Despite the weather, trout season is near

As I sit here working on this column I find it hard to force myself to even think about trout fishing. Looking out the window at my back yard I see the snow coming down steadily, flocks of birds hovering round my bird feeders and a foot of new snow accumulated on the ground with lots more in the forecast. I look at the calendar and there it is – trout season opener is only two weeks away.

However, this is Central New York after all and we are no strangers to March snowstorms. Besides, a lot can change in two weeks and we might have great conditions for the opening of trout season on April 1. In any case the nasty weather this week limits our options and keeps us home so we might as well spend the time getting our fishing tackle ready.

Check your rods to make sure that the guides are not loose or there are no rough spots to wear your line. Pull a scrap of nylon stocking through the guides to check for burrs or rough spots. You can clean any cork handles with some warm water and mild dish detergent.

Reels take a little more attention. Check the bail springs to see that they are tight and that there are no rough spots or nicks on the bail to cause your line to fray. Make sure you have the owner’s manual to reference the parts and what lubricant to use in the right place.

If there is an accumulation of lots of dirty grease in the gear area, they should be cleaned with a solvent like Quik Scrub III to remove it. Clean them thoroughly and lubricate with a proper lubricant.

Avoid water-displacing lubricants like WD-40 since the chemicals can actually dis-

solve the protective grease needed. At first the reel may seem to operate smoothly but when the lubricant is gone the parts will be rubbing against each other. Generally you should use grease for parts that mesh like gears; use oil on parts that may rub.

Discard all the old monofilament on your reels and spare spools and replace it with new line. Line is the vital connection to you and that fish, so don’t risk having old, brittle line. Monofilament line deteriorates with ultraviolet light, ozone, etc. so it should be replaced at least once a year.

It also becomes stiff and takes a set curl when it becomes wet and exposed to sun so it pays to change line frequently. Many people change their lines two or three times per season. Any line that you purchased last year and is still on the original spool, kept in the cellar away from light will be alright to use.

Choice of line can be difficult. Different lines have special qualities such as abrasion resistance, limpness, low visibility, etc. These qualities are often exclusive, i.e. you can’t have one line with all of them. You probably have several reels or spare spools for some of the reels, so buying large bulk spools of line can save you money.

Take an inventory of all the little tools and accessories. Most of us have probably lost a few late in the season and never bothered to replace them at the time. Do you have pliers or hemostats, knife, penlight and similar tools? A few needle threaders come in handy for tying on flies, especially during periods of low light. Clippers, hook sharpeners and polarized sunglasses are essential.

In early April the streams are often cold, roily and fast. Natural baits or lures that work slowly usually produce the best results. Check your supply of salted minnows, artificial or salmon eggs and lures that work well in the above conditions such as Mepps spinners or Rooster Tails. Take the opportunity in the next two weeks to stock up on lures, worms or other bait.

Depending on our spe- cialty such as fly fishing, lake trolling, etc. we all have lots of other gear or supplies that we need to check. But the important thing is to start it now. It will mean that you won’t waste valuable time later when you could be out fishing.

SHORT CASTS

Deer Hunting Books: Regardless of the time of year, deer hunting is never far from the minds of many people. A lot of people have been talking about the great new book by Jim Massett, Joe DiNitto, Steve Grabowski and Dave Williams, “Adirondack Trackers – Stories As Told in Deer Camp.” For those who dream of adventure or other tales of the big woods, this is the book for you. These legendary hunters share their stories of success and failure in a way that keeps you glued to the pages.

If you have not gotten your copy yet, you will have the opportunity to get a signed copy at their booth at the Big East Outdoor Show at Turning Stone Resort March 24 and 25. There will also be a seminar presented by Joe DiNitto and the group at 10:30 a.m. during this event.

Also at the show will be Bob Elinskas, author of the popular series of books on Adirondack deer hunting, deer camps, etc. in a bygone era. If you haven’t gotten all seven of Bob’s great books, this is your chance to pick them up and have an interesting conversation with Bob as a bonus.

Youth and Women Turkey Hunts: The Oneida County Sportsmen’s Federation and the Madison County NWTF are teaming up with the assistance of Environmental Conservation Officers from Region 6 and other sportsmen and women to give youngsters a great experience during the Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend, April 22 and 2. Youngsters eligible for the youth hunt and who do not have the opportunity to learn from, or hunt with a family member or an adult mentor will have the opportunity to go turkey hunting with a mentor.

On April 15, prior to the hunt, youngsters will learn from experienced mentors the basics of turkey hunting and practice their marksmanship at a shooting range under the supervision of certified instructors.

Some women may want to learn or participate in turkey hunting but do not have family members or someone who are experienced turkey hunters to assist them. The Oneida County Sportsmen’s Mentors Program will provide this opportunity. During the weekend of April 15 prior to the hunt women will learn from experienced mentors the basics of turkey hunting and practice their marksmanship at a shooting range under the supervision of certified instructors. Their actual hunt will be on May 20 with the assistance of a mentor. Women who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity will need to have completed their hunter safety course by that date.

Anyone interested in either hunt can sign up or get the application for the hunt at their web site www.cnymyhunts.org. You must sign up by April 1. You can email the application to sfcf@tds.net or by mail to the address: Youth Turkey Hunt, C/O Mr. Scott Faulkner, 3720 Gifford Rd, Vernon Center, NY 13477. If you have questions call 315-2250192.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

There are encouraging signs for crossbow in- clusion in the regular season according to the latest news from the crossbow coalition. The NYS Senate budget proposal has included language similar to Senate Bill S1386 which would give crossbows equal status with compound bows in hunting seasons and regulations. Remember to contact your NYS Senator and Assemblyman and urge them to support bill A479 and S1386. You can easily find the email, address or other contact information for your legislators by using Google on the internet.

Several individuals and organizations are working to get state senators to block progress on the bill that would make mandatory antler restrictions of three or four points per side a law. As this column reported last week this is a bad idea for several reasons. Contact your state senator and urge them to oppose this.

Santanoni Winter Weekend: The New York State DEC is holding one more Camp Santanoni Winter Weekend open house event this weekend of March 18-19. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will have access to the historic camp properties in the town of Newcomb to rest and view interpretative displays. Please contact AARCH at 518-8349328 for more information on the winter weekend.