The Chironomid flies on the left needs to be replaced. The one on the right is still in good condition. Inset: Fly boxes with assorted flies. Photo Courtesy NMDGF
BY ROSS MORGAN
Public Information Officer
New Mexico Department of Game & Fish
Northwest Area
We have been going on a family fishing trip at the start of every summer for over ten years. We usually go around the middle of June, and we always have great success because the outdoors is starting to wake up. The bugs are starting to emerge and fly around. The fish are active all over the lakes and streams chasing these bugs. The weather is just about perfect, not too hot and not too cold.
In preparation for the new fishing year, I like to pick a lovely weekend and get all of my fishing gear out and ready for the trip. This is also an excellent time to start thinking about what you need to replace in your tackle boxes. I am a very aggressive fisherman, mostly fly-fishing, so I like to try new things and get my fly to places that might be a little tough. With that being said, I usually end up losing quite a few flies to trees and brush. This is also a good time to survey your flies and lures and replace those that have taken a beating over the years. Maybe it’s time to replace your favorite fly or lure.
First, I like to pull all of my flies and lures out of their boxes one by one and look them over. I don’t want to lose that once-in-a-lifetime fish, so if the fly or lure has any issues that I think will cause me to lose the fish or result in the fish not wanting to bite, they go in the trash. By doing this, I feel as though I am increasing my odds of catching a fish each time I go. I don’t get to go as much as I want to, so when I do go, I want to maximize my opportunity. I take inventory and buy new flies and lures as needed and make sure that I pinch all of my barbs. Because not only is it easier to take barbless hooks out of fish, they’re also easier to take out of people too.
The Chironomid flies on the left needs to be replaced. The one on the right is still in good condition. Inset: Fly boxes with assorted flies.
Next, I move on to my fishing line, tippet and reels. I generally replace my fishing line on my spinning rods every other year. Some of the newer fishing lines will last a long time, but the sun in New Mexico can be a little harsh on things. I want to make sure my line is in good shape every time I go out. On the other hand, I always replace my tippet every year. Reel maintenance is essential as well. Every year, I make sure to use a compressor to blow the dust out of my reels. If I feel some grittiness when reeling, I will take the reel apart, clean it and put new grease on the gears. If you don’t feel comfortable taking your reel apart and cleaning it yourself, you can take it to an outdoor store.
Finally, I like to pull all of my fishing rods out, wipe them down, give them a flex test and look them over to make sure there aren’t any broken eyes or loose parts that can cause a failure while fishing. The tip of the rod is usually the most vulnerable and susceptible to breaking. More than once, I’ve set my rod in the bed of the truck and then sat something on it, accidentally creating a crease in the rod that eventually broke when I hooked a fish; this is why a visual inspection is essential.
By taking a little time in the fall or early spring to ensure that your fishing equipment is in good working condition, the more time you can spend fishing. By doing this, you not only become more familiar with your equipment, but it will also give you a good piece of mind knowing you have the proper fishing gear you need and that it’s in good working condition.
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