I guess I learned my method through my tackle shop, Yo's Custom rods, in Gardena. Well known for their long range knowledge, techniques, staff, and state of the art tackle, they aren't deep in inventory of tackle.
So, to prepare for a trip, I was forced to order early, or stress if I wasn't going to have what I needed before the trip left. And, as my first long range teacher taught me, the anticipation is supposed to be a part of the trip. If I'm stressing that something isn't going to be ready, that's not very much fun.
Here's how I go about it. I start with the rods. Before, when all my rods were wrapped by Yo's, I had to give Martin plenty of lead time, as he is usually backed up about 3 months on rod orders. I start on those very early. Even now, on the Seeker pro staff, I contacted Randy 3 months before this July 5 day trip, to get my order placed on what I would have as a quiver on my summer trip.
Don't forget about reels. Now, still adding to my Accurate reel collection, I don't really expect that Jack and his sons David and Doug are standing by waiting to see what I need to order to be ready for a summer 5 day. On the converse, they are having a heck of a time keeping stock on the shelves. Remember, it was a fall season to end all fall seasons last year, and everyone is hoping for a repeat, and are stocking up now for that blitz we hope for.
Perhaps you like Penn Internationals, and like them to be upgraded by Cal and Eric Sheets. Well, they are usually backed up quite a bit themselves. Or maybe they need their yearly maintenence, and the spectra washed. Don't waltz into your local tackle shop two days before you leave, and expect them to be able to perform these services. Everybody is backed up once the fish start biting, give them some lead tome.
Once I have started the ball rolling on the rods and reels, next is stuff I might need to order, like more spectra, more Sato crimps, Swifty glue, ringed hooks, specialty mono, flourocarbon. Do it a little at a time, so it doesn't sting quite as bad.
Next, have I grown out of last years Fishworks shorts just a bit? That long range food tends to do that for me, make me just a little bit larger than the year before. And they don't always have my size/style/color in stock, so order early.
Make a checklist, keep it in your computer, print it out, and check things off as the preparation advances on. Add things to the list when you need to, and delete things you didn't use on a trip. I'm always trying to bring less and less on trips. This trip, for example, I'm bringing what is normally a day trip tackle box, and that will be for two of us, my son and I.
I hope to hear what types of preparation tips you guys have to share.
