Delavan Lake Breeze June 2021

Breeze Delavan Lake

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• SAFE ON THE WATER • CATCH BIGGER FISH • GEAR UP FOR SUMMER

SUMMER 2021 VOL. 9 NO. 1

PUBLISHED BY SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS

PAGE 2 • JUNE 2021 • DELAVAN LAKE BREEZE

Majestic visitors PHOTOS COURTESY RICK JESSEN The Breeze

Once considered a rare visitor, American White Pelicans have become a more common sight in the state in recent years, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The birds, with an adult weighing roughly 16 pounds and boasting a 9-foot wingspan, have been spotted near Delavan Lake recently.

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• JUNE 2021 • PAGE 3

Catch More and Bigger Fish this year

10 tips to better fishing

If you’re among the 50 million Americans who plan to wet a line this year, there’s no doubt that as you wait to feel that familiar tug at the end of your fishing line this summer, you’ll ask yourself, “How can I catch more fish and bigger fish?”

Ever since people started to enjoy sport fishing, they’ve been asking that question.

It’s a question some of the most recognized names in fishing are often asked – anglers such as Al Lindner, Tony Roach, Mike

Iaconelli, Ott DeFoe and Jacob Wheeler.

With thousands of places to fish and thousands of fishing lures that one can use to catch fish, where do you even start?

Anyone who’s put time on the water knows that the big one isn’t always caught by the most experienced angler in the boat.

In other words, there can be a lot of luck in fishing. On the other hand, if you want to consistently catch more fish and bigger fish more often (create your own “luck”), you can set yourself up for greater success if you embrace some of these important habits

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Go to where the fish are

Many lakes, reservoirs, ponds and rivers hold fish, but there are some bodies of water where the conditions seem to produce an outsized number of fish or trophy-size fish.

For example, professional bass fishing tournaments tend to be conducted on big bodies of water that are known for their big numbers. Before you head out, do your homework – go online and read fishing reports, study lake and river reports produced

by state departments of natural resources, and visit your local fishing tackle retailer – to get information about specific lakes, rivers and in-shore fishing areas.

Keep asking why

In a fishing magazine article, pro angler Mike Iaconelli was asked about why he loves fishing and why bass pros are so good at it.

Iaconelli said he looks at fishing like solving • CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Delavan Lake

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Above: Successful anglers know to do their homework before heading out on the lake.

Reading online fishing reports from the DNR and visiting the local tackle store are a couple of ways to stay informed. STOCK PHOTO The Breeze On the cover: The sun sets on Delavan Lake this spring. HEIDI SCHULZ The Breeze

PAGE 4 • JUNE 2021 • DELAVAN LAKE BREEZE

FISH

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

a puzzle. When he catches a fish, he asks himself, “Why did that happen?” so he can learn from it and keep catching more.

Focus on structure

Have you ever noticed when you go to a party how everyone hangs around the island in the kitchen? Fish are no different, really – they like to hover around rocks and reefs, hang around dock and pier posts, and hide in weed beds.

Keep your lure in the water

It’s pretty simple, if you want to catch more fish, you simply need to spend more time fishing and keeping your lure in the water.

Big healthy fish can’t resist a wounded fish

Big fish are looking for the easiest meal.

That’s why they zero in on wounded fish.

One of the most effective lures ever created is the Original Floating Rapala, a lure created with natural balsa wood that recreates the wobbling motion of a wounded bait fish better than any other lure in the world. It’s why, according to the International Game Fish Association, more world record fish have been caught with a Rapala than any other lure.

Rely on needle sharp hooks

Your fishing line is the only thing between you and landing the fish of your dreams, so don’t take a chance. Make sure to check your line regularly for nicks and abrasions, according to the experts at Sufix fishing line, and get into the habit of replacing your fishing line every year if you fish frequently.

Big fish, big lures

In general, big fish are kind of lazy.

