Soft Water Season Is Coming!, Yay!!!

So with the ice FINALLY melting and that cold weather going away, it looks like we're going to be set for some soft water fishing soon.

In Kemp. Bay, I see near the river outlets the open water travels out about 200 feet. Near the government dock just East of Wilken's Beach, it looks like you'd be able to easily dock fish your heart's content!

Has anyone started prepping their boats yet? I've seen a few being traillored. So excited!!

Also, do you have any tips to share with the forum members on things that you do to prepare your gear or boat for soft water every year? Sharpen hooks, organize tackle, etc?

I rook the cover off the boat yesterday for the first time since returning from Kissimmee in Nov, only to find out that someone over the winter attempted to relieve me of my batteries! No harm done....they couldn't get past the locking steel bar. I needed to take it to a pressure car wash to remove the mud on the bask deck from when I got stuck in a hydrilla bed on my last trip down there.

Suggestions: if you gave the storage area, I suggest creating a tackle storage system with several storage trays. I did it last winter and it's so much easier to find exactly what you need quickly, instead of rummaging through a couple of big tackle boxes.

Also, check your batteries now rather than find out when you launch that you need a battery replacement. While you're at it, check your lights and wheel bearings on the trailer. and refresh the grease or re-pack as necessary. And check your trailer tires for excessive wear or flat spots from sitting in one spot for 5-7 months.

Ya, and next week someone will ask is the ice safe yet.

With that cold weather going away? I thought it is quite cold today. In fact I was fighting myself this morning if I shall get out and return to ice up north:-)

But then yes, the last few days I was busy preparing and rigging my new kayak, and getting it ready. Now it is just a matter of when lakes are ready. I am only interested in laker and whitefish fishing, so most likely I will have to first head up north before/around end of this morning, and then get back to Simcoe the 2nd Saturday in May...

on Lake Joe!!!

my boat got serviced early March. Heading to Detroit river on tuesday for first trip. Greased bearings on trailer and checked tire pressure and the spare, For fishing I have reverse my lines on the reels so I can get the fresh line on the top. Hand held VHF radio charged and ready to go. All safety gear checked, fire extinguisher has been inspected and tagged, date on flares checked. All batteries have been charged. Grease all grease nipples on my main and kicker motors. So all should be good for Tuesday.

I have been out in a boat twice already on Simcoe. It’s that time where finding the early Crappy is the grind. I haven’t found many yet but have caught one good one and a few perch to bring to the table.

Very nice slab and jumbo. I am jealous:-)

on Lake Joe!!!

FOR SURE

Question about launching into Simcoe.
I've searched around but not quite finding much specific info.

I've launched into Simcoe from a few spots.
Innisfill main city public launches, so expensive and so busy!
Launched out of a little spot by Young's in Keswick, this was fairly busy and was my friends boat and he had the local parking pass otherwise very expensive also.
Also launched out of Cooks Bay Marina last year, and this place was in the middle not cheap and not that expensive ($30). The launch is great but in a tight spot and parking was pretty tight but the marina and the staff there were so nice and we liked it, just really busy getting on and off the water.

I've called around, and its tough to find a good spot, Barrie Tiffin launch is free for me but its soooo busy and (nothing against homeless people, I totally wish I could help and empathize) you see all kinds of people around youre truck and trailer and it doesn't feel secure at all. Plus its also very busy and time consuming to launch/de-launch.

So where is it best to launch into Simcoe?
I'm happy to pay (but $50 is a bit steep for each outing, so Innisfil public launch is out, for that much money there shouldn't even be a line-up).
My days are usually early, launch between 5:30-6:30am, and usually coming off the water 11am-12pm range. Getting on seems to be okay depending on the day, but getting off can take 1-2 hours. Any recommendation on launch that isn't total gridlock busy and has good amount of parking?

Thanks for any advice.
Cheers

PM sent

Getting all excited for soft water fishing....starts Wednesday/Thursday, this week.
Lots to do before that... arranging the new tackle boxes.
I'm taking your suggestion of using separate plastic case for each type of fishing, Bass, Walleye, Pike Salmon etc. Much simpler.

Cheers,