Prepping for Spring Crappie Fishing
Dr. John Woods 03.27.18
Crappie fishing guide Jerry Gross is from Arkansas, but practically lives full time at Lake Washington, Mississippi. He’s already busting my chops by posting crappie fishing catches on his Facebook page. It just is not fair to have nothing to do but fish all the time. Well, to be honest and fair, Jerry’s business is fishing since he and his wife manufacture crappie jigs under the name of Meatgetter Jigs. He plies his crappie fishing skills with impunity, too.
Seeing Jerry’s posts on Facebook makes me want to jiggle my upstate fishing buddy Kerry French to be about getting the “Devil Boat” ready for some crappie rigging. We have done pretty well in past forays on Lake Washington, but have blanked out on trying some other lessor noted fishing lakes around the mid-section of the state. Whatever we do, there are preparations in order.
Having not fished since late last summer, I know my own fishing equipment is dusted and in need of inspection. I am guessing this is quite a common situation among most anglers that have just spent the last several months chasing white-tailed deer instead of fish. Some do mix the two during the winter months, but that is a rare breed indeed.
So, as February unfolds with its usual nasty weather, what lies beyond will hopefully be a beautiful spring with an exceptional crappie spawn to match. That means as soon as you clean up your hunting guns and gear, turn quickly to getting your fishing gear in order.
If you own a boat, that is a sensible place to start. Charge or replace the battery. Check the fuel and replace with new if it has sat for too long. Check the rubber gasket seal on the drain plug or buy a new one. Check fuel lines, engine oil, and do yourself a favor and change out the spark plug(s). Inspect the wet holding boxes. Indeed, wash down the entire boat inside and out. Check lights, fix, or replace. Are your boat licenses in order?
Next, turn to your trailer. Inspect, air, or replace tires. Tighten axle bolts, running lights, and inspect the hitch mechanism. Also make sure all the boat tie down straps are in good condition. Glance at the license plate on the trailer, too.
Then, drag out all your fishing gear from poles to reels, tackle boxes, lures, jigs, hooks, and rigging supplies. Make sure everything is in order before you launch for the first fishing trip of the season.
