Chicago Bass Busters News Volume 1 Issue 1 Welcome to Chicago Bass Busters first newsletter   Dear BassBusters Members,   Just wanted to write a hello, and welcome to the forum. I am sure we all are experiencing the winter doldrums caused by lack of time on the water. Now would be a great time to check your gear to provide optimum performance when we all get a chance to finally hit the water's edge. This time of year is a good time to take a visual inspection of all rods, reels, and the dreaded fishing box. Be sure to breakdown all your reels and rods for maintenance. Grease and lube all your reels, check all eyelets for cracks, loose threads on the blank, or bent ones as well. A great tip for loose thread is to rewrap it, then apply clear nail polish as needed. . Note to self: Do not get caught using the wife's or girlfriends stash when doing so, or heads will roll. LOL. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers for the bent eyelets but be cautious about the amount of pressure used, they snap off quite easily. Now would be a great time to lubricate your reel using oil, and grease where necessary. If you are pressed for time, you can always have this service done at your local tackle shop for a small fee. Last but not least, Break out the tackle boxes and do a spring cleaning. Clearing out all of that trash, Untangle those spinner-baits, rapalas, and all other of your favorite baits. remove anything you don't use and or stow for another day and make room for all the goodies you will buy before the seasons start. Doing this in the off-season eliminates any headaches when selecting a lure when near your favorite fishing hole.     I would also like to personally thank you all for joining the forum, it is for the sole purpose of giving serious bass anglers and novices alike useful information. It also provides local anglers a chance to mingle, and hopefully to build lifelong friends and memories to treasure for years to come. Moments that are created on the water are usually talked about between friends for years to come. Bassbusters creed: "The worst day on the water, is always better than any day on the job"       Thank you for your time, and good luck! Tight lines to all!       Deigo (Mike Cartolano) - President   BassKing21 (Joe Dvorak Jr) - Vice President