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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 18, 2002
It's time to get your gear prepared for the king mackerel attack certain to be heading our way in a few weeks. With the current weather, it won't be long before the spring run.
Get out those rods and reels and make sure they are ready. You won't want to be caught without a couple of really good outfits when the smokers finally arrive. Should you need a guide replaced or a reel repaired, now is the time to take those items to the tackle repair shop. Most will require at least a few days to make any necessary adjustments.
King mackerel are capable of an extremely fast getaway; they have been clocked at more than 35 mph. Worn, cracked guides and sticking drags won't be much good if you hook into a really big one. Certainly, you don't want your line to break because of a flaw in your rod or reel. Speaking of line, fishing line is the cheapest component in your fishing arsenal. Why not make sure it's new and flawless?
Not sure your tackle is good enough for king mackerel? Gather it up and take it to your favorite tackle store. Many local shops are owned by seasoned fishermen who will be able to help you sort out what you have and whether you need it serviced or replaced. Some planning now may help assure a stress-free day of fishing ahead.
-- Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe out of Madeira Beach Marina. Call (727) 397-3773, or e-mail at CaptLBlue@aol.com.