2015
OUTDOOR OUTDOORGUIDE WCFCOURIER.COM
Take a hike: Iowa has a lot to offer From beginners to experts, there are trails for everyone JIM SULLIVAN jim.sullivan@wcfcourier.com
I
f you suggest to Scott Michelson that Northeast Iowa offers merely straight and flat trails for hikers, he’ll deny it. Flatly. Michelson, the Department of Natural Resources Parks Supervisor for this area of the state, says there’s plenty of variety and opportunity here. If a beginner wants to just try hiking, fine. There are plenty of shorter, well-marked trails. For the more experienced in the sport, state parks give them a chance to challenge themselves on hilly terrain while enjoying the wildlife and scenery that can be found in Northeast Iowa. “There’s some uniqueness and adventure,” said Michelson. “It gives people a different perspective on Iowa if you think it’s just corn
See HIKING, page 2
|
APRIL 5, 2015
PAGE 2
The Courier
HIKING From page 1
and beans and little tufts of timber. With Volga River and Yellow River, we’ve got some bigger areas.” Laughing, Michelson added, “Yeah, you can get lost in Iowa. Absolutely. Most people think you can’t get lost in Iowa. Guess what? It can happen.” Throw in the miles of trails that have been developed by area county conversation boards, and the list of options grows still longer. And, if you’re not especially interested in getting lost, there’s no better place to start than right out the back door — the Cedar Valley. George Wyth State Park jumps to mind, of course, with its network of paved and unpaved trails that wind through the banks of the Cedar Valley. In turn, those trails are connected to more hiking opportunities at places like Hartman Reserve. The 50-mile, north-south, Cedar Valley Nature Trail is also easily accessible in the metro area. “You don’t have the big hills like some of these parks,” said Michelson. “But you still have the challenge of the distance. What’s nice is the bike trails are paved and people like that. They want a hard surface. At the same time, you can get off the beaten path and do the cutthroughs. The adventure and uniqueness is there.” If climbing is desired, Hickory Hills is a choice close to the metro area. Located a dozen miles south of Waterloo, this park’s main attraction to hikers would be the 4 1/2-mile trail loop that bends and curves through the large rise of silt known as Casey’s Paha. “The neat thing about that is it’s relatively isolated and you actually get a change of elevation,” said Vern Fish, the Black Hawk County Conservation Director. “It’s a neat geological formation.” Fish, though, said a hiker who lives in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area can get plenty of trail time without really leaving the area. Just find the nearest outlet for the eight-mile Leonard Katoski Greenbelt, and get ready for a
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
The Katoski Greenbelt in Waterloo is another great place to take a nature walk. COVER PHOTO: A group of hikers heads into the wilderness at Yellow River State Forest near Postville.
solitary walk in the woods. “Most people don’t realize it’s there,” said Fish. “There’s almost 20 miles of trails and it’s not overused by anyone. It’s amazing. You do hear the traffic noise and the park goes under Highway 20 in places, but you can go in there and scratch your head and say, ‘Really? I’m in Waterloo?’ It’s pretty good sized with a lot of buffering.” Just north of the Cedar Valley, the Rolling Prairie Trail is a possibility for hikers. In the Decorah area, the Prairie Farmer Recreation Trail and the Trout Run Trail attract all kinds of people in search of exercise. “The Trout Run Trail is extremely popular,” said Larry Reis of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board. “I probably couldn’t point out a time when there’s not somebody on it, even during the winter time.” Then there are the state parks. Pike’s Peak near McGregor attracts hikers with its trail system and spectacular view of the Mississippi River. The Volga River State Recreation Area near Fayette has about 6,000 acres of territory with 25 miles worth of trails that carry hikers past, among other things, limestone bluffs and a white pine plantation. Located in Allamakee County near Harpers Ferry, Yellow River has 25 miles of trails. The 8,000-
