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Thursday, February 8, 2007 7:47 PM CST
Time to prepare for upcoming seasons, shows
By DAVE SHADOW
Some of us didn’t have the luxury of being a Boy Scout in our younger years, but the motto “Be prepared” will still serve us well.
This is a season with fewer outdoor activities and scheduled seasons for most of us. It is the perfect time to catch up on that huge list of “honey-do” projects and then get started on some really important stuff like painting tree stands, preparing fishing tackle, etc.
Many metal deer stands will deteriorate badly unless you give them some needed lubricating and/or repainting. Besides, the squirrels ate the seats off of a couple of mine this season. The problem with this refurbishing is that the odors that are created in these processes are very detrimental to hunting success. That’s why you should do the work now and then place the stands outside to give up their odors far in advance of next year’s season. This is also a good time to study the travel routes of the deer in those areas where you may hunt next season. Study them now and then stay out of them when the season arrives next year to improve your success ratio.
The area boating and fishing tackle sports shows are starting now with manufacturers showing off all of their new and improved fishing tackle for the coming year. Just when I think all of the ideas have been used up and all of the innovations have been made, up comes something new or at least a revision of an older idea. I wonder what the hot bass bait will be this year. It seems like there’s always some new lure that we just have to have in all of the shapes, sizes and colors available.
The St Louis boat and sports show runs through Feb. 11, and the Springfield boat/fish/outdoor show will run March 9-11. The Indianapolis boat, sport and travel show is always a monster show and runs at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Feb. 16-25.
This is just a minor sampling of the many shows coming up soon. These are a good place to compare products and features when shopping for various products or just experience some fun time looking at all of the new stuff.
Most of these shows also have regular seminars held by knowledgeable anglers and sportsmen.
Disregarding all of the shows and festivities, now is the time to make repairs to boats, engines, trolling motors and fishing tackle.
Dealers have more time now than they will have later as the seasons arrive. My boat is presently getting a “face-lift” at Waters body shop in Mattoon. I had a bit of a mishap last season resulting in some fiberglass damage that did not require immediate repairs, but it looked kinda bad. Jeff will make them “go away” with his wizardry and expertise.
I’ve already had my trolling motor repaired down at Qualls in Salem and will reinstall it when the boat repairs are finished. Howard, down at Lake Sara Marina, changed the lower unit grease and lubed the trailer bearings a few days ago, so it should be ready, also. Then it will be off to see Gene Thacker at Battery Specialists for a new set of batteries. Starting off the season with a new set certainly makes for fewer headaches when on the water. New batteries in my boat are even more important than in my truck. If the truck battery quits, I can get out and walk. Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t walk on the water very well, and trying to paddle a 20-foot bass boat just doesn’t get it. Once those things are complete and I get all that tackle loaded back in its proper places, I’ll be ready to go. (I think) Get your fishing gear all ready, It will be time to hit the water before you know it.
It’s faith, family and fishin’.
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janet ruiz wrote on Jun 5, 2007 12:35 PM: