Time for Inventory?

This is the time of year (Winter) when I usually take stock of what-all I have, review what worked -- and what didn't -- and assess what I'll need for the coming year. I rework my tackle box and buy new hooks for spring and replace damaged rod tips and guides. I buy new line and fluorocarbon leader, but I don't spool my reels until I'm ready to fish. I'll check, clean and oil the reels and store them (how did I get so many?) I toss everything that I don't need, has rust, or is broken.

Between now and then, if I go on a relatively warm day, I'll just take a downsized tackle box with the essentials. As I get older I see the need for protecting my health so that I can keep doing this for many more years. Cold, windy, and rainy just don't agree with me anymore!

How about you guys? Do you have a winter routine? I do it now because I have time and because I like to revisit the previous year before filing it away in preparation for the next.

I do the same, as well as pouring and making jigs. Will be getting new molds for swim and spearhead jigs this year from Santa Claus. Going to try to make up some Gus Goofy jigs during the cold winter days as I think they might just work for Pomps and flounder in the surf. As far as taking care of your health, I totally agree. I'm 75 and go to the YMCA 5 days a week to swim and work my legs and upper body on the gym floor. Being retired I treat working out just like I did my job, go every day like it or not because that's what keeps the lights on.

Well, I walk, plow snow, walk, plow snow, walk, plow snow, if it gets really warm, above 32, I do a little fly fishing, then I walk, plow snow, when I get sick of that, I come down to see you guys. I can't hardly wait.

After the holidays are over I start building rods for myself. This is the time of year when no ones fishing up here and I'm ridiculous slow at work so I actually have time for myself. I build for up coming trips and if anyone I know has any builds that don't really have a time limit so I can really take my time and stretch it out over a few weeks. Rod building is fun but spending 12hrs at work followed by 5hrs at night working on rods can get old really fast.

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Originally Posted by bigboyjames11

After the holidays are over I start building rods for myself. This is the time of year when no ones fishing up here and I'm ridiculous slow at work so I actually have time for myself. I build for up coming trips and if anyone I know has any builds that don't really have a time limit so I can really take my time and stretch it out over a few weeks. Rod building is fun but spending 12hrs at work followed by 5hrs at night working on rods can get old really fast.

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In between the snow falls, the walks and the little fly fishing, I too will work on rods, most of them freebies to clubs to raffle off, Turkey Federation, Wrestling Club, DU, etc. and to friends and old customers for the grand kids and then to the Gulf.

For people who are not skilled fishermen, but want to try pier fishing (or they've tried and weren't very successful while others were hauling them in) now might be a good time to review the wealth of knowledge contained on these pages. You can do a search of previous "How-To" discussions to help you be successful.
I'd start with Pier#r's chart of "whats-biting-when". You need to know what bait or lure to use and where to get it (as well as directions to the bait shop). You need to know how to RIG for particular species, paying special attention to leader type and hook size for the different species. You need to know how to tie a good knot that won't cut into the line when it's pulled tight by a fish (I use a uni-knot most of the time). You need to know how to stock your tackle box (remember the needle-nosed pliers and if you're like me, a pair of disposable reading glasses!), a knowledge of fishing regulations (like limits) and plan for your success (what are you going to do with the fish when you catch them?) Tips on filleting your catch are available on youtube - you may want to use youtube a research source for some other topics, as well.

My message to the new fishermen: Build a base of knowledge first and add to it as you go along. Likely, whatever it is that you need to know has already been discussed and explained thoroughly on this site! What to do, when and how to do it and all of the nuances associated with complete details of every aspect of pier fishing - Everything that you need to know - It's all here! Enjoy the search!

The of knowledge of the fishermen on this forum is unbelievable, excluding me of course, I know very little about anything. If they don't know it, you don't need to know it. Listen to them, ask them, watch them, and learn from them, they are very, very helpful. The typical fisherman, up here anyway, will not reveal ANY secrets, these guys will share everything with you. Well, not their wife or girlfriends, but anything dealing with fishing, they will gladly share. GOOD LUCK & TIGHT LINES.