LAKE REPORT: Many options exist for boats

Dwight Lake
Special to the News
Published: April 11, 2008

While sitting on the front porch of the bait house Sunday, observing approximately 35 to 40 boats on the lake, I was amazed at how many different types and styles of boats people use for fishing.

Some of you may remember the old homemade wood slat boats. Unfortunately, if you do, you are old as dirt like me. They were built with 1-inch boards and had to be soaked with water to swell the boards together to prevent leaking.

This made them very heavy and hard for one person to handle. Boats have come a long way since then. At the south end of the lake sat, with poles all around it, a 24-foot pontoon boat. At the other end of the spectrum, and the other end of the lake, Bob Leto was fishing from his two-man, 10-foot pontoon boat he won in the King Cat Tournament here last year.

Compare Robert Justice’s new 22-foot Triton to Robert Stewarts homemade 8-foot wooden boat that fits snuggly in the back of his pickup truck.

Flat bottom boats, like we rent at the lake, are also very popular. Beware, these boats can be tricky. More than one angler has taken a unplanned dip in the lake simply by standing up to stretch their legs.

Canoes and Kayaks are becoming a favorite with some anglers. My son, Shane, fishes from his kayak. He feels this puts him closer to nature and has enjoyed paddling along with a playful otter and was startled by a 40-pound carp that gently nudged his kayak with its nose.

Fishing from a boat is certainly a unique experience with what ever style fits your fancy. If you bring your own boat to the lake the same regulations required on rivers apply here including vessel license. A launch fee is also required.

Gas motors are not allowed to crank except to load the boat on your trailer. Trolling motors only to be used for navigation. When renting one of our boats a vessel license is not required, but you must be 16 years old.

Anyone 12-and-older is required to purchase a daily fishing permit if you go out on a boat. No boats are allowed on the lake for any reason other than fishing. Whether you have your own boat or rent one of ours, Lee County will provide a unique experience for you and your family.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

LAKE HOURS: Sunrise to sunset, closed on Monday.

AMENITIES: Boat rental, cabins, fishing pier, boat ramp, restrooms, picnic tables and bait house.

WATER LEVEL: Full Pond.

VISIBILITY: 36 inches.

WATER TEMPERATURE: 67 degrees

KING CAT TOURNAMENT: 1st place — Ronnie Bonds, 7.4 pounds.

FISHING REPORT: For a few days the bad weather caused the barometric pressure to be very unstable. Although numbers held up fairly well, it gave some anglers fits. However, since the weather has cleared and the barometric pressure has leveled out, numbers of all species has been good. All species are getting into a spring pattern and moving toward shallower water. The fall downs and fish structures are continuing to be hot spots.

Dwight Lake is manager of Lee County State Lake. He may be reached at 749-1275.