Opening weekend of fishing season is here

It is the weekend many anglers have waited for since last fall — opening weekend of fishing season. It is an exciting time for many, and the urge to get out on the water can sometimes mean missing a few important things that need attention before opening day. Anglers should check the weather before heading out. In Wisconsin, rain gear and sun screen may be needed on the same day. High winds may make boating in certain places less than ideal. Anglers can also swing through the local tackle shop to get an idea of what might help them put the most fish in the boat.

Weekend outlook

The weekend is shaping up to be good fishing, according to Kurt Justice of Kurt’s Island Sports Shop. Following the storm earlier in the week, water temperatures were around 37 degrees, but with temperatures stabilizing throughout the week, at the time of this writing, he said he would predict temperatures in the low to mid 40s as far as water temperature on many lakes. Walleyes will likely be finished spawning in shallower lakes, and finishing up in midsize lakes. In larger lakes, and those farther north, he said, walleyes will likely be still spawning by opening day.

Crappies and bluegills are starting to stack up in the shallows. Justice said this should provide anglers some good opportunities when looking to take a break from walleye fishing. Overall, he said, opening weekend should set up really well for those looking to wet a line this weekend.

Before heading out, there are a few things anglers should take into account and to check over before hitting the lake. The following are a few of those things.

Boat and trailer

Anglers should take stock of their boat and trailer before opening weekend. Live wells and bilge pumps can be run, even without the boat being in the water. Anglers can listen for the sound of those pumps as they turn the switch on and off. Ensuring that especially the bilge pump works properly is important. That is the pump that will get water out of the boat rather than let it fill up. Some bilge pumps are automatic, but others require the operator to turn them on. In either case, they should be double-checked in the spring.

The combustion engine should only be run in the water, but a garden hose and a pair of “ear muffs” for an outboard can allow the boater to ensure the motor operates properly before getting to the lake.

Navigation lights should be checked as well, even if anglers do not intend to be out in low light conditions. It is better to be safe than sorry.

When it comes to the trailer, one of the first things for an angler to check is the tires. Tires often wear more quickly on trailers than on vehicles, so they need to be checked more often. Anglers should check the thread depth on the tires and look for any other issues. Tire pressure should be checked as well.

Next, anglers should check the bearings on the trailer. This can be done by jacking up the trailer and attempting to move the tire in and out to see if there is any “play,” or movement. If the tire does move, chances are bearings need to be either replaced or repacked. If an angler is unsure how to do this, an appointment should be made at the local marina to get the trailer serviced before going too far.

Trailer lights should also be inspected. Rodents and other animals can wreak havoc on wiring over the winter, even if the lights worked perfectly the previous fall. 

Safety 

Anglers should also remember to take a look at the safety gear in the boat. A wearable personal floatation device (PFD), or life jacket, must be on board for each person who will be in the boat. These must be sized properly as well. The boat must also have a length of rope and a throwable floatation device that is easily accessible. For any boat 16 feet or longer, a marine grade fire extinguisher must be on board. 

As with any outdoor adventure, it is a good idea to let others know where anglers will be fishing and when they expect to be back. That way, if something should happen and an angler runs into trouble on the lake or at the ramp, people will know where to start looking for that person.

A sound producing device is not required on most inland lakes, but it is recommended. A handheld air horn, athletic whistle or horn installed on the boat fits that bill. A human voice or sound is not acceptable. These devices are required on federally controlled waters.

A visual distress signal such as a flare is also recommended, but only required on Coast Guard patrolled waters. Any operator who observes a distress signal must stop to render aid to a watercraft in trouble. 

Since 2020, in boats under 26 feet, it has been required on Coast Guard patrolled waters that the driver of the boat be connected to the Emergency Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) or “kill switch” at any time the boat is operated at faster than no-wake speed. This is recommended, but not required, on all state waters as well.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that they should not operate a motorboat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These actions are prohibited by Wisconsin state law and can result in convictions in a court of law.

A full list of boating safety rules and regulations can be found on the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov by inputting search term “Boating regulations.”

See this week’s Outdoors section for more on opening of fishing season.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].