Getting ready for 2012 season.

Getting ready for the 2012 season. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Between Christmas,the business,the weather and some family health issues fishing has been a distant 5th on the priority list. Now some of that is behind us I can get down to prepping for '12.

I had spent a few nights sorting through my 18 or so Plano tackle trays checking what needs to be replaced, added or removed for sale at the swap meet.
I had compiled a list of "wants" and set about scouring eBay and on line retailers to shop for the best deal.

Most of you know how the "self" sponsoring can get expensive quick so I'm a cheap prick and will wait on that right deal.
I managed to find some good deals either on sale or best pricing at a couple of small on line retailers.
www.hooksettersupply.com had great deals on Owner Twist-lock hooks, Strike King baby rage craws and best price on the Owner/Cultiva Zip'n-Ziggy top water baits off my list and www.eTackle.ca had a good deal on the new Live Target brown and rainbow trout crank baits and Xzone Swammers.
I even managed to get a few packages of the new VMC Spinshot dropshot hooks at www.lebaron.ca. They didn't have the most popular size because of back orders but will stop by tomorrow on my weekly run in to Toronto to see if they are in.

EBay provided some of the best deals. Strike King Rage craws and Rodents in colours most local shops won't stock and cheaper too.
Mop jigs, spinner baits,crank baits and tungsten bullet weights were bought at 50% savings over some local shops.

You have to sit on the deals and don't get wrapped up in the bidding frenzy and you will get deals. Don't think you HAVE to win that particular auction, wait and let others over pay and wait until the right deal presents itself then pounce.
One of my biggest secrets on eBay is people can't spell! It's right there on the package but they still butcher the brand names and not many people search for stuff with mis-spellings except me...and now you.
Best deal so far is 11 Kopper's Live Target crawfish crank baits @ $2.20 cdn each with shipping included...just because they seller couldn't do a simple thing like copy the name off the package correctly. There was only me and one other guy bidding and I won with a last second (6 actually) bid they other guy couldn't respond to quick enough.

Second best deal was for 90 3/8oz Tungsten, insert free bullet weights @ $0.66 each.
I have 2 others guys buying in to the deal with each of us landing 30 each for $20.00.
Most stores sell a 3 pack anywhere from $6 to $7 bucks.
Big savings on a consumable item!

I am now down to a few small items and line to buy.

I will wait until we are closer to Bass season before dropping the big dollars on 3 new St.Croix rods for my Flip'n Pitch set ups and top water specific set up.

Thanks for taking the time to read my entry!

Hoping for a few hours out tomorrow afternoon for some pike down at the ice free harbour.
Hope to have a picture or two of some pike to post!

Cheers,
ScottyB