26 minute read
A new ‘tradition’ in dining
onsider, for a second, the potential of a new restaurant that turns the imposition of a worldwide
Cpandemic into a building block of its business model.
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That’s exactly what’s on the minds of culinary veterans Shane Bounds and David Slevin at Traditions on the Lake, the American-style bistro at the heart of Lakeside Lodge, a marquis hotel/ resort complex on the shores of Lake Hartwell, near Oconee’s eastside.
Six months into the experience, Bounds, operations manager for the development, and Slevin, general manager of the restaurant and bar, are looking back on the pandemic-imposed restrictions surrounding their opening with a glass-half-full point of view. Given the success Traditions is enjoying, that only makes sense.
Oddly, in ways few could have imagined, the pandemic may have actually aided an opening planned for March but delayed until Memorial Day. Staffing and menu development were both muted. The former meant those hired for a limited, outdoor opening could be better trained. The latter meant that a simple menu — about half of what had been planned — could be expanded as additional product became available. It also meant that customers would have a hand in developing the menu.
Some selections — the Melted Clemson Blue Cheese dip, that is blended with Vidalia onions and served with fried tortilla chips with fresh dill, and the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, served with tomato, avocado and tortilla chips — first appeared on the menu as daily specials, but became regular offerings because of customer demand.
Online, the Tradition’s menu is described as “Southern American with a classic twist.” Bounds calls it “an American melting pot,” and Slevin agrees, explaining that the Cobb salad has a hint of avocado and that, “sometimes cheddar becomes pimento.”
For our dinner, we shared two of the most popular items on the “starter menu” and a dinner entrée.
The Steam Engine Steak Tacos were actually a tasty blend of fajita ingredients served in a soft-shell taco. The sautéed peppers and mushrooms and fried onions were not overcooked as they so easily can be, and the seasoned steak … well, it proved to be a bountiful helping of exquisitely tender filet medallions. Chipotle aioli and pico de gallo were served on the side.
As for the Maple Balsamic Sprouts, even Brussels sprouts deniers should give them a try. Tossed in a house maple balsamic glaze and topped with candied bacon, capers and parmesan cheese, they hardly rate as a vegetable.
{from top} This chicken rosemary Alfredo features pan-seared chicken with garlic, onions, diced tomatoes and rosemary tossed in sherry Alfredo and served over bow-tie pasta with a serving of garlic French bread. • Several Traditions’ menu items have a Clemson football “feel” including this All-in Burger, an 8-ounce beef patty topped with Clemson Blue Cheese, fried onions and tomato-bacon jam. Here, it is pictured with blistered Brussels sprouts tossed in house maple balsamic glaze and topped with candied bacon, capers and parmesan cheese. Photo by Brett McLaughlin • A menu favorite at Traditions on the Lake is the Steam Engine Steak Tacos featuring filet medallions, sautéed peppers & mushrooms and crispy fried onions. Photo by Brett McLaughlin • Several menu items at Traditions speak to the resort/restaurant’s relationship with nearby Clemson University. Melted Clemson Blue Cheese dip with Vidalia onions is served with fried, fresh dill tortilla chips.
Lunch and dinner entrees range in price from $16 for a half-rack of St. Louis style ribs with your choice of sauce, to $26 for a pair of jumbo, lump crab cakes. Side offerings, which can be ordered ala carte, are wide ranging and include those tasty sprouts, a temptation-inducing five-cheese mac & cheese and what we’re sure is an ample serving of cheddar grits.
Our 8-ounce Mahi Mahi Filet was grilled and topped with Old Bay aioli. It came with one side and was served on a bed of creamy risotto with a blend of five wild mushrooms. The fish itself was cooked perfectly … moist and “forkable.”
The regular Traditions’ menu is punctuated with local product. Much of the produce is grown locally and, in addition to Clemson Blue Cheese, many dishes feature cheeses from Split Creek Farm in nearby Anderson. Coffee beans are purchased from Jitters in Central and, as of this writing, Slevin was working on a partnership with Bruno’s Donut Cafe in Central to provide muffins and dog treats. (Yes, Traditions does have a designated outdoor eating area for folks with pets.)
