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Good time to check gear

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By BILL MILLER

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 14, 2009

I did not fish this week due to the combination of Hurricane Ida and a cold front that came through the Bay area. These two weather systems brought extremely high winds that really stirred up the water.

When the water gets muddy, fishing will not be good. Inshore waters clear up faster than offshore.

After the wind dies down, offshore waters will also have a residual wave swell that will make traveling offshore looking for clear water uncomfortable. It may take three or four days after a cold front for the Gulf to clear up enough to make fishing worthwhile.

During theses down times, I go through my tackle box and do some house cleaning. I take inventory of things I need and do some cleaning and organizing of my tackle.

I also check all of my rods and reels. I'm checking the line to see if I need to respool or if it might have some nicks that need to be cut back. I'll clean my reels and check the drags and all of the operating systems on the reel. If I know what I will be fishing for next, I will put new leaders on for that type of fishing.

My boat gets a good cleaning. I open all the hatches and pull everything out to dry and be cleaned, if necessary. Take some time to go over all your safety gear to make sure it is date current and in operating order.

Checking your bilge pumps and bait well pumps is a good idea. It is much easier to fix them on land than on a rocking boat during your fishing trip.

When the waters finally clear up, a little preparation and preventive maintenance will make your fishing trips easier and more productive.

Captain Bill Miller hosts "Hooked on Fishing" on Bright House Sports Network, Channel 47. To book a charter with captain Bill or his son captain Billy, call (813) 363-9927.

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