Most anglers who look forward to fishing in the early spring waste no time prepping their gear. They’ll put fresh line on the reels, set drags and sharpen hooks. But whether you are aiming to brawl with bluefish or hunt striped bass with mossbunker, one of the most critical factors for success is a seaworthy boat. It too needs to be prepped to ensure it can get you out there and back safely.
Admittedly, when the call comes in that the fish are chomping, an angler’s enthusiasm for a bent rod may take precedence over finishing those remaining maintenance jobs on the boat. Cosmetic chores—like a final coat of wax for the stainless-steel bowrail—can wait, but that’s not true for important safety procedures,
