5 WAYS TO PREPARE... YOUR TACKLE WHILE AT HOME

INSTALL NEW ELASTICS

Pole elastic can last an age but there is no doubt it will eventually decay. Check your elastics close to any connection points such as near the connector and replace it if there are any abrasions that could cause a breakage when you are playing a fish

DRY ALL NETS

Keepnets that are sat in a stinkbag can remain damp for weeks on end if they aren’t removed. Bugs that can cause serious damage to fisheries can fester on the mesh but the good news is that they can be killed off with ease. Lay your nets out on the lawn in direct sunlight and the UV rays will kill the parasites in no time at all

RESPOOL YOUR REELS

Reel line comes under a lot of hammer during its lifespan. Casting, playing fish and retrieving empty feeders all take their toll. Strip the mainline off your spool and replace it with a new batch. Make sure it is just under the lip of the spool once you have finished – this will aid casting accuracy

REHOME YOUR HOOKS

Many of us use ready- tied hooklengths these days. Rather than leave them in the packaging, transfer them to a hook box. Having all your hooklengths in one place makes it easier to find the size and pattern you need once on the bank as opposed to rummaging through multiple packets

SHOT SOME RIGS

Although you may make rigs at home, there is often time before the start of a session wasted as you tamper with the shotting to get the perfect amount of float tip on show. Cut the top off a two- litre fizzy pop bottle, fill it with water and use it to check exactly how much shot rigs need while at home