The standard Traditions menu always features daily specials, some of which — Chilean Sea Bass to name one — have prompted customers to demand being notified whenever they are offered. Specials also appear on the Sunday brunch, which is offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Desserts are special at Traditions. Although the online menu only features a few, Slevin said the in-house pastry chef has offered up to 20 items on any given day.
While the availability of wine and beer during the pandemic has been problematic, Slevin said Traditions is growing its beverage menu. He said 20 varietals of wine this fall would eventually become 40. Already included were both modestly priced wines by the glass and “high end” offerings of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, reds and chardonnays. Up to 30 beers, ales and ciders are offered, including five rotating tap offerings.
Because it is located in a hotel/resort, the Traditions menus are offered throughout the day.
“Eventually,” Slevin said, “we will be open for three meals a day, seven days a week.”
Bounds added that wine and bourbon tasting events, as well as other special events would be planned as restrictions are eased. He explained that being located in a hotel also has had an upside during a pandemic that caused people to vacation closer to home.
“We have been fortunate to have a lot of locals try us out and recommend us to their friends,” he said, “but we have also had guests at the hotel from Charlotte to Atlanta. People came here who had planned to go to the beach or out of state for vacations in June and July.
“Even if they don’t stay here, they have enjoyed eating poolside or coming to one of the Clemson tailgates we held on our 50yard football field,” he continued.
“There’s a certain synergy. It feels like being at a resort, even if you’re close to home.”
Although the spacious lakeside patio might be a little cool for winter dining, a grand indoor fireplace provides a great backdrop to enjoy a light snack or a full meal. An orange-onyx backlit bar top adds to the ambiance and begs indulgence in a beer, a glass of wine or a cup of coffee with a craft dessert. n
As of this writing, Traditions hours are Wednesday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are not required but may be made by calling 864.722.2800. For more information, visit: www.traditionsonthelake
{from top} This Mahi Mahi Filet is grilled and topped with Old Bay aioli served on wild mushroom risotto. Photo by Brett McLaughlin • This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is an example of an entrée that made the menu at the insistence of customers. It features gulf shrimp, tomatoes and avocado, and is a little tangy, a little sweet and a little spicy. It’s served with fried tortilla chips. • There are usually many desserts to choose from, but this deep-dish key lime pie is a favorite. It features key lime filling, encased in a thick made-from-scratch crust.
CENTRE STAGE 501 RIVER ST., GREENVILLE, SC INSIDE THE SMITH-BARNEY BUILDING 864.233.6733 OR TOLL FREE 877.377.1339 TUES.-SAT., 8 P.M.; SAT. MATINEES 2 P.M.; SUN. MATINEES, 3 P.M.
DEC. 20 MERRY & BRIGHT In the same vein as “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Saturday Night Live,” this Centre Stage original production is set to kick off the winter season with the perfect dose of Christmas magic and music for young and old. A blend of sketch comedy, classic carols and songs both old and new, and choreography and costumes to match, this unique and entertaining show is the perfect way to ring in everyone’s favorite holiday!
JAN./FEB. I WANNA ROCK! Grab your Walkman, turn up the treble and get ready to celebrate pop’s golden era! Take a trip back to the decade of denim, neon and big hair: the eighties! Join us as we traverse through all that made the ’80’s great. From New Wave and punk rock to funk and electro-pop, our annual smash-hit rock show celebrates the undeniable resurgence of the ’80’s sights and sounds in our culture today. Backed by a live band and some of the best vocalists in the Upstate, this electrifying concert brings back to life the hits of Whitney Houston, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson and more!
GREENVILLE THEATRE 444 COLLEGE ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.233.6238 OR WWW.GREENVILLELITTLETHEATRE.ORG ALL SHOWS 8 P.M., EXCEPT SUNDAYS AT 3 P.M.