They want to eat as much as they can while spending the least amount of energy getting their food. It’s kind of like hanging out on the couch all day and having a fully stocked fridge within just a short reach. So, when you’re going after bigger fish, try using bigger lures.

Practice catch and release

To get bigger fish, anglers need to practice catch and release. That means when you catch a fish, quickly release it back into the water where it can grow bigger. If you want to make a meal, follow local fishing regulations and harvest only what you need.

Have fun catching anything

One of the greatest joys of fishing, whether it’s freshwater or saltwater, is that sometimes, you never know what’s going to bite. If you can appreciate every catch, including those less-than-desirable species, you’re guaranteed to have a great time on the water every time.

If that fits your idea of fishin’ fun, Rapala has identified an assortment of catch anything lures that will catch virtually any type of fish on any type of water.

If you want to learn more consider visiting the blog on Rapala.com.

(BPT)

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Many fish have hard mouths so you need to use a hook that will hold on when a fish bites down on your bait, according to VMC, whose hooks are used by anglers worldwide.

Fishing pros like Ott DeFoe and Jacob Wheeler rely on needle sharp hooks to win major bass tournaments.

Replace your fishing line

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From rugged off-roading escapades to serene nature hikes, all your outdoor activities will be much more enjoyable when you have the confidence that comes with the right gear and preparation strategies.

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

Must-have gear for your outdoor trips and adventures

If you’re like many Americans, your family has spent the past year discovering – or rediscovering – the joys of vacationing in the great outdoors.

Nearly half of all campers either started camping for the first time in 2020 or restarted after having not camped in recent years, according to KOA’s North American Camping Report. Plus, a recent GoRVing.com study conducted by Ipsos reveals RV ownership is at a record high, with 11.2 million American households owning an RV in 2021, up 62% over a 20year period.

Whether you’re a seasoned RV enthusiast or a first-time camper, being prepared to hit the road is essential. In time for the warmer months ahead, here are some tips to tackle all your excursions into the great outdoors with confidence.

Drinkable water For obvious reasons, ensuring you have a surplus of drinkable water for the duration of your trip needs to be a top priority. As you plan, take a cue from experts in preparedness, the U.S. Armed Forces, and put Scepter Military Water Cans on your “must-have” list of gear.

Standard issue to the U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces, these easy-to-carry, virtually indestructible containers are up to the task of camping trips, sports expeditions, boating and more. They’re

also BPA-free to keep chemicals, odors and tastes out of your water, as well as corrosion- and fungus-resistant, so your drinking water is clean and safe.

A quick-pour option makes it possible to empty up to 5 gallons of water in under seven seconds through the 4-inch wide cap opening. Or, you can set up the container for practical personal use at your campsite conveniently, thanks to an optional dispenser spout for when you need to fill cups or bottles.

Hassle-free refuels Making the best use of your supplies and avoiding waste is key to successful adventures, especially when you’re far from creature comforts. However, fuel containers can be heavy and often bulky to use, increasing the likelihood of spills.

Having a comfortable and convenient way of refueling sporting equipment, recreation vehicles and other gear can make your travel prep and on-the-go fill-ups clean, fast and hassle-free.

Check out durable, easy-to-manage fuel storage options, like those from Scepter SmartControl. The line-up is available in 1-, 2- and 5-gallon sizes for gasoline, diesel and kerosene, and come in different shapes and with different handle options to fit the application, for controllable flow and no-mess usage.

(STATEPOINT)

DELAVAN LAKE BREEZE

• JUNE 2021 • PAGE 5

Did you know?

Statistics from the United States Coast Guard indicate that, in 2019, 86 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents where cause of death was known were not wearing life jackets.

The National Park Service reports that drowning is the top cause of visitor deaths in national parks and that nearly all of those deaths are preventable. One of the simplest ways to prevent drowning is to follow the advice of the Park Service and wear a life jacket at all times when near or in the water. This includes when wading, swimming, fishing, boating, and engaging in watersports or other waterrelated activities.

