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Show Prepare for the Fishinq Season Opener Mav 29th May 29, the opening day of fishing season, is just around the corner and it promises to be a great summer for Utah outdoorsmen and women-not to mention kids. The time to get all the fishing gear ready for the big "opener" is right now! Putting things off until the last minute only increases the chances of forgetting an important task, or running amuck once you hit the ole fishin' hole. Take some time with the family or with your fishing buddy to make a list of things that need to be done. ' Fishing Equipment Check your fishing gear. Reels need to be examined and lubricated, with old parts replaced or repaired. Look at the 'line. It may be old and brittle and in need of replacement. Rod guides and wrappings should be checked and put in good condition. Lures and tackle boxes should be orderly and in top flight shape--hooks sharpened or replaced, new supplies of leader, hooks, spoons, frilly this's and that's. Oh yeah, don't forget to get the new fishing license before the last minute. There's nothing worse than driving around town looking for a license agent at 10 p.m. the night before. Boats Boats need a lot of critiquing, critiqu-ing, too. Make sure that the motor is in tune and that all accessories, like gas cans, fuel hoses and pumps, etc., are in top condition. Safety equipment equip-ment is a mandatory area for pre-trip inspection. Oars and oar locks need to be scrutinized. scrutin-ized. Personal flotation devices de-vices (life Jackets) need to be thoroughly inspected to be certain their condition meets all requirements and safety standards. The general repair of the boat should be properly maintained. Paint or varnish and fiberglass finish should be of serviceable quality. Don't forget to give the trailer and tires a thorough going-over, too. That should include hitches, safety chains and lights. Legally, of course, everyone going fishing has the responsibility respon-sibility to be up on the latest changes in the fishing regulations, regula-tions, including open and closed waters, creel limits and l boating laws. Before heading for the stream or reservoir, anglers should also check on i road conditions. And maybe as a last minute item on the itinerary, a fisherman should get his head right, too. Everyone loves a fisherman because he is the epitome of an eternal optimist. Somehow--the fish seem to like that. 111 . Will ii . I. I. II .i |