There is a lot of stuff that I always take with me to each session, and there are many reasons for that, but one probably the most crucial; I don't want to end up on the bank needing something and not having it. I have learned many years ago a technique, you may say organization technique, which is well known as 5S.
5S is widely believed to have originated or least initially widely used in Japan and the term 5S is derived from 5 Japanese words - seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke which loosely translated into English stand for: sort, simplify, shine, standardize and sustain. Over the years I have learned, how to sort what I have, how to minimize what I have, how to keep everything in clean and orderly fashion, how to apply same standards across all my equipment and how to keep it that way, day after day.
Preparation for each session at this moment is a minimal effort, as far as my tackle goes, because everything is already, ready. It is ready, because I spend a lot of time AFTER each session to put everything where it belongs. It is amazing how easy it is to get human mind used to certain routines. Routines are good because they motivate me to do what I have to do, whether I am tired or not. My routines always make sure that I will do everything that needs to be done and I will always do it right.
When each session ends, already when driving home, I am working on preparation for the next one. It starts with analysis of the session which I just concluded, what was the weather, where was the fish, what fish I caught, what rigs worked and what bait. I always take notes of my results, started with a notebook and graduated to keep them on my phone. Many applications are out there to keep your notes but I really like to use Evernote, simple and easy to use and allows me to keep text, pics and all other data files I need.
When I get home the physical work starts. Rods are stripped, cleaned and inspected for damages and stored on fishing rod racks. Reels go thorough cleaning process and all components get verified that operate correctly. Lines get inspected for damages and necessary portions discarded. My backyard becomes a washing station for slings, mats and nets, where I do deeply clean all of them and inspect for damages. All damages are fixed and equipment is set to dry.
Tackle does under a physical inventory count and necessary, used, lost or misplaced items get to be reordered. Everything is placed in its designated spots where can be easily found during the next session. Rigs analysis is a must after each session, what has worked, with what bait and on what depth. I take notes to record those findings for future references. All the used rigs are broken down, dull hooks discarded as well as hooklink material. New rigs are being made and their presentation verified in a test tank. All the tackle gets put in the tackle bags and stored in the garage awaiting next trip.
My carp fishing it is not only time spent on the bank but also time spent at home preparing for the next session. I am truly blessed with an amazing women, my wife, who understands and respects what I do. Many times she is even part of what I do at home, helping me with packbait tests in the tank and she always keeps me in check if I am going overboard. This is truly appreciated.
I have learned the hard way, that the right preparation, organization and cleanliness goes a long way. This helps me to keep my equipment in perfect working condition, assures that whatever I need is always handy, and I am forced to continually improve myself day after day. I do not only learn from my mistakes but also from mistakes of others and this assures my readiness for sessions to come.
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