PREPARE FOR FISHING SEASON

We are getting excited now that our calendar says March and it is time to get all our fishing gear cleaned, spool reels with new line, organized and ready other equipment for this fishing season.
The first thing we all must do is get our New Illinois Fishing License by the end of this month.
Surely you are all aware of the need to spool on new line, clean or lube reels, check rod guides and sharpen hooks but one other thing we will be doing more this year is to install red hooks on the front of many of our crankbaits.
As we all get our tackle ready we may neglect the boat when spring means getting back out on the water and catching fish. Whether your boat has spent the winter in storage or if you just got a new boat, you are most likely getting excited to get out on the water for the first time this year. Before doing this, there are several boat and trailer items that need checked, cleaned, lubed and maintained first. Pay extra attention to the outboard, batteries and accessories. See that you add fresh fuel, oil and by all means do not forget to check or put in the drain plug. Other neglected items are safety equipment including life jackets and fire extinguishers that all need checked too.
If you are a new boat owner this is a great time to practice backing the trailer in large empty parking lots before heading to the lake. Try backing between two boxes or parking lines and drive to get the feel of how much clearance is needed to get around objects. Towing a trailer, backing down a ramp and running your boat on the water all take a certain amount of practice to be smooth and safe. Once you feel comfortable, try the boat ramp and you will find launching a boat is easier with two people. The time spent practicing will make your launching process better and you will be more popular at the ramp. And speaking of being popular or courteous, please load all your gear onto boat before backing down the ramp. One last thing is to consider taking a boating safety class which we recommend.
You will find that being prepared will help to build your confidence and greatly increase you fishing enjoyment.
TIP: We will be chasing Sauger and Walleye the next 6 weeks and know the key to success in fishing is to improve your basic techniques. This means putting to use or improving you presentation with some of the tips and techniques you learned over the winter.
EVENTS: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of East Peoria Chili Supper Kickoff at the Par-A-Dice Hotel March 11, 2008 5-8pm. This fund raising event helps the fight against Cancer and we hope to see you there.
This year we are having a 2008 Fishing photo contest with winners receiving a pair of FishGillz floating sunglasses each month during the fishing season with the photo theme of Ice Fishing this month. Send your photos to us during March and we will pick the best one at end of month and winner will be notified of how to get their pair of FishGillz floating sunglasses.
The New contour map of Evergreen Lake is available as is our New 2008 Fishing Calendar full of money saving coupons & more. Check our site for details along with the photo theme for next month, new product reviews and more fishing material at www.larrysfishinghole.com.

Till Next Time, GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING !