Tag: lake life

Big Bass Splash – Lake Guntersville, April 1-3

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Live near Lake Guntersville and looking for something to do this weekend?

Register to compete in, or just come watch, the Big Bass Splash April 1-3, 2016!

big bass splash posterThe Big Bass Splash is an annual amateur bass fishing competition series that takes place on Lake Guntersville, AL, Lake Sam Rayburn, TX, Lake Toledo Bend, LA, and Lake Fork, TX.

This 3 day event is different from other bass fishing competitions, as it has a pro-like payout of over $200,000, but is only for the amateur anglers.

The grand prize winner will receive a 2016 Triton 19 TRX bass fishing boat, followed by $2,500 for second place, $2,000 for third, $1,500 for fourth and $1,000 for fifth.

There will also be more than $100,000 in hourly payouts for the heaviest bass, with the angler who catches the heaviest bass each hour receiving $1,000.

Weigh-in hours each day will be between 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be conducted at the Goosepond Bait & Tackle located in Scottsboro.

For more information about signing up, prizes, locations, and more visit the official Big Bass Splash Lake Guntersville page.

 

 

 

Can’t Miss Events on Jackson Lake, GA

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Jackson Lake is a wonderful, moderately sized lake located only one hour from the heart of Atlanta.

It features a tight knit community, anchored by the Jackson Lake Homeowner’s Association (JLHA).

This group meets four times a year, and their main goals include promoting fellowship, education, communication and improving the quality of life at Jackson Lake.

The JLHA also plays host to many of the lake’s most exciting events throughout year, including the following events in 2016:

purple, yellow and pink sunset over open water

Lake Cleanups

February 20th | May 14th | August 6th | November 19th

A clean lake is without a doubt the most enjoyable lake. Volunteer your time to make Jackson Lake looks its best year round.

In addition to cleaning up the lake and meeting all your neighbors, you will also be treated to a free lunch!

Cleanups start at Lloyd Shoals Dam on the dates listed above, all starting at 8:30 a.m.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of boots and some work gloves!

Paddle the Rivers

April 30th – South River | July 9th – Alcovy | September 10th – Tussahaw

Just as the title suggests – bring anything that you can paddle! That includes kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.

Make your pickup reservations by emailing JLHAReservations@gmail.com.

Poker Run

June 18th

Poker runs are fairly common across the south, particularly during the summer months when everyone is out boating in full force.

It involves traveling by boat to each of the 5 sponsor’s docks, picking up a playing card, then finishing up at Reasor’s Landing.

At this point you have a “poker hand” and the boat with the best hand wins!

The cost to participate will be $25 per hand, and proceeds will be used to promote boating safety and the use of a designated skipper around Jackson Lake.

For more information contact michelle_turgeon@yahoo.com.

These are just a few of the events taking place across Jackson Lake this upcoming spring and summer.

For more information about other exciting events, such as the July 4th Boat Parade, feel free to reach out to Wally Cawthon.

Wally is the local lake expert and the number one real estate agent on the lake! See Wally’s profile on LakeHomes.com and visit his website for more details.

How to Restore Your Home’s Curb Appeal

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multi-story lake home on the waterfrontYou know that great curb appeal your house had when you first bought it? Is it looking a little haggard?

Maybe the paint is fading, or peeling. The gutters are bulging from dead leaves or this winter’s monsoon.

Maybe the porch has settled, and is drifting away from your house.

There are lots of things that can happen to a house that make it look, well, not so great. Here are a few quick tips to get your house back into curbside appeal mode.

Under Pressure

Power wash your house.

Rent a power washer, buy one, beg a friend or relative. Whatever you have to do, power wash the exterior panels, siding, or bricks and windows all the way around your house.

This removes the stuck on grime, and also gets rid of leaves, webs, and general yuckiness that tends to stick around.

Power washing is really quick fix to make your house sparkle on the outside.

Paint the House Red

Well, maybe not red unless you’re really going for a bold statement.

But if you notice your paint is peeling or fading, invest in a paint sprayer, or hire a professional.

Do touch-ups throughout the year, or just plan on one huge project in the summer when it’s nicest.

