Hi E-TEAM friends and fans – I hope all is well. I’m not sure if you followed me during the Table Rock tournament, but I finished in the Top 50 – which still means a nice payday. I was happy to slide into the Top 50 but really looking for an even better showing at the next FLW Series, Lake Eufaula in Alabama. For more of my thoughts on Table Rock, check out the video below.
Being a pro fisherman gives me a unique chance to test many products that fishermen use. I spend around 200 days a year in the pursuit of bass through all kinds of conditions, so my equipment is so important. Knowing how to use it and, even more important, maintaining it, can be very time consuming.
I took a quick video of one important tip that will help to keep you on the water more. I didn’t want to just give the usual tips about tying knots or how to sharpen hooks but talk about keeping an eye on your trailers. Everyone is guilty of doing the best for their boat or engine, but I still see so many times how simple prevention could save you from a disastrous trip to the lake. Before every trip, I make sure to check the air pressure in each tire, including the spare. I also make sure the brake reservoir is full of fluid and if there are any grease fittings, be sure to give each one some waterproof grease.
If I notice any nails or screws in a tire, I’ll be sure to fix it myself. It’s extremely easy to do – just be sure to have a way of inflating the tire after you’re done with the fix. To fix it, simply use some pliers (vise grips work best) to remove the nail. Then use a tire plug kit tool to insert the plug (which is a very sticky and tough piece of string) into the hole. Be sure to buy the kit that has the T Handel tools – the other straight kind is hard to get enough pressure behind it. Then you’ll need to push it in about ¾ of way then cut off excess. Once you’ve done that, inflate the tire and you’ll be ready to hit the road again.
I always (and you should too!) have a tool bag with me that includes just about anything I might possibly use in a roadside situation. Over the years, my bag has become bigger and bigger. Once I have used a tool for something, it got added to the bag.
Before I hit the road – even if it’s down the street – I’ll take a walk around the boat a make a quick mental check list of everything. I look for any thing that may have gotten caught on the trailer and I put my hand down near where the axle is on each wheel to see if you feel any hot spots, as this can be a sign of low or no fluid in the trailer bearings. Also check the bow strap make sure the handle is still snug and also look to see if transom straps are also tight and that the trailer lights are plugged in and working.
All these things might seem simple, but they may save you from being on the side of the road instead of at your favorite lake.
Good Fishing,
David Walker
