Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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The Boat-Buyer's Toolbox When it's time to buy a boat, you'll need all the tools available to score a great deal. By Charles Fort Wonder just how popular boating is? In the United States, one in three American adults participates in boating every year. That translates to a lot of boats, and a lot of people buying boats. In fact, 1.5 million of us buy a new or used boat every year. Whether you're a first-timer or an old salt, there are things you can do to ensure that your next purchase goes off... Full story
A crankbait can easily evolve into one of your favorite go-to techniques any time of year. Crankbaits = 'Idiot Baits'? Crankbaits are sometimes called "idiot baits" because people have the idea that there is nothing to them but casting and winding. True, you can catch fish on a plug even if that is all you do, but if you take the time to figure out just which bait and retrieve to use a crankbait can easily evolve into one of your favorite go-to techniques any time of year. Wobble, Wobble... Full story
There are many lakes and rivers where westerners can beat the heat and enjoy a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing, tubing, fishing, and boating. Here is a guide to some of the hottest spots to cool down in Arizona. Lake Powell Located near Page and formed by Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell is 186 miles long with ....... 
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SAVES SPACE, TIME -- With cleats, rod holders, flag holders, navigation lights, fuel fills, bait wells, step pads and myriad other equipment vying for space at the back end of a boat, it can be a pretty crowded place. Combination mooring cleats with integrated rod holders from Accon Marine reduce clutter on the gunwales. And by turning two separate installations into one, they save time-whether on the production line or in the driveway. Contact local dealers or Accon Marine. Please scroll to... Full story
PFD FOR PADDLERS -- Traditional lifejackets-even those specifically designed for use with canoes, kayaks and SUPs-are bulky and restrict torso, shoulder and arm movement while paddling. A freer alternative is the Bombora Adventurer. Worn around the waist, the US Coast Guard-approved Type III inflatable PFD provides all-day comfort, unlimited upper-body motion and life-saving flotation when needed. Contact local dealerts or Bombora. Please scroll to the bottom of any article and leave us your... Full story
Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. 1. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. With fewer other boats on the water (potential Good samaritans) after Labor Day, a float plan ensures rescuers wil... Full story
The versatile new Telescopic Shade 2500 from Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, Inc., market leader in marine roofing solutions, is an industry-changing accessory to provide boaters relief from the sun, whether they're relaxing in the bay or running out to the reef. Its patent-pending design focuses on easy installation on a T-top, arch or other overhead structure, where the electric-powered sunshade retracts discretely to be barely visible. Ideal as a standard or optional OEM upgrade, the... Full story
Fisherman is missing; was he wearing a life jacket? Why is safety such a hard sell? Why should water and boating safety officials across the country even have to try? Its always interesting that those most interested in the topic are rarely, if ever, those that would most benefit from learning about it and adopting the culture. As I sit here writing this article, I just finished reading a Coast Guard notification regarding a 65-year-old fisherman who went missing in Texas a few nights back.... Full story
Buying a used boat is a great way to get into boating, and there are a lot of good bargains out there. When you check out a boat before buying, don't forget to examine the trailer. First, check to see if the trailer is NMMA-certified. That will mean that it meets industry guidelines for safety and quality. Then check the weight limit that the trailer can handle and make sure that the total weight of the boat, motor, and the gear you're putting in there doesn't exceed that number. Check the... Full story
There are so many opportunities to enjoy angling in Arizona. Here are a few to add to your tackle box. Editor's Note: Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Arizona; both tournaments and fun family angling events are available almost every month of the year. There is not room here to even begin to cover them all, but here are a few sites to check for upcoming events. Arizona Game & Fish Department Volunteer The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to help buil... Full story
No, a lot country this September out at Lake Pleasant. Peoria Country Fest will feature everything from bull riding (the real deal) to rockin' music from four popular country bands: Justin Hitson & Southbound, Billy Shaw Jr Band, Ryan Bexley and Josh Roy. Grab your cowboy boots, bring the kids and celebrate your western heritage at this festive event. Camping might be just the ticket to round out the weekend; all the facilities are there at Lake Pleasant. And, speaking of camping, Maricopa... Full story
Whether setting out for a day, week, or longer, you need a well-stocked first-aid kit on board. Here are the essentials. Words And Photo By Mark Corke Checking life jackets, VHF radio, and flares before setting out for a day on the water should be a standard part of your predeparture checklist. Butyour first-aid kit is likely stowed and forgotten - as it seems you never need it. If setting out for just a few hours, most boaters assumethey're unlikely to suffer amedical emergency. Or they reason... Full story
Big Fish And Big Money Can Come On Crankbaits When water temperatures start to go down and lake levels begin to rise, crankbait time is here again. Fish start moving up and getting a lot more active, and one of the best ways to find them is to start cranking around the same places you found them during the summer, but shallower.Long points that have good drop-offs to deeper water are prime early-fall areas. Fishing Legend Danny Westfall Re: Crankbaits Fishing crankbaits is easy, but still... Full story