A fresh coat of paint has the power to make a house look brand-spankin’-new.

Get Your Head Out of the Gutter

Clean your gutters, people!

Stuffed gutters can cause structural damage, leaks and costly repairs if your gutters get so heavy they fall off. It happens.

Instead of letting it get to this point, clean your gutters out especially during spring and fall when all the new or dead leaves are falling from the trees.

If notice a bird’s nest or other blockage, get up there and clean it out. If you are not able to, hire someone that is.

Trim The Bushes

Landscaping is a great visual addition to a spruced up home exterior.

If you already have landscaping, maintain it. Trim the bushes, trees, or hedges and keep the flower beds weeded and grass mowed.

It’s amazing how much nicer a house looks when it’s got a well-kept yard.

If you have dirt instead of grass, think about investing in sod, grass seed, or having a landscaper do it all for you.

Clean Up

Don’t be that neighbor; get your car off the lawn, your trash bags off the porch, and your kids toys off the sidewalk.

Tidy up after you have a party on the lawn, and don’t let junk accumulate on your property.

It sounds simple, but so many people underestimate how much nicer their house looks from the outside when people aren’t greeted by a lot of junk at the curb.

Don’t Forget Your “Shore Appeal”

The term “curb appeal” refers to how your house looks from the street, or curb.

With a lake home many times the “front” of the house may be oriented towards the lake.

If this is the case make sure you make the appropriate side of the house your priority. Also, include your dock into the equation.

Make sure that any year-round furniture is secured, there is no clutter such as life vests or fishing supplies, and that your boat is secured and orderly.

Hopefully after reading these tips, you’re motivated to get out there and clean!

Do the easiest steps first, and build up to the big projects, like repainting or landscaping. Then, you can enjoy the view every time you pull into your garage or driveway.

 

3 Reasons You Have to Visit the Lake This Fall

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lake view in the fallFall is here, and with its arrival, many people end their great summer vacations, get back to school, and get ready to enjoy hot cider, pumpkins, and fall leaves at home.

But wait! Just because fall is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice getaway.

In fact, there are many points in favor of taking a getaway to the lake in the fall rather than the summer.

After all, who wants to fight traffic, crowded boat landings and lakes full of cruisers, skiers and anglers?

Kids can get grumpy in the summer heat and parents, exhausted. And don’t forget the bugs are out, and there are just so many people.

Ok, ok, so the lake in summer is not that bad (it’s actually great!), but there are some experiences you can only have if you visit the lake this fall.

Fewer People

There are fewer people visiting the lake in the fall.

Sure, people come to hike or take photos, but the beaches around the lake aren’t packed with college kids or families coated in sunblock.

The access roads are actually accessible in the fall, and the main channel isn’t overcrowded with other boaters.

If you don’t like crowds of people, or suffer from “boat” rage, the lake during the fall is the ideal.

Scenic Views

Everything just looks better in the fall.

Lakes are beautiful year-round, but imagine the trees around the lake in fall colors, and a lovely fall sunset that makes everything seem much more vivid.

The fall twilight makes your beloved lake home look and feel even more cozy. Enjoy long walks while taking in the views, and appreciate the wild outdoors at its most beautiful.

Better yet, hit the lake.

Before winterizing your boat and docking it for the year, hit the water to take in all the colors of the fall leaves.

Weather

Anyone who says they don’t like fall weather is just crazy, so don’t listen to them. Autumn marks cooler temperatures, but straddles the line between “hot” and “cold” perfectly.

In the summer, you’re sweating on your walk or in the boat out in the open lake, the sun is burning you, and you’re tired before the day is done.

In the fall, you can walk or boat all day without truly getting overheated, and the bugs have mostly gone away so you won’t be lathering yourself in DEET.

Let’s paint a new picture, shall we?

Imagine cruising down the open highway, enjoying a sing-a-long with your kids, headed to your weekend getaway in a great cabin by the lake.

You get to enjoy the fall foliage while you  walk along your favorite trail, which is no longer crowded, at your leisure in the crisp air.

The bugs have gone or quieted down, and the animals are out in full force, giving you a great wildlife-watching experience.

The climate is perfect sweater weather, and you can stay out all day without getting cold or hot.

