Whitewater Breeze May 2021

Breeze

The

Serving the Whitewater Lake area

INSIDE • Find the fish • Boating tips • Water ski team

MAY 2021 • VOL. 40 NO. 1

Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers

PAGE 2 • MAY 2021 • THE BREEZE

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THE BREEZE • MAY 2021 • PAGE 3

How to reel in the

The

Breeze

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

1102 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

(262) 728-3411 Editor: Tracy Ouellette Creative Director: Heidi Schulz

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.

Anglers know that fishing in a pond or lake setting requires a small fishing boat when out on the water.

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

Serving the Whitewater Lake Area A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC

(NEWSUSA)

Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff Page Designer: Jen DeGroot

For advertising opportunities call (262) 723-2250 On the cover: Members of the Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team perform during a Fourth of July celebration. See Page 5 for more information about the team and this year’s schedule.

PHOTO BY TOM GANSER

PAGE 4 • MAY 2021 • THE BREEZE

10 easy ways to save money on boat ownership costs Using tools like the Boat Loan Calculator at the Discover Boating websites makes it easy to nail down accurate monthly expense figures when you’re purchasing a boat, but like any substantial asset, there are other costs of boat ownership. You can, however, find plenty of way to save money on annual boat ownership.

These 10 tips will be a good start as you decide how to manage your boat ownership expenses in the most cost-effective way:

From wave-riding 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 20-year 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 fillups 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)

Take advantage of tax deductions There are a number of ways boats can help you reduce your tax burden at the end of the year.

Your boat may count for a second home mortgage interest deduction. In some cases they qualify as a business expense, boats that are chartered for profit may be a legitimate consideration. If you use your boat to commute expenses could be deductible. And when you’re ready to move on to a new boat you may be able to donate your old one to get an additional tax break.

Naturally you’ll want to make sure that any exemptions you file for are completely legal and legitimate. But that may well be the case, so a discussion with your accountant is in order.

Save fuel Run your boat at its most efficient cruising speed to save fuel. If you have a sailboat you’re in luck – any time the wind cooperates your fuel costs will be around zero. But power-boaters will see a drastic reduction in their fuel bill if they run their boat at its most efficient speed – this involves knowing what it means to trim a boat, and how to properly trim a boat, which will improve its performance and fuel economy.

All boats have a “sweet spot” where they get the best MPG (commonly around two-thirds of full throttle), which you can determine by watching fuel efficiency on your engine monitor or through trial and error. Either way, the important thing is to identify that most-efficient cruise, and then operate your boat at that specific speed whenever appropriate.

Consider fractional boat ownership Why own 100% of a boat, if you’ll only be using it half the time? There’s nothing wrong with sharing your pride and joy with another owner or owners, and the financial benefits of sharing the cost can be huge.

Plus, there are fractional ownership companies that take care of many of the ownership issues, so you can enjoy fractional ownership even if you don’t have a group of friends or family who want in.

Particularly when it comes to large boat or yachts, for people with limited time availability fractional ownership makes a lot of sense.

Keep up with the maintenance Keep your boat and its power system properly maintained.

This includes things like making sure the bottom isn’t covered in growth and keeping the engine(s) in good running condition so you don’t lose efficiency. But keeping the

boat well maintained will also pay off in the long run, because expensive break-downs and equipment failure becomes much less likely.

Take a boating education course It’s always a good idea to continually expand your knowledge and skillset when it comes to boating, and taking a boating class can help you do just that. The better educated you are the less likely it is that you’ll make a costly mistake while running your boat. Plus, in some cases being better educated can get you an insurance break.

Since many boater education courses are free, that makes taking one a win-win.

Reassess your boat storage options You may be able to save money on your slip by shopping at several different marinas, because pricing can vary widely depending on the marina’s location and amenities.

You may also be able to save money in the long run if you buy a trailer and store your boat rent-free, at home. And in the off-season you might find that there’s less expensive winter storage available inland, as opposed to leaving it at the boatyard.

Brush up your DIY While significant mechanical work should probably be left to the professionals, there’s nothing wrong with handling minor chores ranging from cleaning your boat, to winterizing it, to installing new boating accessories.

Naturally you’ll want to use good judgement and be sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew, but a little bit of elbow grease and determination can prevent some big bills from arriving in the mail.

Get gas station on land Fuel costs are usually substantially higher at marinas, and boats hold a lot of fuel. However, whenever you fill up a trailer boat on land be sure to check the pumps and verify that you’re using the proper one. Many land-based gas stations carry E15 these days, and that can damage marine engines and fuel systems.

Have the proper boat insurance While insurance is certainly a cost of ownership, it’s also the best way to prevent dipping into your bank account to cover large, unexpected expenses.

And while it isn’t by definition “insurance,” also consider getting an onwater assistance and towing membership.

All mechanical items including boats can break down, and a tow can be a very large and unexpected expense if you don’t have all the bases covered.

Share space Consider placing your boat into a peerto-peer boat sharing marketplace.

Many boat owners find that they can defray a large proportion of the cost of ownership – and sometimes even make a profit – by joining one of the boat sharing companies and letting some lucky renters get in on the fun.

For more information, visit www. discoverboating.com.

THE BREEZE • MAY 2021 • PAGE 5

The Southern Wakes United Water Ski Team will be performing on several Walworth County lakes this summer. The last remaining water ski team in the county is seen here performing in its signature pyramid formation on the Fourth of July.

