Preparing for spring fishing: what to check in your gear after winter

Preparing for spring fishing: what to check in your gear after winter. Spring is the time for the long-awaited start of the season. After a long winter, your gear can present unpleasant surprises: cracked guides, rusted reels, weakened lines, and oxidized hooks. To ensure your first fishing trip brings pleasure, rather than disappointment and fishing failures, it's essential to thoroughly inspect all your gear.

1. Spinning rods

• Visual inspection: Check the blank for microcracks, especially in the butt area and near the rings. Lightly tapping the butt against your palm will help detect delamination or internal damage (there should be a clear ring).
• Rings are the most vulnerable area after winter. Check the inserts for chips and roughness. Run a cotton swab with GOI paste or fine sandpaper over the rings—if the cord snags, the ring needs to be replaced.
• Handle and reel seat Check that the reel seat screw is not loose or that the cork or EVA has not peeled off.
• Test and Action Make a few test casts with lures of different weights to ensure that the rod has not lost sensitivity and elasticity.

2. Coils

• Disassemble and clean the mechanism (especially if the reel was used on ice in winter).
• Check for smooth operation, absence of play and extraneous sounds.
• Lubricate the gearbox and bearings with special grease.
• Adjust the clutch - it should work smoothly and without jerking.
• Check the line roller and line guide for nicks and burrs.

3. Fishing lines and cords

• Braided line is the first choice for replacement after winter. Check for fraying, especially the first 30–50 meters. If the line has become fuzzy or faded, it's best to rewind it.
• Monofilament line often loses strength and memory. It's best to replace it entirely.
• Fluorocarbon– check for stiffness and microcracks. It's recommended to replace the leader material.

4. Leashes and fittings

• Metal leaders for pike and taimen - check for kinks, rust, and the strength of the clasps.
• Quick release fasteners, swivels and carabiners - replace any that are suspect.
• Hooks – sharpen or replace. Dull hooks are the main cause of fish losses in the spring.

5. Lures

• Spoons and spinners - clean from rust, polish, check the quality of the split rings and tees.
• Wobblers - check the integrity of the blade, the depth of penetration and balance in the water.
• Silicone - discard any cracked or dried out ones. Check the smell of edible baits.
• Check boilies and pellets for mold and odor. It's best to replace old ones.

6. Feeder and bottom tackle

• Check the quivertips for cracks.
• Wash and lubricate the coils.
• Inspect the feeders, especially the method ones (they may become deformed).
• Update shock leaders and leashes.

7. Specifics of preparation for the Putorana Plateau

If you are planning a spring trip to the Putorana Plateau (Yerachimo and other rivers), pay special attention to:

• Powerful taimen tackle (test 40–150 g) - it must be in perfect condition.
• Reliable metal leashes at least 40 cm long.
• Large supply of braided line 0.32–0.40 mm.
• Wobblers and spoons of large sizes (12–18 cm).
• Sealed boxes for baits (in spring it is very damp on the plateau).

A useful checklist before your first fishing trip

• Fully lay out and inspect all gear
• Rewind the cords/lines onto the spools
• Sharpen/replace hooks
• Lubricate all coils
• Check the tightness of boxes and cases
• Update your first aid kit and tick repellent (tick repellents are especially active in spring)

Conclusion

Properly preparing your tackle after winter is the key to a comfortable and productive spring fishing trip. It's better to spend two or three evenings thoroughly inspecting your gear than to lose a trophy fish due to old line or a loose guide.

Spring is a time of renewal. Update what needs replacing, and your first trip of 2026 will bring you exciting experiences and good catches.

Good luck with your preparations and have a great start to the season!