The water is still cold and the forecasts are rainy, which serves to remind us that proper planning is important if we are to maximize our success on the lakes this season.

Whether you are itching to catch Lake Erie walleyes, a limit of Mosquito Lake crappies or a smallmouth bass from the Mahoning River, your trip will be more enjoyable if you are prepared for the conditions.

We all know Erie can be a dangerous place when the weather kicks up. Mosquito is not to be taken for granted either. Pymatuning’s 20-horsepower outboard motor restriction means your dash to cover back at the dock can be a slow ride if the weather kicks up. High, muddy water is always possible on the Mahoning during spring rain.

Knowing your water and planning for the unexpected are important throughout the season, but especially so in April. Getting skunked is one thing, but getting wet is quite another. Both, of course, are avoidable.

It’s always good to remember there is more to a fishing trip than packing lures and lugging rods and reels.

First things first. Make sure the boat is fit for the water. The batteries must be fully charged. The outboard should be tuned to fire on one or two cranks or pulls and the life jackets must be stowed for ready access.

Fresh gasoline is a good idea. Last year’s fuel is not to be trusted, especially if you stowed the gas can without adding fuel conditioner. Be sure to pack a bottle of oil to add to the mix when you refuel en route to the lake.

Be sure to check your trailer lights, wheel bearings and tire air pressure. Anything amiss can easily result in a lost day stranded on the highway waiting for repairs.

At the lake itself, be sure the plug is installed and screwed tight. Many a spring launch has turned into wet feet and a rush back to the ramp to get on the trailer before the boat is swamped.

Details about all fishing trips, especially those in cooler weather of spring, need to be shared with people who care about your return home. Let your family or a trusted friend know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Once you are on the water and arrive safely at your first fishing hole, have a plan in mind. Are you going to rig for perch or crappies? Or do you plan to drift for walleyes? Perhaps you are going to cast for largemouths.

Whatever you intend to accomplish, make sure you have the proper rods and reels spooled with the lines that are appropriate for your intended catches.

If you are going for panfish, be sure to take the right-sized hooks, split shot and bobbers. If you are going to drift the flats for walleyes, be sure your jigs are ready for service, and if you are casting plugs or jigs for bass, don’t leave the driveway without the right stuff.

Most importantly, be mindful of the weather. Spring storms can blow up quickly. When the weather threatens, do not take chances. Head back to the ramp when you hear thunder or see lightning. It’s not necessarily the end of your day. You can always go back out when the weather clears.

Precaution is always a good idea when it can prevent wading to shore and hoping your phone is dry enough to make an emergency phone call.

Columnist Jack Wollitz thanks his lucky stars he’s never experienced an early spring fishing calamity. Contact him at jackbbaass@gmail.com.