http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/b … _id=353396As this winter approaches the fishing in some areas continues. Here are some tips for those who continue enjoying the winter fishing in frigid weather. This latest event with temps in the teens has reminded us that some folks today dont boat then and dont know what and how with freezing cold weather. 1. Remove the drain plug and replace it before the water freezes in the drain tube. No fuss at the launch. Of course this varies some. 2. Lubricate those ratchet straps on the trailer so they will retract. 3. Trim the engine down and drain the water, then trim it back up as the trim often needs some increased temps to work in cold weather. The lake water will loosen it once your there. 4. Make sure your steering is either lubricated or operating. Many freeze and some never oil or grease this. 5. Drain the trolling motor propeller of water and spin it before stowing it. The propeller holds water and it runs out on the deck or trolling motor bracket and can do many things from freezing in the bracket to prevent operation to breaking a cable when it all freezes up. 6. Dont operate your well and bilge pumps till they have had time in the water to thaw out any ice in the bilge. Strips the impellers right off some of them. 7. Close or Open your livewell valve as you want it after use as these will freeze in what ever position you have them in. If you want to use it and leave it open tomorrow, then leave it open now. That extra water is not a big deal at 15 degrees as top end wont be a concern, for most anyway. 8. Latches need oil and a key every once in a while to remain operable. Key grooves and other items just need a drop or two. 9. Switches will freeze and you have to keep them free of water. Even if they are sealed ice forms in areas you least expect it, so lube those some in those areas. 10. Auto bilges freeze and allow more water to accumulate so use manual and use it when water is in the bilge. 11. Water pressure gauges are often using a hose which has water in it that freezes, which prevents the PSI gauge from operating. Same for speedometers. 12. Latch your boat before pulling out, your trailer bunks froze when while you were fishing. Boats on ice will go crunch on the ramps. 13. Check your seat pedestals for lubrication and water. These too will freeze up and make use hard. 14. Jersey Gloves and warm head gear. Fish with Jersey gloves and buy them by the dozen. Throw them in the box when they get wet and either dispose or wash and reuse if you can. Face protection helps too when running. Those tear ducts get plenty of abuse. 15. Leave your micro guides at home. Use open reels and rods that have room for ice formation. Spinning gear often works great in cold water. There are many more that we could mention, though these are starters.
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