The Park Service notes that there are three types of life jackets, but only two come in child and infant sizes.

Inherently buoyant (primarily foam) life jackets and hybrid (foam and inflation) life jackets are available in child and infant sizes.

The Park Service recommends both types of life jackets for swimmers and nonswimmers. People who intend to engage in water sports should know that some hybrid life jackets are designed specifically for such activities. The third type of life jacket is inflatable life jackets, which are only available in adult sizes and should never be worn by poor or non-swimmers.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Simple safety tips for water when out on the water.

sports enthusiasts

Take lessons

The carefree nature of spring and summer can make it easy for water sports enthusiasts to forgo lessons before trying their hands at water skiing and wakeboarding. But such lessons can teach people techniques that can keep them safe on the water. Courses teach everything Bodies of water like lakes, rivers and from how to get up and out of the water to oceans often elicit fond memories of fun how to properly handle a tow rope. They times spent under the sun. Safety should also can teach boaters how to navigate always be a priority when spending time waters while towing skiers, tubers and on the water, especially when participating wakeboarders. in water sports, including swimming and water skiing.

Learn the signals According to the World Health Learn hand signals and go over them Organization, more than 40 people die before getting in the water. The National by drowning every hour of every day, Safety Council emphasizes the importance which equates to around 372,000 deaths of basic hand signals, which can be used each year. Many of those deaths, the to help boaters communicate with the vast majority of which occur in low- or people they’re towing. middle-income countries, are preventable, Hand signals are vital because water and safety is at the core of drowning sports tend to be noisy, so nonverbal prevention. communication may be the only way Though drowning incidents are not boaters can communicate with the people as prevalent in the United States and they’re towing. Signals can be used to Canada as they are elsewhere in the world, communicate anything from directions of the popularity of water sports in both turns to speed requests to the condition of countries underscores the importance of the person being towed. revisiting the various ways to stay safe A list of hand signals can be found

at www.boaterexam.com/safety/safetycommon-hand-signals.aspx.

Inspect tow lines

The NSC advises inspecting tow lines prior to beginning. Such inspections can confirm that tow lines are not caught in the propeller or wrapped around anyone before the activity begins.

Take your time

Wait for the propeller to stop before getting back on the boat. People being towed should always wait for propellers to stop before climbing back into the boat. It doesn’t take long for propellers to stop, and those extra few seconds can dramatically reduce risks for accidents or injuries.

Only during the day

Visibility is compromised once the sun goes down. That can make it hard for boaters to see any obstacles that might appear in the water, and it also makes it very difficult for them to communicate with the people they’re towing. As a result of such difficulties, the NSC urges water sports enthusiasts to only engage in such activities during daylight hours.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Water sports make summer even more fun. Safety should always be the utmost priority for anyone involved in such activities.

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

PAGE 6 • JUNE 2021 • DELAVAN LAKE BREEZE

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• JUNE 2021 • PAGE 7 STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

Fun in the Sun 5 things you should know to ride a watercraft

In this new era of staycations and social distancing, there has been a heightened interest in outdoor recreational activities, especially with watersports and watercraft.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, watercraft sales are up as much as 75% compared to last year, making it one of the fastest growing activities out there. With the rise in popularity of watercraft and more boats out on the water, Sea-Doo maker BRP is offering tips to those who are ready to venture out in the open water.

“The Sea-Doo life is about adventure, fun and unforgettable experiences, and that’s as important now as it has ever been,” said Annick Lauzon, Director, Global Marketing, Sea-Doo. “More and more people are discovering motorized water sports, and they’re getting to know what experienced riders have known all along: very few things in life eliminate stress like spending time on the open

water. In fact, it’s hard to find anyone on a Sea-Doo who has a frown!”

Here are five things Sea-Doo recommends before starting your adventure:

Do you need a license?