JANUARY 14-24 ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT’S END “If like is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Erma Bombeck, the legendary humorist, gave voice to the frustrations of a generation of women in her syndicated newspaper column At Wit’s End. This charming, one-woman show brings to life the humor and wisdom of a mother, housewife and social commentator.
PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 300 SOUTH MAIN ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.476.3000 OR 800.888.7768
DEC. 29 – JAN. 3 1776 They knew they would make history, but not what history would make of them. Fed up with living under the tyranny of British rule, John Adams attempts to persuade his fellow members of the Continental Congress to vote in favor of American independence and sign the Declaration. But how much is he willing to compromise in the pursuit of freedom? And, to whom does that freedom belong? Director Diane Paulus reexamines a pivotal moment in American history.
JAN. 12-17 OKLAHOMA! This is Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen or heard it before — reimagined for the 21st century, and now the Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical. Stripped down to reveal the darker psychological truths at its core, Daniel Fish’s production tells a story of a community circling its wagons against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Upending the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this Oklahoma! allows the classic musical — and our country — to be seen in a whole new light. FEB. 23 – MARCH 14 HAMILTON
Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and
Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander
Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
FOOTHILLS PLAYHOUSE 201 SOUTH 5TH ST., EASLEY, SC 864.855.1817 OR WWW.FHPLAYHOUSE.COM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.
THRU DEC. 6 SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS This is the sequel to Connie Ray and Alan Bailey’s wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It’s December 24, 1941, and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders, of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and 25 Southern Gospel Christmas favorites.
JAN. 22-31 THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic: the female version of The Odd Couple. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls
over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Constanzuela brothers, but the hilarity remains the same.
FEB. 26 – MARCH 7 BYE, BYE BIRDIE When the draft selects rock star Conrad Birdie, his fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert’s longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend.
CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC ST., PENDLETON, S C • 864.646.8100 FRI.-SAT., 8 P.M. (7:30 FOR CAYT); SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.
Four online performances of O Holy Nite are scheduled Dec. 11, 13, 18 and 20. Visit www.clemsonlittletheatre.com.
BROOKS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 141 JERSEY LANE, CLEMSON, SC WWW.CLEMSON.EDU/BROOKS OR 864.656.7787 MON.-SAT., 7:30 P.M.; SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.
THRU DEC. 6 (7:30 P.M. ONLY) THE LARAMIE PROJECT A play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project. In 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student, was kidnapped, severely beaten, and left tied to a fence outside Laramie, Wyoming. He died several days later in a local hospital. Matthew Shephard was brutalized and left to die because he was gay. The Laramie Project, created by the Tectonic Theatre Company in response to the events surrounding Shepard’s murder is a theatrical collage exploring the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights to which it can soar. This free or pay-as-you-can event is brought to you under the auspices of The Clemson Players.
Walhalla Performing Arts Center
TICKETS MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS!
BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: LYNYRD SKYNYRD Thurs., December 3 & 4 @ 7:30 PM Over the past 10 years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, ringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the U.S.
DIAMONDS & WHISKEY Saturday, December 5 @ 7:30 PM The awardwinning country/ rock act from Charlotte, North Carolina, brings it all to the table. Songbird Jennifer Lauren leads the way with strength and soul in her voice, delivering her songs in a way that embeds her lyrics into the hearts of the audience.
WYNONNA JUDD & THE BIG NOISE
Friday, December 11 @ 7:30 PM
Country Music Legend, known as Wynonna will bring you to your feet with her old hits, new hits and songs from The Judd’s. Truly, a night to remember.
A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIS COLLINS & BOULDER CANYON Saturday, December 12 @ 7:30 PM After meeting at the largest annual celebration of John Denver, they have toured internationally and coast to coast paying tribute to the music of John Denver. They have had sold-out shows and theatre records for the largest audience to ever attend an event. JON & RENO: THE COMEDY GUYS Friday, December 18 @ 7:30 PM Jon Reep is a comedian whose country point of view has built a following through his comedy specials & as a winner on Last Comic Standing. Reno Collier has toured with Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall & Ron White.
