When the sun is high in the sky, many walleye fishermen move deeper. It is my experience, especially early in the year when the carp are spawning, that the walleyes can actually be found in very shallow water. The walleyes follow the carp to eat whatever the carp are kicking up.

Matthew Gohman,Waconia, MN

Cleaning and oiling a fishing reel can be simplified. First, take the reel apart and lay out the pieces on a sheet of waxed paper. Next, wipe the pieces off with a clean, lint-free cloth. Then use a spray cleaner designed for cleaning electronic components (it doesn’t have any chemicals that will harm the surface) such as Endust for Electronics. Wipe the pieces thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth. Then use a white lithium-based grease for the gears and other areas that need greasing. Last, put the reel back together and spray it with a silicone-based lubricant. The lubricant penetrates throughout the reel and lasts for a long time.

Xavier V. McClung, Valdosta, GA

For the trout fisherman, take some dry flies, and with scissors, cut some of the hackle off the belly of the flies. This will make the fly lay lower on the surface of the water and will make it more visible to the fish. It will also keep the fly floating longer since the hackle will be more dense and will repel the water more.

Junior Martins, Garfield, NJ

The one bad thing about crankbaits or minnow baits is that when you finally make a good cast, the line gets tangled around one of the treble hooks. Put a 1-inch piece of a coffee straw onto the line before tying and it will be tangle free.

Ray Lucas,Wesley Chapel, FL

To maintain the smooth, long distance cast we all desire, it’s important to tune up even our new spinning reels at least twice a year. First clear the line off the spool. Then, using a buffing wheel on a drill, buff the edge of the spool until smooth. I use either an aluminum or plastic buffing compound. I can feel the difference by touch as well as the improved performance.

DavidWiggs, Carterville, IL

A way to get more distance on your casting is to apply car wax to the insides of your line guides. After you buff them, they will be as slick as ice and your line will slide through the guides.

Aaron Turner, Presque Isle, MI