Many lakes have names whose explanations stretch back into the haze of history. Not Grass Lake; the name of this 1,360-acre lake is obvious. Originally, Grass Lake—part of Lake County’s magnificent Chain O’Lakes—was a stretch of wild rice and lotus, whose beauty was a great draw for 19th and early 20th century tourists. In fact, the water plants were so thick in places, many early boaters had to use a pole rather than oars.…
When you’re cooking on a boat in Lake County, you want the perfect combination of ‘crowd-pleasing’ and ‘easy to prepare.’ Bar-B-Que Hot Wings is a perfect choice. 16 jumbo chicken wings A neutral-tasting cooking oil (sunflower, corn, safflower) Salt and pepper (to taste) Quality hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s, Texas Pete’s, Stubb’s or Crystal) Coat each wing with oil to prevent sticking to grill. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat grill to medium-high with grill…
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…
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.…
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…