The leaves on the ground, and the colors of the trees, provide a fantastic backdrop for your new Facebook cover photo, making all of your friends instantly jealous of your fall retreat.

At night in your comfy cabin, the kids rest peacefully as there are no late night boaters out creating noise pollution, and you and your spouse enjoy a nice cider or pumpkin beer on the patio, listening to the rustle of the leaves.

While a lake home is typically seen as a great place to spend the summer, if that is the only time you utilize your space you are only getting a fraction of the benefits of lake living!

 

 

The Joys of SEC Football and Lake Life

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SEC lake mapWith less than one week ’til the kickoff of college football, it’s time to take a look at two common passions in the South: SEC football and lake life.

With regional temperatures generally staying warm well into the fall, and many lakes in close proximity to college campuses, it makes for a natural fit!

Whether you are having family and friends over to party and tailgate at the lake home, or attending the game and returning to the lake home as your out-of-town getaway, the lake will definitely enhance your experience.

University of Alabama – Lake Tuscaloosa

Located only 20 minutes from Bryant-Denny Stadium and Alabama’s campus, this reservoir features 177 miles of shoreline and serves as the main water supply for the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Its close proximity to these cities and clear waters also make it a popular spot for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.

Nick Saban, coach of the Alabama football team even has a house on Lake Tuscaloosa. He is known invite his players out to occasionally enjoy the use of his boat and jet skis!

SEC logoAuburn University – Lake Martin

Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Auburn campus is conveniently located less than 1 hour away from gorgeous Lake Martin, which boasts more than 700 miles of shoreline.

In addition to pristine waters and luxurious houses, the lake boasts natural attractions like Chimney Rock, as well as numerous local restaurants.

Search the web for Lake Martin rentals, and you will find no shortage of properties promoting “Auburn Football weekends on the Lake” and “Auburn Football Weekends.”

University of South Carolina – Lake Murray

USC, located in Columbia, SC, is minutes away from the fishing and recreational hotspot that is Lake Murray.

The lake, which has more than 500 miles of shoreline, can reach depths of up to 200 feet.

One draw for Lake Murray is the consistency of its water levels, fluctuating only 4 feet between the summer and winter seasons.

Another perk of lake is the convenience to Columbia, which is the home of the Riverbanks Zoo, Broadway shows, concerts, and of course, the USC Gamecocks and Williams-Brice Stadium!

vol navy tailgating
Photo courtesy of http://www.tailgatingideas.com/

University of Tennessee – Tennessee River/Fort Loudoun Lake 

UT’s Neyland Stadium is located 30 minutes from Fort Loudoun Lake and sits directly on the shores of the Tennessee River.

With almost 400 miles of shoreline, there is a lake property to match anyone’s needs, and if there is not, you can even look for a houseboat to live directly on the water!

UT fans take tailgating  to a whole new level, so much so that it has spawned its own title, known as “sailgating.”

That’s right, a group of super fans and boating enthusiasts, known as the Vol Navy, arrive by boat and tie up outside of Neyland Stadium to celebrate with traditional tailgating activities on their boats and on the three-mile riverwalk.

The bottom line is, no matter where you go in the SEC footprint, you’re bound to be near a beautiful body of water.

While most people think of a lake home as a great spring and summer getaway, it can also function as a one-of-a-kind tailgating experience on the weekends during the fall and winter months!

 

Exercising on the Lake: Canoeing and Kayaking

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There are many reasons why people participate in canoeing and kayaking. One of the biggest reasons is the exercise they get from this fun past time.

Exercising on the lake with paddling facilitates aerobic and cardiovascular training. It also helps build upper body strength.

Both kayaks and canoes offer great benefits, regardless of the type of paddling that is performed. Some of these benefits include:

  • Weight Losscouple kayaking
  • Stress Reduction
  • Back Strength
  • Chest Strength
  • Arm Strength
  • Overall Body Conditioning
  • Overall Health
  • Boosted Immune System

Side Benefit

Some people paddle solely for the exercise since paddling works your back, arms, abs and more. However, those who paddle because they love to seem to reap more benefits than those who do it just for a workout.