2015 OUTDOOR GUIDE acre area also gives hikers a good look at rock outcrops and bluffs. “At Volga, you can get a good workout plus get the distance,” said Michelson. “Those that want the longer experience get that at Yellow River. It’s harder, but has the same adventure and uniqueness.” The granddaddy of Northeast Iowa State Parks and the one that has an identity all its own is Backbone. Located in Buchanan County near Lamont and Strawberry Point, it’s the oldest such park in the state of Iowa. There are 21 miles of trails, including the one that brings hikers to one of the highest points in Northeast Iowa, the Devil’s Backbone. “It’s kind of iconic,” said Michelson. “It’s got a lot of history to it plus there are trout streams there. It’s just a good mix all around. You’ve got the blend of shorter, easier walking trails all the way up to the harder, longer trails.” While many hikers may want the tougher trails, no one wants to be challenged too much when it comes to reaching the state parks and trail systems. Thus, easy access via highway is one key element to popularity. But it’s not the only one. “I think they’re looking for variety in terrain, a lot of wildlife and good scenery,” said Darren Siefken, owner of CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly. “Those are probably the three key things. And it should be easy to get to.” Siefken is well-aware that once a hiker is out of the car and on trail, the proper equipment can add a lot to the overall experience. Shoes, for example, come in all brands and sizes — and prices. According to the Website backcountry.com, hiking shoes would be a good choice for hikers who will stick to well-defined trails and shorter hikes while not carrying a great deal of weight. Boots, on the other hand, are more appropriate for the hiker going on longer journeys over rougher country with a heavier load. A beginner or part-time hiker who isn’t in top shape may also need the support a boot can offer. Proper footwear is a key. Not necessary, but helpful, is a trekking pole or hiking stick for hikers who need more stability while
www.wcfcourier.com climbing on trails. A compass or map may come in handy in areas lacking cell phone coverage. It’s wise, Siefken said, to carry layers of clothing suited for the season. Apparel that “wicks” away sweat is another possibility. One item is vital for hikers. “A day pack is a key thing,” said Siefken. “You bring that instead of a full-blown backpack with a sleeping bag and stuff. With a day pack, you can carry a raincoat,
Sunday, April 5, 2015
lunch, water bottle, camera — stuff you need for the day. “You definitely need water. People will say, ‘I don’t need it for just a couple of hours,’ but you should take a water bottle and a raincoat or a jacket in case the weather changes. A snack, some sort of granola bar or candy bar in case you get hungry is good. I’m not sure you need a full-blown first aid kit, but you might need a couple of bandages in case of a blister.”
MYERS POLARIS 304 E. Main, Fairbank, Iowa 50629
319-635-2311 • 888-282-9992 www.myerspolaris.com RESTRICTIONS: Offers good on new and unregistered units purchased between 3/1/15-4/30/15. *On select models. See your dealer for details. Rates as low as 2.99% for 36 months. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Fixed APR of 2.99%, 6.99%, or 10.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer effective on all new and unused 2008-2015 Polaris® ATV, RANGER®, and RZR® models purchased from a participating Polaris® dealer between 3/1/2015 and 4/30/15. Offer subject to change without notice. An example of monthly payments required on a 36-month term at 2.99% is $29.08 per $1,OOO financed. An example of monthly payments required on a 36-month term at 6.99% APR is $30.87 per $1,OOO financed. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. WARNING: Polaris® off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
ULTIMATE OUTDOOR GUIDE
www.wcfcourier.com
PAGE 3
The Courier
Fun in the sun: Be careful out there Sunscreen critical for those with high exposure to sun
For that reason, sometimes the mind is forgetful and outdoor enthusiasts must then pay attention to other warning signs. When the skin appears pink, red or is warm or tender to the
CARSON TIGGES
touch, shade must be sought immediately. The sun has already started to affect the skin adversely at that point, so limiting the damage is now the focus.
See SUNSCREEN, page 8
carson.tigges@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — The bad news: cases of skin cancer are on the rise and, each year in the United States, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer. Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The good news: preventative measures aren’t all that difficult to grasp. “It all boils down to sunscreen,” says Annette Geary, a nurse practicioner at Dermatology Associates. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of 30 SPF applied 20-30 minutes prior to going outside for best efficacy and reapplied every two hours.” That’s pretty cut and dry, but sunscreen can feature a lot of variables. SPF means sun protection factor, and the higher number means better protection. However, it’s not always a simple calculation. For example an SPF 30 sunscreen will provide more protection from UVB rays than SPF 15, but it’s not twice as good, as the numbers would suggest. Suncreens with SPFs of 50 or more only provide a small increase in UVB protection. That’s all part of the equation when deciding which sunscreen is best. All of that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of all the information and options available. Geary added that expiration dates absolutely matter, and the bottle of sunscreen should consistently mention broad spectrum coverage for UVA and UVB rays.
