was growing up fishing season started in April and ended in December with the late fall/early winter trout run. For the most part we were off the water from January through March. While these days we have all figured out there really is no start and end to fishing season here in lowcountry as there is still lots of activity going on this time of year; there is still no doubt that January through March are a slower part of the season. During this slower part of the year I like to go through my tackle, boat, and other gear to ensure I am 100% prepared for when weather becomes more cooperative and I can get out on the water. You will also find that this is generally a slower time of the year for your tackle shops, electronics shops, canvas guys, dealers etc so if you have repairs they can jump on them and have them ready in plenty of time for the season Here are just a few itimes I check out and prepare this time of year:
Engine maintenance are you up on your services, do you still have spare belts, filters, etc?
General Boat Maintenance are your electronics working well, do you have any major cleaning to take care of, if the boat sits in the water is it time for a bottom cleaning, time for new paint, anchors and rode in good shape?
Trailer maintenance are the tires in good shape, do you still have a working spare, do the bunks need to be recovered, bearings need to be repacked, are the leaf springs and hardware in sound condition?
Curtains, canvas, cushions, covers do all your zippers function as they should, any rips or snags that need to be addressed, cushions dry rotting, can you see through your isen glass?
Safety gear are your flares in date, first aid items all still there and in date, life jackets and throwables in good shape, EPIRB still registered, batteries in safety equipment up to date, spare batteries still around?
Rods and reels are the eyes on rods in good shape, do the reels need to be cleaned and lubed, drags and clickers working properly, time for new line?
Tac