Learn creative ways to save money and create wealth every Thursday on the Evening Report at 6:00pm, by watching Change in Your Pocket.

Saving on Fishing

We`re in the midst of the walleye spawn, which is a great time to be dropping a line in the water. And there are a few ways to save money before you even bait your hook.

Boat ramps up and down the Missouri River are open for the season, and anglers are taking advantage.

"There`s a lot of fishing going on because of the fact that they couldn`t last year," said Dakota Tackle President Wade Anderson.

Which means not every boat motor will be running as smoothly as it may have one year ago.

"Get it started, make sure that when you get to the boat ramp, that everything`s going to work. That`s really important," said River City Sports General Manager Gary Van Beek.

Van Beek says that step alone will help you avoid any unexpected enemies at the boat ramp. His staff has already looked over a number of boats this season that didn`t spend a day on the water last summer.

"If they haven`t re-stabilized their fuel over the winter to add a good fuel conditioner and top that thing off with fuel and there again, run it before you put it into the water. Anything that wasn`t run last year, fuel is a concern."

Van Beek also recommends checking your wheel bearings and your steering cable. From there, you can worry about what`s in your tackle box.

"You can get into it really deep if you want to. But you can come in and get a rod holder for the beach and a rod and reel for 20 bucks. It`s not a real good rod and reel for 20 dollars, granted," Anderson said.

If you`re looking to save money when it comes to tackle, tie your own spinners or worm harnesses. Any pro will tell you, you`re going to need spares. You can pick up bags of blades, beads and hooks at any tackle shop. In the end, it works out to less than a dollar a lure.

"A colored hook, a live bait rig with just a blade or a bead ahead of it sometimes is the deadliest thing out there for walleyes," Anderson said.

A few steps that experts say will help you enjoy a relaxing day in the boat and leave some change in your pocket as you cast out for a limit.

You can also save money on bait by starting a compost bin at home and growing your own nightcrawlers.