Your #1
ChevY TruCk volume leader In The Cedar valleY! MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
There are plenty of sunscreen products available, but it’s important to use the right SPF and make sure your sunscreen isn’t past its expiration date. To take it one step further, advancements continue to be made in the field of sun protective clothing. While suncreen remains important no matter what clothing is worn over the top, UV protective swimwear, sun hats and gloves are becoming increasingly popular. “New clothing features photo
protection in terms of the garment itself,” Geary added. The benefits of sun protection have been known for some time, yet cases of skin disease remain on the rise. It takes discipline to ensure you are protected from the sun’s harmful rays every time you venture out into the great outdoors.
Low Our Best Super ces ri P e Bottom Lin y day Posted ever
all New 2015 Chevy Colorado 2014 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab
Double cab, 2.5L Work Truck. MPG Ciiy 19 - Hwy 26 #40107
Starting From 20,999*
$
New 2015 Chevy Colorado lT 2014 Chevy Silverado
Ext. Cab, 4x4. Nice! #40181
MSrP $$31,035
SAVE 2,036
Bottom Line Price $28,999 New 2015 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab
M-80 4x4 pkg., Lifted, two-tone paint., leather #40092
MSrP $$58,772
• Open 7 days a week • Crawlers in bedding for Canada • Fishing seminars and fishing events • One stop shop for all your fishing needs • Wholesale live bait • Gift certificates • Fishing licenses • Minnows, chubs, leeches, wax worms, red worms, leaf worms & butter worms
Hank's Live Bait & Tackle, Inc. Serving Avid Fishermen Since 1939 186 W 15th Street, Waterloo IA 319-234-0711
www.fishhanks.com
SAVE 8,773
Bottom Line Price $49,999 Subject to prior sale. Must own or trade ‘99 or Newer GM vehicle. All incentives to dealer. WQC.
WWW.RydellAuto.COM (319) 234.4601 1325 E. San Marnan Waterloo
PAGE 4
2015 OUTDOOR GUIDE
The Courier
www.wcfcourier.com
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Cabin fever catching on at Iowa parks from $35 a night for the rustic cabins at McFarlane to $66 (Sunday-Thursday) and $94 (FridaySaturday) for the modern cabins. There is a two-night minimum and a two-week maximum. Fink recommends those who
From Hickory Hills to Honey Creek, options are many JIM NELSON
wish to rent a cabin do so now at www.mycountyparks.com. “I think I just looked and there might be just a couple open dates left in July and August,” Fink said.
See CABIN, page 6
jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com
LA PORTE CITY — The common perception is that prime time to camp at one of Iowa’s many state parks is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is an inkling of truth to that. It is when most Iowa state parks are at their busiest. But imagine this situation. A fresh coat of snow has blanketed the ground in January, and Hickory Hills Park is empty. Outside of Bluegill Cabin overlooking Casey Lake, a deer, 30 yards away, beds for the evening. “It’s not that uncommon,” said Al Fink, the South Unit ranger for the Black Hawk County Conservation Board at Hickory Hills. Heated and air-conditioned, with full kitchens and televisions, cabins at parks and state parks across Iowa have become a popular trend and not just during busy camping months but year-round at places such as Pine Lake State Park, Backbone State Park and Hickory Hills, all within a 45-minute drive of the Cedar Valley. “I don’t think a lot of people realize our cabins can be used year-round,” Fink added. “At a time when the park is not full, the wildlife interaction can be amazing. Holidays are huge, and New Year’s Eve has been real popular. It has not been uncommon to have all four of our all-season cabins full on New Year’s Eve.” At Hickory Hills, rustic cabins were added in 1995 with the first all-season cabin added in 1996. Three more came in 2006. During primary camping months, Fink says the cabins are fairly full and are becoming more and more popular with ice fishermen, snowshoers and crosscountry skiers. More rustic cabins are available
MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
It’s a picturesque view from the deck of this cabin on the shores of Casey Lake at Hickory Hills Park south of Waterloo. at McFarlane Park in La Porte City and modern (all-season) cabins can be found at Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls, which all fall under the BHCCB operation. In all, there are 11 cabins for rent in McFarlane, Big Woods and Hickory Hills. The rustic cabins featured
three sets of bunk beds, are airconditioned, but do not have bathrooms and are closed when frost requires them to be shut down. All three at Hickory Hills are located a short walking distance from the shower facilities. Prices at Hickory Hills, Big Woods Lake and McFarlane range
Carter Discount Groceries and
SPORTING GOODS
Shop Local For Your Outdoor Gear • Boots
• Fishing Reels & Rods
• Outdoor Gear
• Ammunition
• Ground Blinds
Iowa's #1 Crestliner dealer for the past 4 years.