This is because a person who loves something does not view it as a chore, they do it as much as possible since it is their hobby.

Preparation

Anyone that paddles their own kayak or canoe even just once knows the task burns a high amount of energy. And the burn doesn’t start there.

There is exercise in just getting the vessel to the water!

Imagine what it takes to just lift the boat in and out of the lake, not to mention getting it prepared for transport to and from the water.

Proper Technique

The most crucial consideration when you are paddling, especially when doing it for the exercise, is to maintain proper technique and to stretch before and after performing the activity.

The repetitive nature of this sport can adversely affect your joints and muscles when posture and rowing technique is not kept in mind.

Some injuries occur before hitting the water, when the canoe or kayak is being lifted and carried to/out of the lake.

Remember to lift with your knees when dealing with heavy objects, and to keep them close to your body when transporting so as not to strain your back and shoulders.

For more details on proper rowing techniques, look to this guide, provided by REI.

Enjoy Your Exercise

As if you needed another reason to get out on the water, the fact stays the same that you will not only enjoy paddling, but you will soon see a significant increase in your overall health due to the amount of exercise that you receive from this sport.

You will also enjoy the scenery. The water and wilderness offer a sense of peace and calm. You will relax your mind while you are exercising your body.

 

7 Crazy Ways to Float the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having fun on the lake is great for all ages and will offer memories for years to come. There are all sorts of floats and toys to enhance your lake experience, here are seven of the most outlandish floats on the market:

Floating Jacuzzi

A floating Jacuzzi is an amazing addition to the fun gear that you have already. All you have to do is fill it up with some water, grab some cold beverages, and enjoy it.

It will float in the lake as you enjoy all the perks that a Jacuzzi offers. They are lightweight and easy to move. Normally they include a drain in the side or bottom to remove the water from the unit.

Water Trampoline

If you love diving boards, then you fall madly in love with a water trampoline. It is a trampoline that is installed on top of a floating circle.

You can climb up onto the trampoline and jump as high as you can into the water. It offers so much fun that even Grandpa will be out there showing the young ones how it is done.

floating lake cabana with four people relaxing on it

Chill Out Chairs

There are so many different designs for these type of chairs. They can be inflatable or made out of buoyant material and easily transported from garage to lake.

There are some that you can sit on almost like a hammock, and then there are others that offer a way to keep your legs up so you are in a laying position to relax. Some include cup holder for your beverage, while others offer seating for multiple people.

Floating Patio Set

If you love the water, but you also want to be able to play cards and enjoy your company while you are resting, then you should purchase a floating patio set.

They offer a way to be out on the water with the comfort of chairs and a table. Sets include seating in a circle, a table in the center and a place to keep you cooler.

You can enjoy a picnic lunch, drinks, cards, music and more on the floating patio. And when you are not using it, you can simply deflate it and pack it up!

Floating Rocker Chair

If you want some fun, a floating rocker chair is a half circle that offers two seats.

The two people face each other and force the chair back and forth in a rocking motion. You can relax in it or go crazy and try to rock each other into the water.

Think of it like a floating seesaw!

Floating Playground Complex

Floating playgrounds offer crazy fun with all the activities built right in.

There are mounds to climb and jump off of, trampolines connected, swings and so much more all on one float!

It can also be turned into an obstacle course for a prize for those looking for a little challenge

For more floating fun, read out our “Summer Lake Toys” story!

What is Wakesurfing?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

wakesurfingWakesurfing is a sport that has become increasingly popular in the recent years.

It started with a couple of daredevils goofing around with boards tied to their boats and has now become an exciting new watersport that is a cross between wakeboarding and surfing.

Here are some wakesurfing basics:

You will need an inboard boat

If you have a boat with an outboard engine, an engine which is mounted externally to the back of the boat, wakesurfing is not an option.

In order to ride the wake, a surfer must stay near the back of the boat, and should the rider fall, they may go towards the vessel.

Because of the danger presented by outboard motors, which do not feature protected fan blades, it is not safe to wakesurf with one.

You Need a Rope

ropeYou can’t wakesurf with just any rope, but one that is “wakesurf specific”.

Wakesurfing can be dangerous when pulled by a thin rope which can cause nasty rope burns.

