Boating Lake County Blog

Beat the sun with a top-rated sunscreen

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…

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Fisherman’s Report: Northern Pike

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.…

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Three knots you should know

Going out on a Lake County lake or waterway? Here are three knots everyone should know for safe boating, mooring and docking. If you’re not adept at tying these knots, you soon will be. Get yourself some line and practice at home, so you’ll be ready when you’re on the water in Lake County.

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Keeping your stainless steel stainless

The fittings on your boat may be called “stainless steel,” but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. Here are some tips for keeping stainless steel stainless: Clean stainless frequently with soap and water. Any cleaner safe for glass is usually safe for stainless. Remove rust spots as soon as possible with a cleaner made for stainless steel, brass, silver or chrome. For added protection, use a good car wax after cleaning and drying. Never use…

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Celebrate Venetian Night on Fox Lake

Don’t miss the fun and ‘oohs-and-ahhhs’ of Fox Lake’s 9th Annual Venetian Night and Block Party on Saturday, August 6 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Decorate your boat and be a part of the awe-inspiring Venetian Night boat parade. Or come out and watch, either on your boat or sitting on the shore as beautifully decked-out boats pass by. There is no cost to watch, but there is a $25 fee per boat in…

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Boat Ramps

Unless you have a boat slip or are boating on Lake Michigan or the Fox Waterway, your boating experience in Lake County will involve boat ramps and launches. And we have plenty. Most of our navigable public lakes and waterways have at least one marina or public boat access. Just to mention a few of them, there are a number of boat ramps on Chain O’Lakes: There are free ramps located in Chain O’Lakes…

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Bowriders: Family-friendly plus performance

Looking for a family-friendly boat that’s easy to tow and launch and comes with ample power and performance? Think bowrider. Thanks in large part to abundant seating in the open bow up front—which gives the boat its name—bowriders, by a three-to-one margin, are the most popular choice among runabouts and sport boats you’ll find on the lakes of Lake County. These comfortable boats come in lengths from 16 to 24 feet. But sitting and…

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4 Reasons Boating is Great for Families with Kids

Finding things to do that you can share with your kids can be challenging. A beautiful day of boating on Lake County lakes and waterways is one guaranteed way to counter the... I don't wanna...that's totally boring...gross...we already did that...and other common responses to spending time together. Here's some fun reasons why boating brings parents and kids together: 1. The sun's so bright, your kids can't see their phone screens. 2. It's close quarters…

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Lake of the Week: Fox Lake

If you're looking for a lively lake with lots to do, Fox Lake is a great choice. At 1,810 acres, Fox Lake is the largest of the nine major water bodies that make up Lake County's fabulous Chain O'Lakes— the busiest inland recreational waterway per acre in the United States. The lake connects to 420-acre Nippersink Lake, which is often considered part of Fox Lake. Nippersink Lake also connects to Grass Lake and Pistakee…

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Engine Maintenance Saves Time and Money

Engine repairs can be costly, and breakdowns on the water can put your safety at risk. It's easy to keep your outboard in great shape, and you don't need to be a mechanic. Here are some tips that can help keep your outboard engine running reliably for a long time. Maintenance after every trip 1. Flush out the engine: start up the engine and let the water pump do the rest (stay clear of…

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