Welcome to
AmericAn mArine, inc. We offer a wide variety of Fishing Boats, Pontoon’s, Deck Boats, and Pleasure Boats. All sales are backed by 30 years of experience in the marine industry, and are certified by Mercury, Mercruiser, Johnson, and Evinrude. We also offer dyno engine tune up’s, over haul’s, lower unit repair, interior reconditioning, minor gelcoat repair and most any other repair one need’s.
• Camping Chairs
We take your fun seriously!!
• Dog Collars
• Tents & Canopies
• Hunting Accessories
• Meat Smokers & Grinders
Thank you to all of our customers for shopping at American Marine Inc.
• Gun Scopes
Making Dreams Come True...
Fishing-Hunting-Camping-Outdoor Gear Inventory Changes Daily
1153 Carter Avenue, Fairbank, Iowa 50629 (Located 1 mile south of Fairbank off of Hwy C57) Mon-Wed & Fri 8am-7pm | Thur & Sat 8am-5pm
522 E. State Street, Algona, Iowa 50511
(515) 295-7552
www.ammarineinc.com
Sunday, April 5, 2015
2015 OUTDOOR GUIDE
www.wcfcourier.com
PAGE 5
The Courier
ATVs are a ride with plenty of options Costs for ATV and UTV upgrades vary from minor to major. Beck says a winch will run from $400 to $600 to add on. Brush guards on the front and rear can cost between $300 and $400. More aggressive tires and
From stereos to tires, owners are trickin’ out their rides NICK PETAROS
This Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI 4-wheeler is outfitted with a cargo trunk at Myers Polaris in Fairbank.
nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com
Options are the name of the game when it comes to four-wheel all-terrain vehicles. From various racks and brush guards, to a variety of tires and custom rims, performance and look is all a part of the ATV experience. “They don’t want the basic,” said Jim Mehmen, sales manager for Silver Eagle Harley Davidson/ Yamaha in Waterloo. “There’s such a wide variety of tastes out there.” Added Neal Beck, who works in parts, sales and service at Fairbank’s Myers Polaris, “The majority of the machines we sell, ATVs or UTV (utility terrain vehicle), have at least one accessory on it before they leave. In my showroom we try to keep accessories on a lot of machines so people can see the options.” Both salesmen point to winches among the most popular accessories. Racks on the back end and cargo boxes are common to help keep items dry during trail rides. Larger, more aggressive tires, have appeal, as well. “We’ve had people put lift kits in them and jack them up into the air four to six inches,” Mehmen said. “They’ll put oversized car and wheel tires on them, up to about 30-inch tires underneath it, which is pretty aggressive looking and intimidating.” Mehman points to maximizing performance over comfort as the main objective of many customers. “It’s more performance-based,” he said. “Comforts are not something we see a lot of. It’s more of the cool or wow factor. How aggressive something looks or how much stuff a person can get through.” Many of the modern comforts now are being built into newer ATV
Photos by MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
A Polaris 2015 Ranger XP 900LE sports an optional brush guard at Myers Polaris in Fairbank.