Here's how to get boaters to stay and spend. Many waterfront towns don't make it easy for visiting boaters to stay and spend. It's not their fault. Protected, safe harbors as well essential boating services such as fuel, utilities and bathrooms, are beyond the price tag for a local town, marina or boat club budget. However, a federal program first championed by Boat Owners Association of The United States in 1998, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, has proven effective in... Full story
Take this four-question true-false quiz; rental beacons available. The proliferation of personal locator beacons (PLBs), whose diminutive size belie their enormous on-water safety advantage, are no longer thought of exotic rescue electronics. "PLBs are user-friendly and easy to maintain, and we are seeing more boaters using them as a mainstream rescue device," said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner. However, do... Full story
Dog overboard! I heard the dreadful splash just seconds after our small dog slipped from the boat into the ocean below. Glancing over the side, I saw our tiny pug furiously doggie-paddling in the dark, cold sea. Kiang was struggling to reach the pier, but the frigid Pacific waters were quickly slowing him down and, despite the warm sun overhead, he was already shivering. Suddenly, a large green fishing net surged through the water, scooping the tired pup from the sea in a frenzy of splashing... Website
How many times do we use the phrase, "Take care" when signing off on texts and emails? We mean this, but it is often just a cursory comment. However, around water, whether boating, fishing, swimming, or just enjoying, the message needs to be powerful and at the fore of our thoughts. "Safety First" and "Take Care" are not just well wishes. They are life savers. And having pfds for all on board, including our precious pets, is paramount to doing just that: saving lives. That being said, having... Full story
Come To The Fun Side; Come To The Fun Slide H2 Whoa! the world's tallest floating waterslide has opened at Lake Pleasant. At a height of 34 feet "H2 Whoa!" and recently recorded by The Guinness Book of World Records as the Tallest Floating Waterslide, a major new water attraction called "H2 Whoa!" is now open at Lake Pleasant. This mammoth water slide features three launch ramps and a blob jump for even more outrageous thrills.... Website
Gas prices are up. What can boaters do to prepare for a summer of boating? The 800,000-plus member Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has 21 fuel-saving tips boaters can do to help save on fuel and still enjoy a fulfilling season on the water. While some of these techniques may sound obvious, there may be some you never considered. Before Heading Out: 1. Tune your engine now. A once a year for a tune-up and service will help it run more efficiently. 2. Match the boat’s prop to... Full story
This is the time of year when the monsoons hit with a vengeance, and I can't tell you how many times we've been rained out when we are vacationing in Flagstaff. Since we took the granddaughters there almost every year for a week or so of hiking, there were inevitably days when we had to retreat indoors. Storms Brewing? Usually, we were able to get at least one hike in up on the mountain before the storm hit, but not always! Once a huge thunderstorm blew in right while we were riding the ski... Full story
As any owner will attest, fiberglass boats are less than maintenance-free. Instead of waxing decks, hulls and outboards every month or more, savvy boaters use Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating. Its unique formula not only restores a showroom-like shine to older vessels, but offers a level of protection that lasts up to 18 months even in extreme environmental conditions, making it the ideal first project for a new boat. Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating uses nanotechnology. Equally effective on... Full story
PFD Bundles Get People (And Pets) On The Water New boaters and paddlers or those who want to upgrade their safety gear will find it hard to resist Bombora's new Bundles. Centered around its unique inflatable US Coast Guard-approved PFDs, they combine everything needed to get out on the water. Ideal for couples, families of four or those with a canine best friend, they're offered at a 30% discount over separate purchases. Extremely comfortable, the Bombora PFD is worn around the waist and... Full story
Waterfowl and snipe, trapping rules are also on AZGFD's website. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has posted the "2022-2023 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations" at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations. In addition, the "2022-2023 Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations" and "2022-2023 Arizona Trapping Regulations" can be found on the department's website. The dove and band-tailed pigeon regulations are produced in a downloadable format that hunters will find handy in the... Full story
Opening day is Thursday, Sept. 1 Arizona’s dove hunters should have no complaints when the 2022 season opens Sept. 1. All signs indicate that there will be birds aplenty, particularly for those hunters who are willing to scout in the mornings and evenings between now and the opener to locate some good hunting spots. Once again, the greatest number of doves — and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat,... Full story
This pontoon boat at Lake Pleasant displays a great combination: freedom to enjoy the outdoors and our waterways in particular. In the middle of June we celebrated Flag Day (June 14) and the birth of the U.S. Army (June 14, 1775). This month, of course, is Independence Day on July 4. All these are reminders of the good fortune we have to live in this country -- even with its flaws and shortcomings. The United States of America offers us opportunities to accomplish all we can be, and she needs... Full story
