Spring Striper Prep: How to Get Ready For Spring Fishing at the Winter Fishing Shows

On Cape Cod, spring striper season rewards preparation. Winter fishing shows are where smart anglers refine their gear, stock proven lures, and learn from those who fish these waters year after year.

Do the work now, and when the first fish slide in on the beaches and into the bays, you’ll be ready—confident, prepared, and fishing instead of shopping.

For striped bass fishermen in New England, winter isn’t the offseason—it’s prep season. While the fish are still a few months away from moving inshore, winter fishing shows are the perfect place to gear up, fine-tune your setup, and get ahead of the spring striper rush. A little planning now can make the difference between scrambling in April and being ready the moment the bite turns on.

Here’s how to make the most of winter fishing shows and set yourself up for a strong early spring striper season.

Dial in Your Gear Before the Crowds Hit

Winter shows give you hands-on access to the newest rods, reels, and terminal tackle before spring inventory starts flying off shelves. Take time to evaluate what actually needs replacing or upgraded.

Talk to the manufacturers reps and shop pros—these conversations often lead to smarter purchases than impulse buying in April.

Stock Up on Proven Spring Lures

Spring stripers can be selective, and early-season bites often hinge on subtle presentations. Winter shows are a goldmine for classic and emerging spring producers.

Focus on:

• Soft plastics in natural baitfish tones

• Small profile swimmers and paddletails for colder water

• Suspending plugs and glide baits for early herring and sand eel patterns

• Jigs and bucktails you can fish painfully slow

Buying now means better selection—and often better pricing—than waiting until the season opens.

Upgrade Line, Leaders, and Terminal Tackle

The first good fishing day in the spring is not the time to discover frayed braid or weak leader knots. Winter shows are ideal for refreshing the less exciting—but critical—parts of your setup.

Consider:

• Re-spooling braid or mono before spring runs

• Replacing fluorocarbon leader strengths for your target size fish

• Stocking extra clips, swivels, hooks, and split rings

These small upgrades improve confidence and reduce gear failures when it matters most.

Learn from the Experts

One of the biggest advantages of winter fishing shows is access to anglers who’ve already figured it out. Seminars and booth conversations can give you insight you won’t get online.

• Early-season migration timing

• Water temperature triggers for the first push of fish

• Location patterns from river mouths to back bays

• Retrieval speeds and lure selection for cold water conditions

Even one tip can shorten your learning curve when spring arrives.

Winter fishing shows aren’t just something to do while waiting for warmer weather—they’re an essential part of spring striper preparation. From dialing in gear and stocking the right lures to learning from seasoned anglers, these shows set the foundation for a successful season.

Do the work now, and when the first schoolies—and cows—start pushing in, you’ll be ready.

Because when spring stripers show up, preparation is what turns good days into unforgettable ones.