Backwater Eddy
08-28-2009, 07:25 AM
We are all guilty of winding down the late ice season and chuck'n the ice gear into storage...and than we wait tell a few days before we need it again to discover..X-Y-and that overlooked Z needs to be re-spooled, re-worked or repaired...before we can go.
How about this fall we resolve to get ahead of this before the other fall distractions like fishing, hunting, and work eat up our valuable time.....sound like a plan?
I start by setting up my shacks. Let them air out, inspect them for damage in need of repair, clean, de-burr and lube pole slides, a good look over. If parts are needed, now is a good time to order them. When you again break them down for storage be sure to add FRESH dryer sheets and or moth balls because them pesky mice love to look for new homes in the fall just before winter.
Lay out all your rods and tip-ups. Determine what needs respooling or a good clean and lube with winter grade high viscosity oil, establish if any are in need of replacement. Late summer and early fall can be a good time to shop for deals on hold over models that may be in short supply or discontinued this season.
Heating systems, yup....we forget about them tell it's time to use them too. Inspect and operate them for damage or need of repair. Portable heaters take a beating all season long and especially bouncing around at late ice. Set them up, run them, be sure they work as intended. Add a spare thermocouple to you list, it is wise to have a spare on hand for your heater.
A list of essentials needed to outfit your ice shack and tackle for early ice is a smart move. Check them off as you find the deals you need, not wait to find the deals offered. There is always plenty of New and Kewl stuff to add, but knowing what you need helps to keep them urges in line.
Charge up all electronics batteries, run that ice auger and have it tuned up if needed, and make sure those hand auger and power auger blades and center points are in top condition.
Yes sir...I'm as guilty as the next guy most years....I always cuss myself for waiting on these things, and when I do...it's out in the cold...tinkering and cuss'n...when I should be on the ice catch'n fish.
Nope..not this season...I resolve to get on it sooner, than latter.
How about this fall we resolve to get ahead of this before the other fall distractions like fishing, hunting, and work eat up our valuable time.....sound like a plan?
I start by setting up my shacks. Let them air out, inspect them for damage in need of repair, clean, de-burr and lube pole slides, a good look over. If parts are needed, now is a good time to order them. When you again break them down for storage be sure to add FRESH dryer sheets and or moth balls because them pesky mice love to look for new homes in the fall just before winter.
Lay out all your rods and tip-ups. Determine what needs respooling or a good clean and lube with winter grade high viscosity oil, establish if any are in need of replacement. Late summer and early fall can be a good time to shop for deals on hold over models that may be in short supply or discontinued this season.
Heating systems, yup....we forget about them tell it's time to use them too. Inspect and operate them for damage or need of repair. Portable heaters take a beating all season long and especially bouncing around at late ice. Set them up, run them, be sure they work as intended. Add a spare thermocouple to you list, it is wise to have a spare on hand for your heater.
A list of essentials needed to outfit your ice shack and tackle for early ice is a smart move. Check them off as you find the deals you need, not wait to find the deals offered. There is always plenty of New and Kewl stuff to add, but knowing what you need helps to keep them urges in line.
Charge up all electronics batteries, run that ice auger and have it tuned up if needed, and make sure those hand auger and power auger blades and center points are in top condition.
Yes sir...I'm as guilty as the next guy most years....I always cuss myself for waiting on these things, and when I do...it's out in the cold...tinkering and cuss'n...when I should be on the ice catch'n fish.
Nope..not this season...I resolve to get on it sooner, than latter.