Fun Fall Boating Ideas to Keep You On The Water Longer This Year
Summer gets all the glory when it comes to recreational boating and for good reason. Who doesn’t enjoy hot, sunny days spent waterskiing or swimming? But there are some great reasons to keep your boat busy in the fall and extend your boating season a bit longer.
Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy crisp days on the water…
Fall Fishing
A lot of sportsmen are starting to think about hunting season, but if you’re more of an angler then you know some of the best fishing happens in the fall.
While spring means spawning, fall fish are active for another reason: feeding in preparation for a long winter. In Northern Indiana, steelhead, crappies, bass, walleye, and other sport fish are packing on the fall feedbag. Now is the time to plan your weekend fishing trip and get your line wet before winter weather hits.
An added bonus of fall fishing? The water is much quieter. Check in with the Indiana DNR before you plan your next trip for the latest on licensure, regulations, and local fish activity.
Halloween Party
As if you needed more reasons to eat your kids’ Halloween candy.
Make it a Halloween to remember and organize a spooky afternoon cruise with your fellow boating buddies. Kids will get a kick out of trick-or-treating off shore and adults can get it on the fun too. Host a nautical-themed costume contest, blast spooky tunes, and deck out your deck to make the most of the fun.
Color Cruise
No doubt that fall in the Midwest is truly something to admire. Of course, a scenic drive is a classic way to behold the beauty of the changing landscape, but have you taken a fall color cruise on your favorite river or local lake?
The waterways are less crowded than local parks and highways, so grab a jacket and head out for some amazing scenery. Just make sure you pack your favorite pumpkin spice treats and plenty of hot chocolate. And don’t forget the camera!
Beat The Heat
We all enjoy cooling off on the water during those hot summer afternoons, but there is something to be said about the return of crisp autumn air. Get out and enjoy a not-so-sweltering afternoon cruise and take in the sights on far less crowded waterways.
The temperatures can drop quickly on the water and shorter days means less sunlight. So, don’t forget to pack plenty of cold weather gear like jackets, hats, and blankets and maybe your favorite hot beverage.
Sterngating
You’ve heard of tailgating, but what about sterngating (stern + tailgating)?
The parking lot, living room, or crowded sports bar aren’t the only places to gather with friends to watch the big game. Also called sailgating or boatgaiting, sterngating is a great way to combine boating, tailgating, and the return of football and Fantasy leagues.
Gather up your crew and head out on the water to watch the game! Radio, mobile devices, satellite TV are great ways to catch the game off shore. Prefer to watch indoors? No problem, pack your cooler, fire up your grill, and pregame out on the water and cruise back in just in time for kick off with friends.
Boat Show Season
If you thought Christmas decorations in August was pushing things, boaters are already thinking about next summer. As boating season winds down, boat shows pick up. Boat shows are great ways to see what’s new and score great deals after peak season ends.
Scour the web for upcoming local boat shows and expos for great deals. You might just find your dream boat.
Don’t forget to keep tabs on the inventory at your local marina-buying and selling don’t stop when the snow starts. Check out our new and preowned selection throughout the winter months.
Summer Send Off
Cooler weather doesn’t mean fun on the water has to end yet. Get creative, extend your season, and enjoy your boat this fall-just be sure to share your great ideas with us on social!
And when you’re ready to put your boat up for the winter, be sure to have your reservation ready with us. Learn more about winterization with Main Channel right here.
Happy Boating!
-The Skipper