I guess that's why I found myself doing what I did this past weekend. It seems that every spring I get the urge to completely clean out my boat, tackle bins, and tackle boxes. My wife offers that this is a spring ritual that all animals perform in their dens. She also offered that pregnant women do this just before they give birth, but we won't go there on this page!
I completely emptied my boat and cleaned it from one end to another. There are lots of small places in a boat that can gather dried fish slime, places that get missed during a normal cleaning. I take the time to find and clean all of them.
I also take the time to apply oil, WD40, or protectant to all the metal surfaces on the boat and around the motor. A good coat of fiberglass polish helps keep the salt from sticking, and adds years to the life of the boat.
For the engine, this is the time of year I change the lower unit grease. It can be a messy, stinking job, but it needs to be done, and the newer pump tools help to make it relatively painless. This is one area that needs attention every year without fail.
As for the tackle boxes, this time of year means removing everything. I take every hook, swivel, sinker, and lure, and wash them in soapy water. Salt air can get to your tackle even when it doesn't get wet, and I find that a good washing and drying helps keep rust from forming. This task also helps me find out just what I need in the way tackle for the coming season.
I may be early this year because of the funny weather, but one thing is for sure. I will be ready when the March winds quit blowing! Right now I think I'll go tie up some leaders and stay ahead of the game!