ANNIE MOSES BAND: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS SHOW! Saturday, December 19 @ 7:30 PM A captivating blend of folk and classical, the Annie Moses Band is a talented ensemble of songwriters, singers, and musicians, combining technical skill with exhilarating showmanship.
THE FLASHBACKS: ROCKING IN THE NEW YEAR
Thursday, December 31 @ 8:00 PM A true show band and variety of music including Motown, Shaggin’, Beach, Soul, R&B and more!
They play to music lovers of all ages. Ring in the New Year dancin’ in your seat!
Every effort has been made to present as accurate a Calendar of Events as possible. However, current circumstances may result in cancellations and rescheduling. Please call or visit the website of all venues before attending an event. — Editor
THRU NEW YEAR’S
The Magical Musical Holiday Light Show continues at Norton-Thompson Park in downtown Seneca; 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily; drive through, walk or bring a chair and enjoy the festivities. Tune in to 91.7 to enjoy music in your car.
THRU JAN. 8
Join the Duke World of Energy in celebrating the holiday season with a virtual Festival of Trees; go online — duke-energy.com/ worldofenergy/trees — to view and vote for your favorite tree with the one receiving the most votes receiving cash donations to the nonprofit of their choice. For more information, call 800.777.1004 or visit: dukeenergy.com/worldofenergy.
DEC. 11
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Wynonna & The Big Noise — Christmas In Walhalla. Respected by the millions of fans drawn to her music and talent, Wynonna’s commanding voice has sold over 30 million albums spanning a remarkable 35-year career; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.
DEC. 12
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents A John Denver Christmas with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com.
THRU DEC. 12
The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, will announce one finalist per day in its virtual National Gingerbread House Competition with the grand prizewinner revealed on Dec. 12. Tune in via Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) & Instagram (@ omnigrovepark).
DEC. 17
A Jazzy Christmas on Ram Cat Alley in downtown Seneca; featuring The Jamie Wright Christmas Review; 5-8 p.m.; bring a chair and enjoy great music and food. & Reno - The Comedy Guys; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com.
DEC. 19
Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, presents the Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas with fine local and international musicians sharing songs of the tradition; Mr. and Mrs. Claus; holiday crafts and an artisan’s market; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; event goes on rain or shine; admission is $5 with 12-and-under free; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936.
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Christmas With the Annie Moses Band featuring the distinctive styling of folk and classical music that has made this group a national favorite; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
DEC. 31
The Flashbacks rock in the New Year at Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla; 8 p.m.; this Easley, SC, show band specializes in playing ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, rock and roll, beach and soul; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.
Southern Gala: New Year’s Eve 2021; Celebrate the New Year at the Hilton Greenville and support the National Alliance of Mental Illness Greenville and Tell Every Amazing Lady about Ovarian Cancer; heavy hors de oeuvres, champagne toast, party favors, dance party, complimentary parking; purchase tickets on Eventbrite website.
JAN. 8
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Return – A Tribute to the Beatles; The Return recreates the complete Beatles image on stage, from authentic vintage instruments, haircuts, and custom-made clothes and boots, to the unmistakable Liverpool accents and Beatlesque antics; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
JAN. 9
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents country music sensation Lorrie Morgan; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
JAN. 15
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents An Evening of Comedy with The Karens; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com
JAN. 15 – FEB. 25
Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 East South 2nd St., Seneca, annual Juried Show; gallery hours are Thurs. and Fri., 1-4 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.2 p.m.; for information, call 864.710.6593 or visit www.blueridgeartscenter.com
JAN. 16
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents country and Christian icon T. Graham Brown; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.
JAN. 20
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Steve Kelly & Cherry Cherry – The Music of Neil Diamond; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.
