Bruce and
Shanda, the owners of Johnsville Grocery, invite you to stop by
the store for fishing or hunting supplies or enjoy a deli sandwich
while hearing about the latest area fishing information. Check
out their ad and photos in this section of the magazine.
Down at
Felsenthal bream fishing has been fair with red wigglers or
crickets on Wild Cat, Pete Wilson, Red Eye and Bull Brake.
Crappie are also fair. Bass are chasing chartreuse and white
spinner baits and Bandits on the Saline.
Catfishermen
are doing fairly well on the river with cold worms or cut bait.
KNOW THE RULES Boating activities are one of the most enjoyable
summer activities for
Arkansas
families. Whether fishing, skiing, pleasure boating, wakeboarding
or riding personal watercraft, Arkansans are blessed with an array
of wonderful lakes and rivers on which to enjoy their water sport
of choice. Arkansas has had about 100 reported boating related
accidents a year over the past five years. The accidents have
accounted for 10-20 deaths annually. Everyone should be mindful
of the dangers present whenever on the water, and should take the
necessary measures to minimize risks associated with water related
recreational activities. Here are some of the most important
things that will ensure our safety of whole families while
boating:
BEFORE GOING
OUT:
Insurance and
registration. All personal watercraft and motorboats powered by
engines of more than 50 HP must be covered by a liability
insurance policy in the state of Arkansas, with at least
$50,000.00 in liability coverage per occurrence. This must be
carried with you on the water. Vessel capacity. Always check and
adhere to the manufacturers recommendations.
Fueling a
vessel. Check the fuel system for leaks and turn off engine and
electrical equipment before you gas up. Also, remove all portable
tanks from the boat. Beware of static electricity. (Touch the
fuel spout to the tank before you add fuel.) Leave room in tank
for fuel to expand. Tightly replace the cap. Wipe up all
spills.
A float
plan. Always tell someone what route you’ll take and when you’ll
be back.
General
pre-use checklist. Check all lights, check all steering and
throttle controls; check all hoses for leaks or cracks and for oil
and fuel leaks. Make sure bilge plug is secure; fire extinguisher
is charged and operating; confirm the ignition safety switch and
wrist lanyard are working. Check right kind and number of life
jackets or flotation devices are aboard and in good condition.
ON THE WATER:
Know and
follow all rules; night navigation, different buoys and markers.
If you don’t know these rules, get the Arkansas Game and Fish
Commission’s “Handbook of Arkansas Boating Laws and
Responsibilities.” Or take an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
course on boating safety.
WEATHER:
Always
monitor weather developments and have a plan.
PERSONAL
FLOTATION DEVICES:
Have at least
one USCG approved PFD for each person on board and at least one
Type IV approved throwable for a vessel 16 feet or longer.
Children 12 or younger must wear a PFD at all times on the water.
Everyone aboard a personal watercraft must wear a PFD at all
times; as must everyone towed behind on water skis, aquaplanes,
wakeboards or similar devices.
