Fall hands on deck

We dare ask the question: What if you had a tailgate… on a boat? Fall means football season, and while we love a traditional tailgate, there’s a special opportunity to cheer on your team while on the water. Gather some friends, some grub, and of course — your team’s jersey to get hype for the upcoming season! You can even grab your device and livestream the game right from your boat, and with some added protection you won’t have to worry about an accidental device slip into the water. Before you set sail, make sure to check out your boat’s capacity plate near the operator’s position or the transom to ensure your guest list doesn’t exceed the requirements. Other than that, go team!

Other than Pumpkin Spice Lattes, the heavyweight champ of the season has to be the colorful foliage. Get onboard and take a ride through a tree-lined body of water to bask in the glory of the changing season. If you’re by Lake Michigan, Lake Champlain, or the Hudson River, you’re in luck as these waters are great for leaf peeping with stunning views of the fall foliage. Each destination has its own water conditions and boat requirements. Check local resources and weather before you go sightseeing so you can focus on the fun!

The end of summer means less boats on the water which is ideal for some quiet fishing action! With chillier weather comes colder waters, making the fish more active and are more likely to chase bait. If you’re trying to land a bass, crank bait, jigs, and spinner bait are fall fishing favorite lures. For walleye, nightcrawlers are a good go-to, but when that water temperature drops, minnows might be an even better bet. No matter where or when you fish, make sure to bring layers as the temperature can drop quickly this time of year. So, go wet a line because there’s nothing better than a full livewell in the fall.

If your interest spiked when you read the word “spooky”, this one is for you. Spooky season is a great excuse to visit an (allegedly) haunted lighthouse and get into the spirit of fall! If you’re in Maine, sail out to Seguin Island Lighthouse and listen for piano music played by the lighthouse keeper… even though the piano is no longer there and neither is the keeper. If you’re further south near Tybee Island in Georgia, you’re in luck (or in for a haunting) with the Tybee Island Lighthouse. There have been numerous reports of electrical mishaps in the children’s room, and a visiting psychic has reported seeing ghostly children playing. Nobody knows if these ghastly sightings are the real deal, so you’ll just have to climb aboard and find out for yourself. While the ghosts may be friendly, the water can be impartial so wear a life jacket to stay safe while you get spooky!

Summer to fall means shorter days and earlier sunsets, this means more opportunity for a sunset cruise. Before you have dinner, head out on the water with your family to enjoy a stunning sunset as a visual appetizer. You could even incorporate dinner into the sunset cruise and bring your delicious fall meals onto the boat for dinner and a view. With Friendsgiving around the corner, this could be the perfect opportunity to start a new tradition with your friends and share a meal together by boat. Before watching the horizon light up with sunset, make sure you have your navigation lights in case it gets darker earlier than anticipated.