Making waves TOM GANSER The Breeze

Learn about Walworth County’s only water ski show team

Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team is a merger of the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers and the Whitewater Lake Sports Club (Minneiska).

The team is a non-profit water skiing organization whose purpose is to give the young and young-at-heart an opportunity to work together to build confidence in their abilities, learn new skills and promote leadership development, water safety education and sportsmanship, according to the team’s website.

The LAS Water Ski Show Team (Lauderdale Lakes Aqua Skiers) had its modest beginnings in the 1950s when a group of young people who loved to ski decided they wanted to perform for their friends and neighbors. Using their own boats and fuel, they performed a single, annual show in conjunction with the Lauderdale Regatta Day in front of the Sterlingworth Motor Hotel. Their only rewards were the appreciation of their audience and a complimentary dinner at the Sterlingworth after the show.

With the advent of ski boats came new power and performance. LAS bought its own boat and began competing in the State Show Ski Tournament in the 1980s.

In 1988 LAS took first place in the Wisconsin State Individual Barefoot Competition. Also that year team member Nancy Lynd O’Hara won the coveted Willa McGuire Cook Award for Best Female Performance Overall at the National Tournament. In 1990 the team won first place in division II at the Wisconsin State Show Tournament, claiming first place in dock equipment and safety, tow boat driving, announcing and overall show.

In 1997 LAS hosted a “fun class”

individual events competition where over 150 novice skiers enjoyed the opportunity to compete in slalom, kneeboard and wakeboard. At the Wisconsin State Tournament that year, sisters Heather and Brooke Huelskamp were awarded the “Most Unique Act” for their slalom strap doubles act and were chosen from over 325 acts presented.

The Whitewater Lake Sports Club was formed back in 1973 and included sailing, canoeing and skiing. The skiing portion continued with full strength and was named the Minneiska Water Ski Team in 1974.

The team performed their first show on July 21, 1974 for the Lions Club.

The ski team started competing in tournaments in 1975. In 1975 Minneiska was the only team in the state to pull a two-man 360. In 1979 the team performed and executed a three-man 360, which had never been performed by an amateur team.

In 1980 the Minneiska’s four-man 360 team was asked to perform at Tommy Bartlett’s.

The word Minneiska means “white water” in the Sioux language. Over the years the ream and its skiers have won many awards including pulling 31 skiers behind a boat in 1980, breaking a record.

2021 Ski show schedule Scenic Ridge Campground W7991 R&W Townline Road Whitewater Lake All shows at 7 p.m. unless otherwise listed.

Saturday, May 29 Saturday, June 12 Saturday, July 10 Saturday, Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m.

Lauderdale Landing W5625 Westshore Drive, Elkhorn All shows at 6 p.m.

Friday, June 18 Friday, July 2 Friday, July 23 Friday, Aug. 6 Friday, Aug. 17 Elkhorn Lake Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Drive, Elkhorn All shows at 6 p.m.

Friday, June 25 Saturday, Aug. 14

The team has also placed in nationals.

Several skiers have earned awards for best swivel ballet, five skiers performing a 360 behind a single boat, best trick skiing act, best male skier and best female skier.

The team has also placed for best Pick Up Boat Crew and for Dock Crew and Boat Drivers and, most recently Most Unique Act. For more information, visit www. southernwakesunited.com.

PAGE 6 • MAY 2021 • THE BREEZE

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THE BREEZE • MAY 2021 • PAGE 7

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 water-related 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 sports also can teach boaters how to navigate waters while towing skiers, tubers and wakeboarders.

Learn the signals

enthusiasts

Bodies of water like lakes, rivers and oceans often elicit fond memories of fun times spent under the sun.

Safety should always be a priority when spending time on the water, especially when participating in water sports, including swimming and water skiing.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 40 people die by drowning every hour of every day, which equates to around 372,000 deaths each year.

Many of those deaths, the vast majority of which occur in low- or middle-income countries, are preventable, and safety is at the core of drowning prevention.

Though drowning incidents are not as prevalent in the United States and Canada as they are elsewhere in the world, the popularity of water sports in both countries underscores the importance of revisiting the various ways to stay safe when out on the water.

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 from how to get up and out of the water to how to properly handle a tow rope. They

Learn hand signals and go over them before getting in the water. The National Safety Council emphasizes the importance of basic hand signals, which can be used to help boaters communicate with the people they’re towing.

Hand signals are vital because water sports tend to be noisy, so nonverbal communication may be the only way boaters can communicate with the people they’re towing. Signals can be used to communicate anything from directions of turns to speed requests to the condition of the person being towed.

A list of hand signals can be found at www. boaterexam.com/safety/safety-common-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 WATER SPORTS • CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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 8 • MAY 2021 • THE BREEZE

WATER SPORTS

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

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)

Far right: Children love water sports and can safely participate in age-appropriate activities with a little planning.

Right: Everyone needs a life jacket when out on the water STOCK PHOTOS The Breeze

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THE BREEZE • MAY 2021 • PAGE 9

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

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

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)

By following a few, simple tips, watercraft riders will not only be able to take advantage of water fun but get in some healthy escape therapy, recharge their metaphorical batteries and practice social distancing to create great memories from this unforgettable summer.

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

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PAGE 10 • MAY 2021 • THE BREEZE

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THE BREEZE • MAY 2021 • PAGE 11

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 offered by the fishing folks at Rapala:

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 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

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

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 about catching more and bigger fish, consider visiting the blog on Rapala.com, which is chock full of information.

(BPT)

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

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