models. “There’s a lot plusher suspension,” Beck said. “Originally when ATVs were built, they were somewhat crude in their suspension. But now they have more suspension and ground clearance to ride
smoother.” Options increase when looking at UTVs. Beck points to the utility vehicle market common in agriculture as a popular client base. Common UTV accessories and modifications include options for full cabs with a windshield, top, back panel, doors and heat. Power box lifts can be added to pick up items like field rock in the spring. Enclosed cab UTVs can also be family friendly. Side by side, multiple passenger UTVs are common for lake homes, farms and trail riding. Enclosed cab UTVS can even be equipped with a waterproof marine grade stereo system.
lugs can run in the $600 to $800 range, while turning a UTV into an enclosed cab will run well into the thousands. “We’ve seen an average person
See ATVs, page 6
EVENTS PRESENTS
FRIDAY
MAY
1
3PM - 8PM
SATURDAY
MAY
2
9AM - 3PM
REGISTER TO WIN GREAT PRIZES!
APPEARANCES BY
SCOTT SMITH
APPEARANCES BY
BRAD BAKER
Cr aw Daddy OU TDOORS 319.352.9129 207 E BREMER AVE WAVERLY, IA 50677
W W W . C R AW D A D D Y O U T D O O R S . C O M camping kayaking
FRIDAY, MAY 1 • 3PM-8PM & SATURDAY, MAY 2 • 9AM-3PM
SCHEELS PARKING LOT 402 VIKING PLAZA DRIVE • CEDAR FALLS, IA 50613 Meet with vendors from Berkley, Rapala, Shimano, Bradley Smokers and much more! Stop by and get a FREE battery testing provided by Interstate Batteries
backpacking outdoor cooking safety clinics guided trips
CrawDaddy
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just learning to bait a hook, there’s something for the whole family at SCHEELS Fish Fest! SPONSORED BY ®
VISIT SCHEELS.COM/EVENTS FOR OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
PAGE 6
The Courier
2015 OUTDOOR GUIDE
www.wcfcourier.com
ATVs
Sunday, April 5, 2015 summer heat. No matter what modifications are made, safety should also be a key component of the all-terrain vehicle experience. “There’s proper attire for ATVing that we want to make sure that they’re aware of before they just go out and buy one off the street and jump on it,” Mehmen said. “I want to make sure people are safe, too, and that’s something we emphasize.”
From page 5 put $1,000 on in accessories, and we’ve seen as high as $14,000,” Mehmen said. Other popular accessories available at most ATV and UTV dealers involve the individual rider. They include helmets, gloves, chest protectors, eyewear and breathable jerseys to combat
VIKING VI TM
MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
It’s a picturesque view from this cabin on the shores of Casey Lake at Hickory Hills Park south of Waterloo.
CABIN From page 4
Cabins have been part of Pine Lake State Park in Eldora since the 1930s when the Civilian Conservations Corps built four of them. They were closed in 1978 when the Army Corps of Engineers ruled the dam on Pine Lake was not safe, but were remodeled and reopened in 1994. Pine Lake State Park ranger Andy Place says the park’s four modern cabins are extremely popular. “I’ve been here for just a little over a year and I think there has been only a couple of weeks where all four cabins aren’t full,” Place said. “Our most popular time is the fall through the New Year. People really enjoy the fall with the fall colors and relaxing setting. “It seems like every day we have people coming in or going out of the cabins.” The cabins at Pine Lake are air-conditioned and heated. Place says the lone low-usage period comes from January to February before picking up again as spring rolls around. Two of Pine Lake’s cabins hold six persons at $75 per night with a weekly rate of $450, and the two four-person cabins are $65 a night and $390 for the week.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Pine Lake requires a Friday to Friday stay and all other times there is a minimum two-night stay. Among other popular destinations, Backbone State Park near Strawberry Point, Iowa’s first state park, has 12 modern family cabins (4 to 6 people) and four deluxe family cabins (up to nine people). The rates for those
cabins run from $50 to $100 a night and $300 to $600 weekly. In southern Iowa, Honey Creek State Resort on Lake Rathbun in Moravia has a variety of cottages from one-bedroom to four for rent and unique to Honey Creek is an 18-hole championship golf course. The resort offers a variety of rates, as well as stay and play golf packages.
