Winter Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you can't have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks. Many anglers don't realize that these cooler months can offer some of the best jig fishing of the year! Summerset Boat Lifts wants you to make the most of fishing during the winter months - so let's take a look at what makes the Lake of the Ozarks a great place for winter fishing and where the best spots are for winter fishing!

Winter Lake Conditions

There are 3 specific conditions that make the Lake of the Ozarks a great place to fish in the wintertime:

1. Whether on the main lake or in creeks, bass fish prefer to relate to the channels for security and travel paths. They simply hold on at the ends of channels throughout the winter. 
2. When the water temperatures are around 39-42 degrees and stays the same throughout the lake's depths. This is because the water is the densest at these temperatures. As a result, anglers are able to find bass anywhere from 5-2- feet deep. 
3. On sunny days, the sun will warm some of the dark-colored banks, attracting the bass in order to warm themselves. Crawfish also move to the same banks, making the banks even more desirable for the bass to grab an easy meal. 

Best Spots for Winter Fishing

When winter fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks, start in the more shallow areas of the lake, working your way to the deeper areas. Head to the back of creeks or coves first - you're likely to have the best luck in those areas, especially on sunny days. Some other areas of the lake to tackle first include: 

• Isolated Stumps
• Large Rocks
• Brush 
• Laydowns (trees or stumps laying on the lake floor) 

If you love fishing and have a boat here at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can help you keep it in the water all year long, allowing you to fish here in the winter months too! Our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift accessories such as de-icers and remote controls for your lift are perfect for keeping your boat, lift and dock in proper working condition throughout the year. Give Summerset Boat Lifts a call at 573-348-5073 today!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Finding a Lift for Your Boat

Depending on what type of boat you have, you'll need to find a Lake of the Ozarks boat lift to match. The great news is that no matter what brand of boat or dock you have, Summerset Boat Lift's Galva-Hoist provides great value and performance! Let's take a look at what type of lift you'll need for your boat:

Personal Watercraft

Not only do your larger boats need to be lifted out of the water, but so do your personal watercraft! Obviously you're not going to want to put a jet ski on a regular size boat lift, which is why we offer smaller lifts to fit your personal watercraft perfectly. Whether you have just one jet ski that you take turns on or a pair of them to ride around together, we have the perfect option. Choose from a single sidemount, single place front mount or double place front mount.

Pontoons / Tritoons

Pontoons and tritoons are some of the most popular boat options on the Lake of the Ozarks. They offer enough room to get the entire group out on the water, and even offer the ability to pull a tube or skis. Our 6,500 lb lift is an ideal capacity for almost every pontoon or tritoon on the Lake.

Deck Boats

Deck boats are the perfect option for those that are all about tubing and skiing! The hull design of these boats get you on plane quickly with a smooth ride. While deck boats are typically a little smaller than a pontoon or tritoon, the 6,500 lb lift is a good option for deck boats as well. The structure of this lift is well suited for the rough waters that our lake has to offer.

Fishing Boats

Whether you're an amateur fisherman or you participate in tournaments every weekend, the Lake of the Ozarks is a great place for fishing. Summerset Boat Lifts can hook you up with perfect lift for your fishing boat. Depending on the size of your fishing boat, you could need anywhere from a 4.000 lb lift to our 6,500 lb lifts mentioned above.

Cruisers 

Now if you think bigger is better and own a nice cruiser, we've got lifts for those as well! Our 17,000 lb lift is capable of lifting many of the 34 and 35 foot day cruisers. However, we can create custom lifts 20,000 lbs and larger if needed! No matter what you're looking for, the best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks has you covered.

At Summerset Boat Lifts, we offer a wide variety of new and pre-owned boat lifts. From personal watercraft lifts all the way up to custom 46,000 lb lifts, we've got something to fit everyone's needs. In addition to the best boat lifts around, we offer exceptional service for all your boat lifts needs! Give us a call at 573-348-5073 with any questions.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Protect Your Boat, Dock and Lift with a De-Icer

Whether you have a floating or stationary dock with pilings, gas piers, access ramps, boat ramps slips or boat lifts at the Lake of the Ozarks, de-icers can help you prevent ice damage and save you time, money and headaches. De-icing products are the cost effective, energy efficient solution to your ice damage problems. Let's take a look at what they do and how they work!

