Many people see Labor Day as the end of the summer: August vacations are in the rear view mirror, kids are going back to school, and Halloween decorations are coming out of their basement storage. But when it comes to boating in Lake County, September is the perfect time to get out on the water. Why? The weather’s still warm but not broiling hot like July. And it’s likely to be drier. Peace and…
It’s a beautiful day on the lake. The water’s calm. Who needs a life jacket? You and your passengers do. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, most recreational boating fatalities happen in calm water near the shore. And most of these people were not wearing life jackets. We want you to be safe when boating in Lake County. So, make sure your boat is equipped with the right, properly maintained personal floatation devices (PFDs)…
It’s sad but true: the end of the Lake County boating season is looming. It’s time to start thinking about protecting your watercraft. The time and effort will be well spent in protecting your boat’s longevity and performance. And remember that your insurance policy may not cover lack of maintenance or neglect. The best place for your boat in the winter is out of the water, under cover and in a climate-controlled storage area.…
Hey Lake County boaters! The vinyl on your boat is tough and made for exposure to the elements. But it’s not indestructible. It needs regular cleaning with the proper materials or it will stain, discolor or start cracking. Here are some helpful hints: For light cleaning, make a solution of ¼ cup mild soap to 1-gallon fresh water. Using a soft cloth, wipe vinyl in a circular motion. Try to avoid pooling water into…
When you’re about to winterize your boat, it’s also time to take a detailed inventory of your gear. Comb through the boat thoroughly, discarding items you don’t need and keeping a list of what’s valuable. Make a list of essentials that should be repaired or replaced—such as new fenders or engine components. Make sure your safety gear—life jackets, emergency lights, radio, etc.—are operational and in good repair. Remove batteries to avoid corrosion. . List…
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) have created a revolution in marine lighting. Efficient, long-lasting and bright, LEDs aid in safety at night and allow illumination to be added anywhere it’s needed. Most new boats feature LED lighting. But older boats, with incandescent lights, can be retrofitted with LEDs. You’ll find marine LEDs in navigation, spreader, search, underwater and cabin lighting. LEDs draw little power, so there’s less worry about overloading circuits and draining batteries. LEDs also…
Fishing in Lake County? Largemouth bass should be on your list. You’ll find this prized sport fish in most Lake County lakes and waterways. The largemouth bass closely resembles the smallmouth bass, but can be distinguished by the fact that its mouth extends at least to, and often beyond the rear edge of the eyes. Also, its first and second dorsal fins are separated by an obvious deep dip. The largemouth bass is an…
Why limit yourself to grilling on shore, when you can do it on your boat? Food just seems to taste better when you’re out enjoying a lake or waterway in Lake County. And grilling adds a lot more versatility to on-the-water mealtime: Chicken legs, shish kabobs, bacon-wrapped shrimp, grilled asparagus…the list is endless. There’s a wide selection of grills suitable for a boat. And with the proper hardware you can mount these grills on…
Going boating on the lakes and waterways of Lake County? Treat your sunscreen as essential safety equipment. Remember, on the water you’re not only exposed to the sun’s skin-damaging radiation from above, but also from reflections. This year, a leading consumer magazine tested over 65 sunscreens with an SPF of 30—which is the minimum recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Their findings: Chemical-based sunscreens out-performed "natural" or mineral-based formulas. Lotion-based sunscreens are typically…
The northern pike is a fantastic fish to seek out when you’re lake fishing in Lake County because of its size, strength and fighting ability. You’ll enjoy the challenge of aerial acrobatics and explosive hits from this magnificent fish. The Northern Pike is among the largest North American freshwater game fish and can grow more than three feet long and weigh as much as 30 pounds, and even more in the Great Lakes area.…