With the increase in watercraft popularity, more riders will be out on the water, and it’s important you have all the information when traveling lake-to-lake, finding your favorite river spot, or riding in the open ocean. Each state (province) has its own rules and regulations regarding licensing and proper age to operate a watercraft. Check out the Boat U.S. Foundation or Boat-Ed.com to know the regulations in your region.

Know your machine

Have a good understanding of your watercraft before you hit the waves. Get to know the general functions of your watercraft. It might be obvious, but spend

How to reel in the right boat As the approach of warmer weather draws more COVID-19-weary people outside, the allure of being in nature and out on the water is inspiring a boom in the fishing boat business. Regular fishermen and novices are eager to get out and enjoy the challenge and contemplation that comes with pond and lake fishing.

But, this type of fishing presents some barriers. To really go where the fish are in a pond or lake setting, a small fishing boat is essential, and the right boat can get you on your way to a wonderful, “one with nature,” experience.

Many current boat styles used for lake and pond fishing have certain disadvantages. Motors can get caught in vegetation, and deeper draft boats can’t

some time on land learning the controls and functions so you can hit the water with confidence. Sea-Doo recommends you check out your operator’s guide, know your fuel level, and understand the general best operational practices so you’re good to go before heading away from shore.

Share the water

Respect everyone on the water and surroundings, and adopt a fun and safe riding style. Be mindful of signs and reminders to slow down or stay out of restricted areas. Also, keep a safe distance away from others and the shoreline.

Watercraft were meant for social distancing even before it was a thing!

Finally, never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol as it puts everyone’s safety at risk.

Wear the right gear

A life jacket (aka Personal Flotation

navigate shallow coves.

The Twin Troller, however, is an innovative small water fishing craft distinct from other boats on the market because it’s designed specifically to address the criteria for successful pond and lake fishing. Here’s how:

Maneuverability

The Twin Troller carries two electric motors that are recessed within the boat’s hull, eliminating the risk of a motor getting damaged on rocks or tangled in branches, weeds or other debris in shallow water. The in-hull propulsion allows quiet operation, shallow draft, and a 360-degree turning radius. In addition, foot pedal controls allow for a completely hands-free navigation experience, with no paddling required.

Safety

The Twin Troller is lightweight and easy to handle.

The flat-bottom design and strong sides offer maximum stability, without the tipping risk associated with jon

Device or PFD) is a no-brainer even if you know how to swim. For additional safety, Sea-Doo reminds riders to wear the tether cord connected to the ignition switch on your life jacket at all times.

In the event you end up in the water that tether cuts the engine power and you can get right back on. Also, you and your passenger should always wear a wetsuit bottom in neoprene for protection. And finally, take sunglasses to increase the cool factor and for protection from the sun and the elements!

Pay attention

Leave your playground and surroundings cleaner than you found it.

Protecting nature and the outdoors is what will keep watersports and recreational activities going for decades to come. Don’t throw trash in the water or surrounding areas. And respect the animals in the area – after all, it’s their home.

(BPT)

boats, canoes, or kayaks, and anglers of all ages and flexibility levels can step in and out easily.

Comfort Nothing spoils a day of fishing faster than a stiff back or sore bottom from sitting on an uncomfortable boat bench. The Twin Troller features an elevated and padded seat so you focus on fishing.

“Freedom Electric Marine is dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind experience for small water fishing enthusiasts through our high-performance Twin Troller boats,” says founder Frank Jones.

Angier, North Carolina-based Freedom Electric Marine was founded in 2007 by Jones, an avid fisherman who saw a niche in the market for a small electric motorcraft and assembled a team to help create one. The Twin Troller is manufactured in Madison, Indiana, and ships to all 50 states.

For more information about optimizing your small water fishing experience, visit freedomelectricmarine.com.

(NEWSUSA)

PAGE 8 • JUNE 2021 • DELAVAN LAKE BREEZE

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