% + $500 9 9 . .9 3 UP TO
AS LOW
AS
APR
**
ER CASH CUSTOM
* ONTHS FOR 36 M
VIKING
TM
NEW-2015 YAMAHA VIKING & VIKING VI MODELS ARE IN STOCK & READY FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS! Starting at $11,799.00 SILVER EAGLE YAMAHA POWERSPORTS 4022 SERGEANT RD (HWY 63 & 20) WATERLOO, IA 50701 319.235.6505
*0-10% down payment required. Applies to purchases of select new 2011-2015 Yamaha Side x Sides made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 2/1/15 to 6/30/15. Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Financial. Maximum contract length is 36 months. Minimum amount financed is $5,000. Fixed APR of 3.99%, 6.99%, 7.99% or 13.99% assigned based on credit approval criteria. Example: Monthly payments per $1,000 financed based on 36-month term are $29.52 at 3.99% rate and $34.17 at 13.99%. Standard down payment requirement is based on credit approval criteria. **Customer Cash offer good on select models between 2/1/15 to 6/30/15. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws. Shown with optional accessories. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and the product warning labels before operation Professional riders depicted on closed courses. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaViking.com 2/15
Sunday, April 5, 2015
www.wcfcourier.com
2015 OUTDOOR GUIDE
PAGE 7
The Courier
Planer boards can increase crappie yield Covering water can improve quality and quantity DOUG NEWHOFF doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com
Being an Iowan, it’s only natural that Tommy Skarlis uses an agricultural analogy to explain his approach to crappie fishing. “Why use a two-row corn picker when you can use a combine?” asks the Waterloo native and highly successful tournament walleye angler who these days is also having a blast while making a name for himself as a national champion crappie fisherman. Skarlis and tournament partner Kyle Steinfeldt of Waverly won the 2013 Crappie Masters National Championship on Lake Grenada in Mississippi. This past February, they were the runners-up at the All-American Tournament Trail national qualifier on the Harris Chain of Lakes near Tavares, Fla. They are catching big numbers of big crappies everywhere from Lake Rathbun here in Iowa to the lakes and reservoirs of the deep south by getting away from traditional crappie habitat like brushpiles, flooded timber and weedbeds in favor of a deep-water trolling approach using planer boards in conjunction with a variety of lures. “Planer boards are really revolutionizing the old school of thought about crappie fishing the same way they revolutionized open-water trolling for walleyes and other species,” notes Skarlis. “We are covering more water more effectively, and we’re finding that crappies eat lures like crankbaits and spinners just as eagerly as they eat jigs and minnows.” It’s a technique that works best on large lakes and reservoirs where crappies school up and often suspend in open water and along dropoffs. While there are fish to be caught along shoreline structure and deep-water brushpiles
“We are covering more water more effectively, and we’re finding that crappies eat lures like crankbaits and spinners just as eagerly as they eat jigs and minnows.” Tommy Skarlis or habitat, there are often more roaming the open spaces where planer board set-ups are at their best. “The main reason planer boards work wonders on crappies is because you can get your baits in front of more fish,” notes Skarlis. “Instead of sitting on a brushpile or stick-up and waiting for the fish to come to you, you are going to the fish. And instead of presenting only a couple of lures along a path only a little wider than your boat, you can use boards in conjunction with flat lines to create a really wide spread. “You can reach suspended,
deep-water fish that don’t get pressured as much, you can experiment with lures, depths and trolling speeds until you find the most productive combinations and you can fool some of those spookier fish into biting when you have lures working away from the boat.” Depending on state regulations regarding the number of rods and lures that can be used in a given state, Skarlis likes a spread that starts with two Off-Shore OR-12 planer boards on the outside, two of the smaller OR-34 mini boards in the middle and two flat lines off the back corners of the boat to which he sometimes adds an Off-Shore Tadpole in-line trolling diver for extra depth. If it’s windy, the bigger boards perform better in the waves, so he’ll deploy four of those. “Board will stabilize lures in choppy water by absorbing most of the shock created by the wind and waves,” Skarlis explains. “Flat lines will jerk a lure forward with each wave surge. Boards ride the waves and reduce those erratic and unnatural movements. They make
it easier for a crappie to eat when it sees something it likes.” If it’s flat calm and the crappies are extra spooky and boat shy, Skarlis will also go with four of the larger boards because they are effective at greater ranges than the mini-boards.
