Here are a few things / reminders as we get ready for the 2010 Trout Season, here in Pennsylvania. As a Fly Shop Owner, involved in this business for over 15 years, I may be able to give a few “helpful hints” as you get ready for this upcoming season.
Check flylines: Go over your lines to check for cracks or excessive wear. The average Fisherman will get 4 or 5 years out of a line, of course this depends on how much you fish, but how you care for and store your line is important. Never store your line in excessive cold or hot areas …. the trunk of your car is about the worst place. Avoid getting insect repellent on lines, which can destroy them. Clean lines often with soapy water (dish detergent which doesn’t leave a residue, is good). A line dressing can be applied to most lines, which may repel dirt and make lines more slick.
Waders: Check waders for leaks. Repair if necessary. Often, Aquaseal works great on wader repairs. Be carefully to make sure you do not void warranties by doing “self repairs” on waders. Send waders back to Manufacturers for repairs, inspection or replacement NOW, instead of waiting until it’s too late. You can clean nawders and apply Revivex to breathable waders to add water repellency without losing breathability. Waders should be stored in moderate temperatures and hanging waders instead of folding/rolling them is a good idea. Turn waders inside out to allow air circulation which prevents mildew. Rinse-off inside of waders occasionally.
Check Rods: never store a rod in a tube when wet. The moisture will ruin wood reel seats and is not good for wraps, guides, etc. Check guides and be sure there’s no damage, check reel seat. Clean your rod! I’ve found that most never wipe off their rod and as they cast, people notice the line doesn’t “shoot” very well. Remember that your line rubs along the rod blank as it passed thru the guides and a dirty rod causes a lot of friction on the line, slowing it down. Give your rod a wipe down ocassionally and a wipe with armour all, son of a gun or furniture polish helps. Get rod repairs done NOW, before the season starts because many wait until Spring to send a rod in for repair, then suddenly Manufacturers are backed-up on repairs, adding another week or two to turn-around times.
Check Fly Boxes: Now’s the time to take inventory. A good supply of early season flies should be in your box for early season. Include beadhead nymphs like Prince, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns and Hare’s Ears. A few streamers and wooly buggers are good. Little black stoneflies, blue quills, quill gordons, tan caddis, hendricksons, red quills are a good start for early season.
Leaders and tippet: Nylon leaders and tippet have a shelf life and are adversely affected by UV (sunlight), extreme heat and wear from use. Best if stored at moderate temperatures, in a dark place. Check leaders and tippet and replace after a few years. It sucks to lose a few nice fish, right off the bat because of old leader and tippet.
At A.A. Outfitters, we can help get you prepared for the 2010 season which is right arount the corner. Stop in the Shop in Blakeslee, Pa. or call 800-443-8119.
Gene Ercolani – Owner A.A. Outfitters Fly Shop