JAN. 22
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Gaelic Storm, a genre-bending Irish rock band, that mixes Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative;7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
JAN. 23
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Ticket To The Moon: The Electric Light Orchestra Experience; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
JAN. 30
Hailing from world famous stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry stars and multi-award winners Dailey & Vincent have been dubbed by CMT as the “Rockstars of Bluegrass.” They will appear at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center, at 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 5
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Mutts Gone Nuts — Agility Dog Comedy & Thrill Show; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 6
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents An Evening with The Gatlin Brothers; 7:30 p.m.; Larry, Steve and Rudy are Grammy awardwinners, who have dazzled audiences for more than 65 years; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 12
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Stayin’ Alive: A Bee Gees Tribute. The vocal match of Tony Mattina, Todd Sharman and George Manz creates a realistic sense of hearing and experiencing the brothers’ Gibb live in concert; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 13
The Next Move formed in the spring of 1985 at Clemson University and quickly became a mainstay on the college and club circuits, as well as a top draw at venues across the Southeast. Now, 35 years later, they are coming home to the Walhalla Performing Arts Center for a night of classic music; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 14
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Tribute To Sinatra; from Las Vegas to Walhalla comes a brilliant tribute to Frank Sinatra featuring Vegas sensation Dave Halston & his Little Big Band; 7 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 15
Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, presents Deep Winter Blues, an Upstate celebration of rhythm and blues; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; event goes on rain or shine; admission is $5 with 12-and-under free; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936.
FEB. 19
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents country music icons T.G. Sheppard & Moe Bandy; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 20
Grab your sweetheart and make reservations to see renowned pianist Emile Pandolfi and singer Dana Russell for an evening of enchanted music and romance at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
FEB. 26
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents one of the most decorated bands in bluegrass, Balsam Range; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 27
Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents The Marshall Tucker Band. Originally from Spartanburg, over 40 years this classic group has recorded 22 studio albums; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
FEB. 28
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents national treasure and country icon Crystal Gayle; 7 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com
Warm Winter Wishes Seasons Greetings & Happy New Year!
The Lake Keowee Homes Team Providing Excellent Personalized Service
Call or email us today! Charles “Chuck” Gouge 864-247-7478 • Cgouge@kw.com
Mary Keith Eustis 864-710-5434 • Keustis06@gmail.com
Winter Bass Fishing Patterns
BY PHILLIP GENTRY
Given the outstanding black bass fisheries that exist in the Upstate, many bass anglers look forward to the cooler months when they can have the lakes to themselves without interference from recreational boat traffic.
Although each lake has its own personality when it comes to bass fishing, Lakes Hartwell, Keowee and Jocassee share some common characteristics that cause black bass to react similarly during the winter months. Probably the number one factor is the presence of blueback herring. Herring move long distances over large spans of water, which makes black bass more nomadic. Typically, bass can be found in the following patterns:
BACKS OF CREEKS
Deep cuts that filter into the backs of creeks can be a bass bonanza during the winter. The key is to look for baitfish — shad and herring — that are feeding in the backs of these creeks and are bait for bass. Another advantage that creeks offer, especially after it rains, is fresh water. New incoming water may be warmer or colder than the ambient lake water, but it provides both current and nutrients that fish find attractive.
OFFSHORE STRUCTURES
Structures such as submerged timber, rock piles or even manmade foundations can produce big fish this time of year, though they are not likely to produce large numbers of fish. Proximity to channels or drop-offs is a plus. Most bigger fish would rather hang out in a localized, deep-water spot and wait for pods of baitfish to come to them than chase them down like schoolies.
CHASING BIRDS
With baitfish ganging up en masse, a lot
of bass will release from specific areas and chase down baitfish. Bays around secondary points, and the points themselves, are good areas even though there may seem to be little rhyme or reason. Diving birds will give away baitfish and most times fish will be present, but, keep in mind, you may have to weed your way through striped and hybrid bass, or even white perch, in areas where the species co-exist.
