Hi Gang!
Well its time now to start prepping your winter gear!
First I always waterproof my boots with two nice coats of water repellent. I let them bake in the sun till there good and dry. Next the outside only of my clam scout gets water repellent. I leave it set up in the yard for two nights and days this helps dry it out and take away the smells of storage. Next is the water proofing I spray two full wet coats on it also. Letting it dry in the sun 1 more day.
Now a test run of the auger is called for. I had already emptied the stable out of the tank now. I will run the power head (minus the auger) for about 20 minutes every month until the season begins. I put it in the rungs of a A frame ladder and plastic tie it there. I set it up so it will run about a 1/4 throttle and occasionally while its running I will throttle it a bit.
In November I will us a small amount of decarbonizer to the fuel. I run synthetic oil year round in the auger. I now will change the plug in November right before the season so I know its new and ready to take a beating. Now is the time I buy my blades and get the old ones sharpened. (cause remember last year how many of you borrowed my auger!!!) Don't wait and think your blades are sharp from last season I will guarantee you they are not! Even new one
September is reel cleaning and oiling month. I switched late last year from grease to oil now i will use a winter lube synthetic grease. I am trying it this season because I caught a big fish or two and the reel got smoked just using oil. I am trying the same grease the auger companies use in there gear cases. Don't forget the new line. How many times do you have to loose the big one humm! Dont forget to cal Slick and stick for your new custom rod they do the best rod and they are reasonable too!! They are in Indiana, lets support fellow hossier businesses and keep our money in our home state!
Lets not forget your sonar battery its time to check it out and see if it is good and dependable for one more season. The lanternn need attention too. Drain the old fuel and freshen it up . Run it one night and see how it does. No need to get gassed by a poor lanter! O and your heater run it at night check the wick and see how it is glowing. I start doing this in August cause I am dead set against waiting till it get cold to prep for winter.
Now the hook sharpening and off season buying begin right now. I start calling around for things I am going to need this winter. I ask every retailer I call for a discount on there old stock. If you buy in season your paying way too much!
Ebay should be looked at but buyer beware! Its just like buying a used boat 75% of the boats are junk and 25% your just lucky.
I know there is alot to cover so you might as well start now and be on the first safe ice ready to rock the ice.
I would suggest one thing this season more than anything, Keep going to the little bait shops and lets keep them going. The big box chain stores are really carrying a bunch of overseas junk anyway. The only people who care if you catch fish are the little Ma and Pa bait stores. Order stuff Thur them I guarantee you will like them better in the haul!!
Tight lines and good luck Ill be listening to you all really soon!
Da-Roc
Rocky Martin
Porter county
Indiana
