You have been snow bound; or focused on Steelhead (for some of you that is your constant obsession); or otherwise involved. You have left that fly box from last October or your last visits to a lake setting aside while pursuing other endeavors. Use this time to prepare for your Spring opener by reorganizing your fly boxes, fly lines and leaders and organizing all that trout gear (this and that) so you won’t be out on the water and ask “Where did I put that damn (whatever you forgot)” My gear is currently focused on tippets no smaller than 10# test. I mention this because I have set voyage onto a lake and then discovered I had not considered leader and tippet materials smaller than 10# test.I have forgotten nippers, pliers, net, fins, waders (I know, I kn0w). I have forgotten just about everything. A primary reason was packing for others and myself. If you pack for someone else (kids, etc) then make sure you have two or more lists and teach the kids to assist and learn to pack for themselves over time).

A checklist is in order beyond rod, reel and reorganized fly boxes. Even spare spools of various fly lines can be forgotten, with only the last line you used on your reel taken along. Now you are stuck with that floating line you used in the Fall while trying to reach fish holding 20′ deep off the drop. Remember a checklist now, and in advance of a trip, not the night before, lay your hands on those items and put them in the gear bags you always take before a stillwater outing.