Handles on such ropes can also be quite large. Surfers do not want to run the risk of getting hit with one should it fly off the rope or come down on them when the rider goes down.

Wakesurfers should look at using thicker ropes with small handles such as the ones featured here.

Surf Boards and Wakesurfing Boards

People use to wakesurf with regular surfboards, but now there are many companies who make specific boards for wakesurfing.

Note however, that regular surfboards are not a non-option. The only major differences include the length of the board, fin sizes, and buoyancy.

How to Get Up

Getting up on the board is not as difficult as it looks.

You should simply relax and lay back while placing your feet loosely on the wakesurf board. Make sure your knees are bent and start moving slowly at 2 mph, this will give you the chance to dial in.

Keep your arms straight, and try to pull yourself up.

Imagine that you’re on the floor, and someone is trying to pull you up. Simultaneously press down with you feet, and point the board in the direction of travel as you come out of the water.

Once you are up and comfortable, you can then toss the rope back to the boat or have someone pull the rope back in.

The momentum of the wake will keep propelling you forward at the same speed as the boat.

Positioning your Feet

An important question here is to what is the right width for your stance.

Usually it’s about shoulder width, but your feet can be anywhere from 6 to 18 inches, depending on height. Practice is the best way to find your sweet spot.

You can accelerate by shifting your weight to your front foot, and you can brake by shifting your weight to your back foot. The same applies when you shift yourself forward or backward.

Feet positioning is important because when you start doing tricks, you will need to learn to balance yourself with your feet.

Top Speed

The speed of the boat depends on the experience of the wakesurfer.

Beginners should start out at about 9 mph and can go as fast as 14 mph, but this depends on the amount of ballast, the hull, the boat and of course, the surfer.

How to Clean and Prepare a Catfish

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
raw fish catfish on the kitchen board

Catfish are very hearty fish that have tough skin. However, once they are cleaned, prepared and cooked, they make for a tasty meal that is a staple in any Southern household. Although there are plenty of ways to skin a cat(fish), this is a quick and easy method that’ll have you licking your fingers when you’re done!

Cleaning the Catfish

Materials You’ll Need

  • pair of pliers
  • some rope
  • a large knife
  • a fillet knife
Photo courtesy of 360DigiTour.

Skin the Body

Carefully cut around the body of the fish, up to behind the gills. Be sure not to make this a deep cut as you are trying to remove this portion from the meat.

Next, you need to gut the fish. Be careful not to puncture any of the fish organs.

Then you will need to remove all of the fish fins at the base. You will need to use your pliers to hold on to the fins while you are cutting.

Hang the Fish

Hang your fish by the gills from anything suitable, like a tree branch, using the rope. Cut the skin down the center of the fish’s back.

Pull Off the Skin

Pull the skin of the catfish off using the pliers from the head down. This can be a bit tricky; however, practice will help improve your skinning skills.

Remove Skin to Tail

Remove the catfish’s skin down to its tail.

Cut the tail off if it does not already have it removed.

Also, cut off the head using the large knife that you gathered with the rest of the materials.

Fillet the Catfish

Fillet your fish from the tail on up.

Cut along the fish’s backbone until you reach its ribs. Cut from the top, then down, beside the spine. Let the edge of the knife follow along the ribs.

Preparing the Catfish

Prepare your fish to eat. When you have both of the sides filleted, the sky is the limit on how you can season and cook the fish.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 Cup of Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • ¼ Cup of Flour
  • ½ tsp. of Salt
  • ¼ tsp. of Pepper
  • 1 tsp. of Paprika
  • 1 Egg – Beaten
  • ¼ Cup of Milk
  • 5-6 Catfish Fillets
  • ¼ Cup of Butter

Directions:

  1. Mix the cheese, salt, flour, pepper and the paprika in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a different bowl, combine the milk and the egg.
  3. Dip catfish fillets in the wet mixture, and then dredge it through the flour mixture.
  4. Put the fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish.
  5. Drizzle the butter on.
  6. Bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the fish is flaky.

And if you want tips on the best ways to catch many catfish in an efficient manner, check out the article on Trotline Fishing: Fill Your Freezer.