If the slabs are relating to a dropoff, Skarlis might choose to fish more boards on the dropoff side of the boat than the other and alter depths to target different areas of the break. And when crap-
See CRAPPIE, page 8
Pond ManageMent Meeting tuesday, aPril 14 at b&b farM store, jesuP, ia E frE
registration and Meal (Meal provided) 5:30-6 pM featured speakers:
Nate Herman, the star of DIY TV’s “Lake Life” show and Premier Pond Management Todd Hinegardner, North Star Fish Hatchery Andy Sommerfelt, Local Fishing Pro, tips on bass fishing
rsvp by april 13 to • Lakeshore Log Housekeeping Cabins • Complete & Partial Canoe Trip Outfitting • Boat, Motor, Canoe, Pontoon & Portage Wheel Rental • Shuttle & Tow Service • Outstanding Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass Fishing • Guide Service
Hillary Lynch • B&B Farm Store 1-800-280-1463 or HMLynch@landolakes.com
pond Management Questions: Kevin bjornson sponsored by:
1134 220th St. Jesup, IA
827-1463
Gene & Jane Ott • Ely Minnesota • 800-365-3788 • www.packsackcanoetrips.com
www.bandbfarmstore.com
Door prize s
PAGE 8
2015 OUTDOOR GUIDE
The Courier
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNSCREEN From page 3
“If you’re active outdoors and an indication of sun stroke. That’s the time to slow down, stop the activity, find shade and rehydrate,” said Geary. Finally, the same set of rules do not uniformly apply to all walks of life. Individuals with fair skin, blue eyes and/or
Sunday, April 5, 2015 blonde or red hair need to be extra cautious. “Skin cancer depends on excessive sun exposure, how many moles, family history and those with certain risk factors need to be even more vigilant on having sun screen applied before they go outside and having extra clothing,” said Geary. “With increasing skin cancer rates, there’s definitely a correlation with melanoma.”
All-new F-150
Starting at $26,615* COURTESY PHOTO
Waterloo native Tommy Skarlis shows off a slab crappie.
CRAPPIE
that for you in calmer water, too, if you troll in a slight ‘S’ or zig-zag From page 7 pattern. A slight turn of the boat speeds up the boards on one side pies are piled into thick vegetation, while slowing down or even stallhe can often troll shallow-running ing out the boards on the other lures over the top of the foliage side for a second or two.” using boards equipped with Tattle Flags that let the angler know when a hook has fouled or when a light-biting crappie is hanging on. The options for lures are almost endless. “We’re finding that we can troll just about any lure with a board for crappies,” says Skarlis. “Berkley Flicker Shads and Salmo Hornets are a couple of my favorite crankbaits, but I can also use Road Runners, Beetle Spins, jigs and even spider rigs. “In Mississippi, we trolled mostly small crankbaits. In Florida, we were dealing with a cold front and really finicky fish. It was 1/32nd-ounce mylar jigs tipped with tiny minnows that did the trick.” Another trick that can make a big difference is changing the speed and direction of a lure when you’re trolling. “Sometimes, small changes are what trigger strikes,” notes Skarlis. “Boards provide some of that in rough water, and they will do
Not only are boards a good way to target more catchable crappies, they’re also a good way to introduce new anglers to the sport. It’s bobber fishing on a bigger scale. “It’s exciting and it’s fun and it’s easy to learn,” notes Skarlis.
MR GUNS SALES AND SERVICE, TRADE-INS WELCOME
*XL Regular Cab, 4X2, 3.5 V6, 6-Speed Automatic.
OnlY 2016new 2014 F150’s leFt wItH UP tO $12,000* OFF MsRP
T-F 10AM-5PM SAT 10AM-2PM
2021 Main Street Cedar Falls, IA PH: 319-277-1680
*F-150 Stk #4932. Must finance with Ford Credit. Must trade vehicle ’95 or newer. Offer ends 4/30/15.
to view our complete inventory go to
238 Waterloo Road Hudson
to view our complete
inventory go to www.BILLCOLWELLFORD.com 238 Waterloo Road • Hudson 1-800-300-6950 www.BILLCOLWELLFORD.com 10 minutes from Waterloo and Cedar Falls 1-319-988-4153
ATrusted Name in Automotive For 28Years!