What Do De-Icers Do? 

De-icers are your best defense against costly damage to property due to ice formation and expansion. By providing superior thrust and water movement, de-icers push warm, bottom water up to the surface to prevent or eliminate ice formation. This creates an ice-free zone of protection around your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift, boat dock and boat. Providing an ice-free zone, de-icers prevent damage from ice jacking and expansion. They can also help protect fish and other aquatic species by allowing for areas of oxygen to enter into the water during winter.

How to De-Icers Work?

• Push warm bottom water to the surface. 
• Prevent ice formation and melt existing ice. 
• Rope, float or dock mounting options. 
• Low amp draw. 
• Optional thermostat and timer. 

You never know what to expect during the winter season at the Lake. Protect your boat, dock and boat lift by installing a de-icer from Summerset Boat Lifts today! For more information on our de-icers or other boat related accessories, give us a call at 573-348-5073. The best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks wants to make sure your equipment makes it through the winter so you're ready to get back out on the water when spring rolls around!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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3 Tips for Making the Most of Your Boat Show Experience

For anyone that is serious about buying a boat, attending a boat show is a great place to start! Join Summerset Boat Lifts at the Overland Park Boat Show this weekend. See the latest in 2016 cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, tritoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts, and all boating accessories at KC's largest boat show. Use these tips to make the most of your boat show experience:

Photo Credit: Overland Park Boat Show Website

1. Don't Buy On Impulse. 

Looking at all those shiny, new boats at a boat show can be exciting! The urge to buy the first one you see and love can be strong. Make sure that you don't make an "impulse buy" though. Be sure to do some research and make sure that you're getting the right boat for what you want to do with it. You'll want to make sure there's enough room for your family friends, or that it can pull a tube or skis if you want to do that. With such a large investment, you want to ensure you're making the right decision.

2. Know How Much You Can Afford. 

Purchasing a boat is a big investment. It's important to know how much you'll be able to afford before jumping into a boat show. You don't want to find the "perfect boat" just to realize it's out of your price range. DiscoverBoating.com has a simple boat loan calculator that you can use to determine your loan amount based on how much you want to pay each month. Knowing how much you can afford before even stepping foot in the boat show will help you avoid getting your hopes up for a boat that you can't afford. There are a lot of different types of boats in all different price ranges, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your needs.

Photo Credit: Overland Park Boat Show Website

3. Shop Around. 

Just because you like a boat and it fits within your price range, doesn't mean you should buy it. Be sure to shop around, check out all of your options. You may find something you like even better if you'll just spend sometime looking around and researching your various options. The best part about a boat show is having tons of boats in one place, allowing you to easily comparison shop. You can not only compare price, but also styles and features. Be sure to take notes, so you can sit down and weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision on which boat you want to purchase.

Once you've decided on a boat, you're going to need to take a look at docks, boat lifts and other accessories to accompany your new boat! The best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks will be at the show, ready to answer all your boat lift questions. We can help you determine what boat lift and dock you'll need based on the boat you've chosen to purchase. We want to help make your new boat purchase experience the best it can be! We hope to see you at our booth at the Overland Park Boat Show, January 7-10!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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3 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Dock this Winter

Winter weather can cause issues for homeowners, especially those with homes on the water. For many of you, avoiding your boat dock during the winter months is the best option. However, if you get hit by a winter storm, you may feel the need to go down and check on it. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when going on your dock and boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks this winter:

1. Be Cautious During Ice and Snow Removal.

Dock owners attempting to remove snow and ice from their dock during inclement weather should be extra careful. Not only could you slip and fall into the frigid waters, but the added weight from the snow and ice could cause the dock to collapse. Falling into the extremely cold water can cause hypothermia to set in quickly, rending a person helpless in the water. If you insist on being on your dock during winter conditions, always wear a life jacket and use the buddy system.

