Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle

EARLY SPRING—BOAT AND MOTOR MAINTENANCE Early spring is the time to get your fishing boat ready to catch ‘em up. Annual maintenance and service is a ritual for me. Here is a list of things that you may want to consider on your annual boat/motor checklist. This certainly is not all-inclusive, but will provide a good starting point. The pompano and cobia will be here soon. OUTBOARD MOTORS *Change gear lube (high quality synthetic lubes are best) *Clean, inspect, change plugs *Inspect/change water separators and fuel filters *Inspect battery and electrical connections (add distilled water) *Inspect props, seals, cotter pins and lube prop shaft *Lube motor fittings and inspect power trim/tilt *Add hydraulic steering fluid *Inspect all pumps and replace worn hoses *Spray motor with Corrosion X *Add ring-free fuel additive *Change water pump impeller BOAT HULL *Wash and wax (marine Teflon wax works well) *Polish all bright work with chrome polish *Tighten all fittings and cleats *Check power anchor windlass (inspect chain connections and chafing anchor lines) *Repaint hull with high quality bottom paint (inspect for fiberglass work) *Clean electronics and lube connections *Inventory and update safety gear *Check First Aid Kit *Test Nav lights *Inspect through-hull fittings and seacocks *Test motor alarm *Inspect and clean gauges *Test hour meter This is only a partial list of considerations. The bottom line is that conscientious annual care of your boat and motor will allow you to spend more trouble-free, fun time on the water catching fish. It’s just about the sheer love of fishing! Till next tide, solid hookups and tight lines, Captain Alex Crawford Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association Proud Member Florida Guides Association Proud Member Coastal Conservation Association www.topknots.com [email protected]