Out & About

OUTLAST

Winterizing boats

1. Drain all water from the engine and lower unit and fill the cooling system with environmentally safe antifreeze. Remove spark plugs; fog cylinders, and wipe down engine with moisture-displacing lubricant.

2. Change oil and filter. Fill fuel tanks to desired level and add stabilizer.

3. Service trailer – grease the bearings; oil the rollers, jack and winch; set trailer on blocks.

4. Remove battery, store properly and maintain charge.

5. Cover boat in manner that prevents snow buildup. If possible, apply shrink wrap and include the trailer tongue, jack and winch.

Source: Progressive Insurance

OUTBOUND

Hunting for access

A story in Out There Monthly about suburban mountain biking recently caught our attention in a way that only a sportsman can appreciate.

The story highlighted pedaling around Spokane on routes through public and private property.

Question: Should the story have at least hinted that while many landowners tolerate some public access, it’s ultimately illegal to enter someone else’s land without permission – regardless of whether no-trespassing signs are posted?

Hunters who don’t pay attention to the laws, ethics and landowner- relations guidelines they were taught in mandatory hunter education classes get tickets or the slammer for trespassing.

OUTSMART

Medical Lake taps solar energy for fish

In September, the city of Medical Lake installed a solar-powered water circulator in its namesake lake to improve water quality, a move that should be a boon to water clarity – and the fishery.

The “Solar Bee” will circulate water in upper portions of the lake to disrupt the blue-green algae, which is not palatable to zooplankton.

This will make room for beneficial algae that feeds zooplankton, which are a food base for fish.

The Solar Bee is replacing costly, inefficient bubble-type aerators on the east side of the lake.

OUTLOOK

Best fishing times

Lunar tables from the U.S. Naval Observatory. Be fishing at least one hour before and one hour after peak times. Applies to all time zones.

(* indicates best days.)

Through Nov. 30

Today

8:45 a.m., 9:05 p.m.

Monday

9:30 a.m., 9:50 p.m.

Tuesday

10:15 a.m., 10:40 p.m.

Wednesday

11:05 a.m., 11:25 p.m.

* Thursday

11:50 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

* Friday

12:45 p.m., 1:10 a.m.

Saturday

1:35 p.m., 2:00 a.m.

Next Sunday

2:25 p.m., 2:45 a.m.

See the Hunting-Fishing Report

every Friday in Sports