Boat Maintenance

Typically, a boat is the most expensive part in your fishing world. Besides the total amount of some people’s tackle all added together. So with that being said, it is important to keep it running in top condition. To do this, you should run good oil in your motor, upper and lower. Secondly, wipe the boat down. This is a HUGE reason that boats look bad after one year of owning them, because people don’t wipe them down. Also, what makes your motor work????? GAS! This is a big factor in a good running motor vs. a rough running motor. I typically run 93 oct. throughout the whole year, until my last 2 fill-ups. Then I fill it with ethanol free, and put stabilizer in. Also, if you have a direct injection 2-stroke motor, like mine. You should always run the top oil, like XD-100/XD-50 or Mercury’s direct injection 2 stroke oil. This helps expand the life of your injectors and flows much better through them. And lastly, just use common sense. If you don’t remember if you changed your oil last fall, just change it again. If you think your motor has something wrong, bring it in. Because neglecting funny noises can cause astronomical problems. That’s all, if you take care of your things, they’ll take care of you.

Spring = New boat, new gear, & new tackle management

Well, spring of 2020 is coming very early this year and will be floating in the new boat tomorrow. New boats have a strong emphasis on storage and mine is no exception. I have reorganized all of my current tackle and realized one major fact. I have a lot of funds invested in tackle!

With this being said, I have totally revisited my storage methods to help protect that tackle. I have for years used the top tackle and stored it in normal 3700 boxes, etc. but todays market offers so many other options to protect your gear. Why would you invest in custom painted baits, the best razor sharp hooks, and other terminal gear only to have it deteriorate or rust while being stored.

Don't get me wrong, I will still use many 3700 boxes, but they will only be stored in my dry storage compartments. All of my other gear that will be stored in bungee cargo netting around the deck will now only be stored in waterproof containers. I have invested in many types and sizes to test what works best for me, but I can already tell you that having my "exposed" gear in waterproof containers makes easy access to primary tackle for any certain day.

Another thing to be concerned with is heat during storage. I always store my boat inside when not in use and all of my hatches are open to not only allow for humidity to escape but also to allow any fuel fumes to escape, etc. This practice also allows for the heat to dissipate to a certain point as well. I cannot tell you how many times I have opened up tackle trays to find painted baits stuck together, or to have them to bloated or warped. It is a good practice to open your trays periodically to inspect and possibly spread your baits around so they can breathe.

As I float the boat for it's first fishing outing tomorrow, I will not have any concerns of my quality painted baits being affected by their storage method. I cannot however protect them from burying their hooks into a log....

Hope this opens the eyes of some of you guys that use custom gear so you can continue to use it for its intended purposes rather than as key chains.

Kevin

Swim jig fishing for bass

One of the most underrated techniques in bass fishing today is the swim jig. It is an incredibly effective technique that many anglers use far too rarely or for some, never at all. If you like to throw a spinnerbait, swim bait then the swim jig is something you need to add to your arsenal of on-the-water weapons.

Which Size Swim Jig Should You Use? Swim jigs typically come in sizes ranging from 1/4 – 1 ounce and a little hint, they are not all created equal. So when do you use a smaller jig versus a larger version? It’s all about the depth and the type of cover you’re fishing, as well as the mood of the fish. If you’re fishing shallow, a 1/4 – 3/8 oz might be appropriate. It sinks a little slower, so you can keep the bait in the upper part of the water column. However, there are times when fishing a slightly heavier jig, with a big trailer is killer in the shallows. Especially if you want to really burn the bait quickly. Then you might opt for a 1/2 oz that sinks a little more quickly. Now onto jig trailers. Double tailed craw-style trailers are very popular, something like a Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw. Personally, a zoom fat Albert is my go to it provides a extra motion without the extra price. I hope the helps. #gethooked #louslures