2. Treat All Wires as Live Wires. 

Winter storms can cause electrical issues on your dock. Strong winds and/or ice can damage wires. Remember to treat any and all damaged electrical wires around docks as if they were still live. Even if the power is shut off, these loose wires could pose a threat. If you suspect electrical damage on your dock, the best thing to do is make sure the power is completely shut off and then call in an electrician to take a look at it. Most electrical companies will come out and inspect your dock electricity for free.

3. Make Sure Your Dock is Secure.

Winter weather can take it's toll on your dock. Depending on how secure your dock is, it's possible for a large chunk of ice to damage it, make it crash into the shore and/or even break it free. Check your hardware to ensure everything on your dock is secure. You might even want to tie a line from the dock to a fixed object on land that will not break if pulled. Keep in mind that icy conditions also weaken dock cables, which may need to be replaced or repaired in the spring.

Summerset Boat Lifts wants to make sure you, your dock, your boat and your boat lift all stay safe this winter. The winter weather is just beginning here at the Lake of the Ozarks and we don't know what to expect in 2016. Preparing your property now, will save you from costly repairs in the spring. You want to make sure your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift, dock and boat are all ready to hit the water as soon as the warm weather hits!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Protect Your Dock During Winter Drawdown

While we haven't seen much snow or ice yet here in mid-Missouri, winter has arrived. The temperatures are dropping and the water levels in the Lake of the Ozarks are dropping. The annual winter drawdown is something that waterfront property owners need to pay special attention to, as their docks can be affected by the change in water depth.

Winter Drawdown

At the Lake of the Ozarks, lake and river fluctuations occur for several reasons. In order to prepare for the winter flood season, the levels of the lake are lowered. This makes room in the lake for possible runoff produced by winter storms or melting snow and ice. Also, during the winter months, there is a higher demand for electricity; therefore, water levels will change when Bagnell Dam releases water to meet this need for electricity.

Lake of the Ozarks Docks

While the winter drawdown is necessary to prevent flooding and provide electricity, it can cause issues for dock owners at the Lake of the Ozarks. Now is the time to prepare your docks for the lower lake levels that are to come in the coming months. Here are a few things you, as a dock owner, can do to avoid damage to your dock this winter:

1. Check to make sure your dock isn't pinned or hampered by any stumps or other objects that would prevent it from moving up and down with the fluctuations in water levels. 
2. Inspect all dock cables and bolts for any loose or rusting parts. 
3. Be sure to drain all water lines. 
4. Raise your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift to ensure that it is holding air as it should. 
5. Lengthen your dock cables to allow the docks to drop. 
6. Make sure that you have a deicer to keep the water around your dock from freezing and causing major damage. 

Don't let the water level fluctuations damage your dock - get prepared now. For all your winter boat lift needs, contact Summerset Boat Lifts at 573-348-5073. We have deicers available that can protect your dock and boat lift throughout the winter months, ensuring that you're ready to hit the Lake come springtime. 

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Join Us at the Overland Park Boat Show in January

Kansas City's Largest Boat Show!

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 2016 Overland Park Boat Show, January 7-10! The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association invites you to participate in this premiere show for boating enthusiasts across the Midwest. We're bringing the Lake to Overland Park this winter! See the latest in 2016 cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, tritoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts, and all boating accessories. Bring the entire family to the Overland Park Convention Center for KC's largest annual boat show!

Photo From: Overland Park Boat Show Website

HOURS 

January 7: 3-9 PM
January 8: 12-10 PM
January 9: 10 AM - 9 PM
January 10: 10 AM - 5 PM

ADMISSION

$9.00 for Adults
$5.00 for Children 6-12
FREE for Children 5 & Under

**$1.00 of each paid Adult admission is donated to Kids' Harbor Child Advocacy Center

For further boat show information, you can text BOATS to 22828. 

The best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks will be there to show you all we have to offer with our Galva-Hoist product line. Galva Hoist is engineered at the Lake, for the Lake...Lake of the Ozarks that is. It is extremely capable of withstanding the roughest waters here at the Lake. No matter what brand of boat or dock you have, the Galva-Hoist provides great value and performance. Be sure to stop by and see Summerset Boat Lifts next month at the Overland Park Boat Show!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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