You fish braided line you say, well look again, see that faded color, that's the sign of fatigue and abrasion. Bottom line, strip it, or change it!
Low diameter lines like braid, offer maximum yardage on a spool, so strip off the first 30yards and check the line if you still have a generous supply of line on your spool and you have fresh looking line go ahead and tie on your fluorocarbon leader and your ready for the new season. Another option is to strip it off and re-spool it backwards on your reel using your old leader as backing, cut off the original backing and tie on a new fluorocarbon leader and once again your back in business. The second option works well for both spinning and level-wind reels. Monofiliment and fluorocarbon lines retain memory so do yourself a favour and replace the line. It's pennies a yard so it's definitely cheaper by the dozen.
Hooks if they're rusty, bent, or broken turf them. That goes for all hooks. Check the sharpness of your crank bait hooks by placing your thumb first and second finger on each side of the treble hook, gently squeeze at the points and release repeatedly, if it sticks to your fingers it's sharp, if not it's junk so replace it. Along with crank bait hooks, also check your split rings, any signs of extreme stress or stretched looking rings should be pitched and replaced. Split rings play an important role in your terminal tackle,so don't over look them.
Taking care of your lines will ensure solid hook sets, and line strength to put another fish in the boat, as well, proper hook and split ring care will again guarantee those solid hook sets to keep that next fish on your line.
Paying close attention to these few but crucial areas will help give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE. Until next time I'm Ben McWhinney wishing you all tight lines and trophy fishing!
Next topic in this series: Out with the Old, In with the New: "Rods and Reels"
