02-25-2004, 11:31 AM
[cool][blue][size 1]Hey, young man, how are ya? Sounds like you are ready for the ice to be off the ponds.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you left your tube aired up over the winter, and it is still holding air, you should be okay. If you did what you should have...and let the air out...and stored it in a cool dry place...you will need to air it up to the max and check for leaks. Just air it up tight and let it sit for a couple of days. If it loses air, you will have to take the tube out of the cover and look for the source of the air loss. If it stays fully inflated, you are good to go.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Other than that, check your waders for leaks and your fin straps for cracking. Get your reels lubed up and put new line on the spools. Go through your tackle and toss any discolored or rusted hooks. Make sure all the hooks and split rings are in good condition or you leave yourself open to losing those big fish that often hit well at ice out.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you use plastics, toss any that are chewed up or have lost color. Note: never mix chartreuse plastics with other colors. The chartreuse dye will discolor almost any other color plastics.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once your gear is in shape, and you can get on the water without having to break through six inches of ice, go for it. And let us know how you do.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]If you left your tube aired up over the winter, and it is still holding air, you should be okay. If you did what you should have...and let the air out...and stored it in a cool dry place...you will need to air it up to the max and check for leaks. Just air it up tight and let it sit for a couple of days. If it loses air, you will have to take the tube out of the cover and look for the source of the air loss. If it stays fully inflated, you are good to go.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Other than that, check your waders for leaks and your fin straps for cracking. Get your reels lubed up and put new line on the spools. Go through your tackle and toss any discolored or rusted hooks. Make sure all the hooks and split rings are in good condition or you leave yourself open to losing those big fish that often hit well at ice out.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you use plastics, toss any that are chewed up or have lost color. Note: never mix chartreuse plastics with other colors. The chartreuse dye will discolor almost any other color plastics.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once your gear is in shape, and you can get on the water without having to break through six inches of ice, go for it. And let us know how you do.[/size][/#0000ff]
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