MAIN LAKE WIND BLOWN POINTS
Too much wind can make boat positioning difficult. Not enough wind and the bite doesn’t pan out. A north wind of 10 to 15 miles per hour, especially after multiple days,
SOME TOP BAIT CHOICES
1. Yo-Zuri 4” 3D Minnow in natural pearl and gold. This suspending bait catches bass holding shallow over a channel drop. 2. The Original Chatter Bait in chartreuse and natural shad in 3/8 ounce. Look for bass to hold in stained water near creek drainages, around logs and brush and on bare wave washed banks during the winter months. A slow retrieve is the key. 3. Berry’s Flex-It Jigging spoons vary in size with 3/4 ounce being a good choice for making long casts to schooling fish or vertically jigging. These baits are made right here in Six Mile, SC. Vertically jig spoons on deep flats in 18-25’ around schools of threadfin shad. 4. When suspended bass are located, fan cast a 4” Yamamoto single tail grub, rigged on a jighead in 1/8 to 1/4 ounce.
Clear with silver flake for clear days and with black flake for overcast days. Count the jig down to suspended fish and use a steady retrieve. 5. Target bottom-hugging bass holding tight to cover by rigging a size 1 mosquito hook 12-18 inches above a drop shot weight in 3/8 to 1/2 ounce. While many drop shot baits are available, an excellent choice of plastic bait is a Yamamoto 4”
Kut Tail worm in watermelon.
is ideal. Shut the boat down well before the point, and let the wind push you into position. While moving straight into the point, alternate casts on either side of the boat. Before the boat grounds, crank up and head to the next point, or if a fish is caught, turn and work the point inside out.
Phillip Gentry is the host of PG & Boatgirl Outdoors Podcast. Download the podcast on Apple, Google Play, Spotify or at pgandboatgirl.com.
Grandparents: Consider these financial moves
Every September we observe National Grandparents Day. Sometimes, kids and grandkids remember the grandparents in their lives; other times … not so much.
But, remembered or not, if you’re a grandparent, you probably want to do whatever you can to help your grandchildren on their journeys through life. So, you might want to consider the following moves: • Contribute to their education. If you want to help your grandchildren pay for college, you have a variety of options, including 529 plans. You could also simply set aside some money in an investment account earmarked for education. But, you don’t just have to stick to helping out financially — you might also want to do some research to see what scholarships are available. • Consider an UGMA/UTMA account.
The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and Uniform Transfer to
Minors Act (UTMA) are custodial accounts that provide a relatively easy way for you to give money to your young grandchildren. A financial advisor can help determine if such a plan is right for you. However, once you put money into the UGMA or UTMA, you no longer have any legal access or authority over the funds unless you are the custodian managing the account.
After children reach the age of majority — typically 18 or 21 —or the age of termination if the state where they live allows for the assets to be held until a later age, they will control the assets, and they may not want to use the money as you had envisioned, such as for college. (Also, tax issues for custodial accounts can be complicated, so, before opening an UGMA or UTMA, you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor.) • Consider gifts to older grandchildren. If
you have older grandchildren, you might want to help them out if they’re saving for a down payment on a home, or are between jobs, or perhaps are even having children of their own. You can give $15,000 per year, per individual, without having to file a gift tax return. Your spouse can also give $15,000 per year to the same individual, again without triggering the need for a gift tax return. • Review your will. If you’ve already created your last will and testament, you may want to review it upon the arrival of grandchildren. You can include specific instructions, such as requiring your grandchildren to turn a specific age before they can receive their inheritance.
You could also codify the same requirements through the use of a living trust. Contact your legal advisor to determine if such a trust is appropriate for your situation. • Update beneficiary designations. If you want your grandchildren to receive proceeds from various accounts, such as your 401(k), IRA and life insurance, you may need to update the beneficiary designations, which can even supersede the instructions on your will. Keep in mind that if you have grandchildren with special needs, you may want to designate a supplemental needs trust for your grandchild as the beneficiary instead of naming your grandchild directly. Again, contact your legal advisor for more information.
These aren’t the only steps you can take to help your grandchildren, but they should give you some options to consider. The world is an expensive place and any assistance you can provide to your beloved grandkids can make a big difference in their lives.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by David Adrian Jr., a Seneca financial advisor with the Fortune 500 Company that serves more than 7 million customers and has over $1 trillion in assets under management. Reach Adrian at 864.882.5763 or www.edwardjones. come/david-adrian.
