Spring Cleaning
VICTOR LEAKE

March means spring is just around the corner. March 26th the
Mannford Lower Elementary School will be having a spring Carnival. Huffy The Clown will be on hand doing balloon animals and fire safety tips. I will be there doing a casting kids booth, as will members from Cimarron Valley Bass Masters.

There should be lots of extras going on as well so come on out that Friday
night and enjoy. Food and games from 6:30 till 9pm. Friday, March 26t, 2004
at Mannford Lower Elementary School.

Fishing season is officially here with the onset of Spring just ahead of
us. If you have not done so already, now is the time to put new line on those
reels and to oil them up so they work perfectly when that big fish gets on.
I like to take the time while I can't fish to reorganize my tackle. I
pull out all of my boxes and loose tackle and re-label the boxes. I clean and
sort the lures so that I can find what I am looking for faster and easier when
out on the water. Replace any hooks that are bent or rusty, I use Brazo to
clean the blades on my spinner baits, making them look like new. Clean and
flush the live wells so that there is no dirt or bacteria that may harm the fish
when you put them in. Also check all the fuses in the boat and make sure the
bilge pump is working, and all the running lights are in good shape. I check
the fillet knife to make sure it is sharp for when I want a fish dinner.

A quick check to make sure the fire extinguisher is still charged and
that all the life vests are clean and easy to get to; and the throw cushion is
ready in case it is needed. Make sure the horn is working or a whistle is on
board. I also keep a first aid kit in the boat; so I make sure it has all the
things I might need; band aids, aspirins, super glue, etc. (super glue can stop
bleeding from a cut, fast). A flare gun or some sort of signal light,
matches, rain suit, sun screen, and an extra hat ( I don't know how many I have lost), a few tools like a screw driver and pliers and tape for a quick fix
when needed. I also keep bottled water in the boat at all times, you never know when you might get thirsty.

Grease the wheel bearings on the trailer and check the air pressure in
the tires. Hook up and run a check on the trailer lights. Taking a few
minutes now can save a trip later. Flush the motor with the garden hose and make sure it will fire up, don't wait till you are wanting to go fishing to find out the motor needs new spark plugs. The water pump in the motor also known as the impeller should be replaced each year, this can safe you hundreds of dollars later and a lot of lost time as well. If the gas has been sitting all winter you may wish to drain it and replace with fresh gas as old gas can damage the motor. With older motors make sure the oil/gas mixture is right; with newer models that have oil injectors make sure both oil tanks are full.

Fish often, catch all you want; keep just what you need, and release the
rest for the future.