Bass season is almost here and I thought I would share a few tips before bass opener this weekend about our boats and maintenance. Regardless of weather your a tournament angler or just hobby fisherman there is a checklist of maintenance you should perform before your season begins.
" Examples "
# 1 - Batteries are super important , for the operation of our livewells , bilges, lights , trolling motor , outboard cranking , hydraulics , trim , fuel systems . If you have a battery that's weak replace it ,or all of them , this will save you a lot of grief later , or potentially cost you a tournament win or good table fair. Clean your terminals and connectors and coat them with lithium grease or Vaseline.
# 2 - Spare trolling motor props , your day I'n the weeds can overheat your engine quick if you have no trolling motor to get out and you snap off a blade.You can file the edges of your blades sharp to cut those tough to get through weeds.
# 3 - Spare outboard prop and cotter pins incase you break or damage a blade on your prop.
# 4 - Bilge , livewell pumps , if their squealing or grinding or just getting noisier , replace them. Dead fish I'n a tourney can cost you hard earned money , or a great meal spoiled for dinner. I carry a spare live-well pump just in case ,one with small alligator clips that you just plug onto your battery in a pinch to aerate or bring fresh water to keep those fish healthy.
# 5 - Trailer tires , spares, and wheel bearings , you have to check these your adventure far away fishing, or on tournament day can turn into a very expensive tow and repair bill. Spare set of trailer wheel bearings in the truck along with a few tools to do the job is an asset.
# 6 - Trailer Lights , make sure they work , hefty fines and possibly rear enders can ruin your plans , make sure they all work and if not replace or fix them. Carry some spare trailer bulbs in your tow vehicle.
# 7 - Tools to fix certain items like star screwdrivers for adjusting you trolling motor cables , socket and wrench to replace spark plugs , wrench that fits your boat prop nut , needle nose and side cutters for cotter pins and removing hooks. Spare various size fuses for your electrical equipment , spare outboard oil for when you run out on the water or someone else who is I'n distress may need it. Relays for your outboard trim , spare battery if you can afford it.
# 8 Battery booster cables are great for in a pinch situation ,with dead batteries or someone in distress .
# 9 Tooth and Fine wire brushes for removing plugged intakes as seen in picture provided can save you over heating or a blown engine.
# 10 Spare outboard prop ,thrust washer ,nut ,cotter are all a must have spare to have in your boat.
# 11 First aid kit can possibly with the right medical aids save you a trip to the hospital and your day wasted.
" BOAT COVERS AND SEATS "
I recently replaced my bass boat seats after the second time . In my line of work I was lucky enough to come across a very skilled lady who was a sewer for years with Gm . With her trade she now does boat seat and cover restoration on the side along with other coverings for backyard Canopys , golf carts, etc . Alla is her name and she does amazing work affordable with top notch materials built to last. Recently I had her redo my existing seats I'n cammo to match or compliment my boat . She has many colours to choose from depending on your boat.
The covers on our boats can get very pricey over a thousand dollars , she utilizes top gun material to make the covers suited for your boat , so if your tired of your holey , ripped , weathered seats and covers . Here is Alla's number or you can contact me.
Alla Sewing service # 1 (905) 728-8362 or 1 (289) 600-3687
Steve # 1(905) 985-5051

AMSOIL SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS
I'm also a part time Amsoil dealer, so I do take orders for the " Synthetic " folks that are in the Kawartha area. If you run synthetics your fuel mileage will be better and a lesser chance of engine , lower unit damage. Amsoil also carries a fuel stabilizer now called Quick Shot to combat and separate the water in our gas .
Best of luck and " stikm " those Bass