Two questions. 1st, how important is it to clean and prep your equipment for the coming season? and second, anybody out there got some tips on fishing for Bass in the West Michigan area? Weather's startin to warm up but some spots are'nt fishable for another month or two.... What types of bait do the bass usually hit on at this point, any tricks that can be shared?.... I'd appreciate it and Happy Fishin!

Keeping your gear in top shape should always be a high priority, even when not fishing. While I admit to slacking off on this detail in the past, I now know how important it is to keep all your gear in good shape. After most fishing trips I hose off my gear to rid it of bass slime and soft plastic lure residue. Make sure you keep your drag set very light when you store your rods and reels, especially when storing them for an extended time. I have had a few reels' drag quit working properly by keeping them tight during the winter. Having shiny, clean equipment when you start your fishing day or season helps keep your gear in good shape and looks better at the lake than a crusty rod with a squeeking reel.

Dabnis,

Let me tell you what I have done to get ready to hit the water in Virginia.

1.  Attended two seminars.

2.  Organized by tackle which took two and a half days. But it was a lot of fun.

3.  Started working out and lost 7 pounds so far with 13 more to go.

4.  Read two books on bass fishing techniques and tips.  Interesting tips, too.

5.  Cleaned rods and oiled reels.  Reels are going to Reel Tech at the end of this season for maintenance.

6.  Removed all old line from reels and respooled baitcasters.  Will do the same to spinning reels this week as I have a tournament next weekend.

7.  Attended Bassarama in Richmond and purchased some beautiful minnows.  They look real and they have great action for my drop shot rigs.

8.  Watched some videos and DVDs on techniques.

So, yes, there are things you can do during the winter months to get ready to go fishing.

I plan to attack the boat today by putting the equipment back on board and get the boat organized.

Cleaning and preping your equipment will probably be the most important thing you will do this year concerning fishing.

Hey dabnis, welcome. It's good to have another Michigan member. As cpvenom said, your equipment should always be clean and lubed. As much as we pay for our "tools" we should do all we can to keep them in fine working condition. I fish five days per week, so I usually clean and lube my reels every-other week.

What part of West Michigan do you live in, and what lakes do you fish?

Falcon

Dabnis-

Welcome- I'm from Grand Rapids and can give you some lakes with decent shorefishing if you want...Where are you from?

Review my journal entries from last year's trips.

I baby the hell out of my equiptment. Just take good care of it.

For that far north, I'd say Jerkbaits or Jigs.