03-24 REELLIFE DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 27
gear
After our very cold January
followed by the big thaw
that brought us almost
summer-like weather, more
than our toes have thawed
out. The average kokaneeobsessed sportsman is
suddenly waking up with
thoughts turning to spring
kokanee fishing,
kokan-energy
If so, plug in and use your
kokan-energy to get ready
for this year’s kokanee
adventures. Spend the time
making sure everything is
in tip-top condition. Check
out your boat, gear, and
tackle while developing a
game plan for filling the
freezer with mini sockeye.
Let me share some
ramblings that may help
you prepare for this year’s
Kokanee crusades.
If you store your boat
outside and are a seasonal
user you have some work
cut out for you. Garagestored or year-round
boaters have a task or two
to attend to also and now
is the time to get at it. The
number 1 most important
item on your pre-season
chores list is your fuel
system. Even if you used a
fuel conditioner or stabilizer
in your portable tanks get
rid of last year’s fuel. Pour
any gas from the portable
tanks into the lawnmower
gas can. I have nothing
against lawn mowers but
a little SeaFoam will cure
many small engine fuelrelated ailments that you
don’t want to deal with on
the lake.
For built-in tanks, hopefully
last season you treated
the fuel with each fill up.
Even so, it is a good idea
to drain the fuel filter bowl
and replace the fuel filter/
water separator cartridge
as appropriate. If your rig
(built-in tank or portable) is
not equipped with a fuel/
water separator, now is a
great time to install one.
Check all fuel lines and
fuel line fittings. Replace
anything that is brittle,
cracked or otherwise
damaged. If you are a
seasonal user and your
boat was winterized this
task is much easier. Next
check fluid levels for
your hydraulic steering,
power tilt/trim units, lower
unit/gearcase and your
4-stroke motor oil. Use
your motor manufacturer's
recommended products
and do not top off or mix
the various products.
Pull the propeller and
check the shaft for fishing
line or damage. Remember
to lay all the nuts, washers,
sleeves, or adaptors out
in the
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