Sunday, May 22, 2011

5/20/2011 It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like a Marina…

The Marina just doesn’t look right until the boats are here to fill it up! Good News! We’re happy to say we have steadily emptied our Marina boat storage area to return marina & customer boats, completing the scene! Bobbing boats at slips buoys & on the lake are the final icing on the cake!

Welcome to our old and new marina members & customers-if you aren’t here yet- “Yes, Your boats’ slip or buoy is ready to bring it to its’ summer home !” Members are now scheduling to launch & tie boats into their space. Daily launch customers are breaking-in all forms of watercraft to fish, swim, ski, drift and tour Lake Waconia this summer.

Walleye anglers have had a great start. Overcast, wet & windy days- scorned by others- has been PERFECT for Walleye! Since opener, reports are consistently good. Some bigger fish from upper 20” to 30” + inches [most reportedly released] are being hooked. Numerous over 16” [Waconia walleye minimum length limit] are reported daily/nightly. Both live & artificial bait has worked yet in productive shallow shoreline areas & tops of reefs.

The water temps are finally staying in the 50’s & rising. When weather allows, daytime fisherman are actively pursuing panfish, and as of late they have been more successful! 4 & sometimes even 3 to a pound Sunfish “keepers” can be found- mixed in with lots of young. Crappies are activating & better-sized too, with most caught this week in 6’-12’ of water. Panfish spawning has just begun- so watch for change as they finish breeding to guard nests.

We invite marina members, launch and retail clients, as well as Pontoon & Boat Rental customers to join us! Call to reserve a 14’ Rental boat & motor, available NOW. Pontoon Rental starts Memorial Weekend. Reserve now- for later use!

Go To: www. intownemarina.com for Rental times/prices & details.

Summer Shop Hours have begun [weather permitting]:

Mon-Fri: 7:30am-8: 30 pm Sat/Sun & Holidays: 6:30am-8: 30 pm.

See you at the Lake!

In Towne Marina on –“ Lake Waconia: Site of MN Gov.’s Opener 2012”

Look for more Waconia fun @destinationwaconia.org -Waconia’s Chamber Site!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Lake WACONIA Chosen for 2012 GOVERNOR's OPENER

Our family & business, In Towne Marina on Lake Waconia, thanks Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton for accepting Waconia's invitation to fish Lake Waconia for the 2012 Minnesota Gamefish Opener May 12, 2012!

We're proud he chose Waconia to host this important day and honored to help him celebrate with all accompanying visitors. Waconia is a perfect place to kick-off Minnesota fishing and summer fun!

Our "welcome mat" is rolled out to him & all that come to fish and boat that day & every day!
Read here for Opener details in the coming months. "SAVE the DATE" to get in on the fun!

Jim, Cindy, Ben & Jimmy Mase
In Towne Marina

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Fishing Opener Early Report

It has officially begun. The Fishing opener is well into day one, and for those anglers who fished the early morning hours, many had success. Walleyes ranging from nice keepers in the 17-20 inch range, up to whoppers as big as 30 inches were reported on the lake. There weren't many anglers out due to the weather, but those who made it out found them in shallow water (less than 10 feet). Live bait such as fatheads, shiners and leeches worked well for some, while others chose their favorite artificial bait, such as a small profile rapala. With the water temperatures still hovering in the upper 40's/low 50's, expect the walleyes to stay shallow for a bit longer. This upcoming week looks like we'll be entering the beautiful portion of spring, with sunny weather and temps getting into the 60's. The sunfish and crappie bite should continue to improve daily with this weather. Come join us at the lake while the bite is good!





Thursday, May 12, 2011

MAY, 2011 Lake Waconia Gamefish Opener WEEK

Mother Nature has challenged Minnesota anglers and boaters this spring! It may be taking a little longer to get gear out and weather to use it, but as the saying goes, “Nothing worth waiting for, comes Easy”!

Even as waves crashed, clouds tumbled & the thermometer dipped instead of raised, the lake scene here remained fascinating, as we worked on spring marina assembly. We hope the beauty of the lake and the first hum of your motor help you forget the long wait, soon! FISH ON!! BOAT ON!!

Our launch is ready and bait tanks are filled, coolers, candy bins, ice & tackle stocked. Need a new combo, or tackle to rig it- we have it all, just in time to go after the big ones! By next week at this time our docks & buoys will be filling with stored boats of valued marina members. We’re anxious for their arrival & a great summer!

THIS Friday 5/ 13 we’ll be serving up opener bait and sharing fishing wisdom & smart talk with anyone who wants to join in, ALL NIGHT LONG!! No matter if you forgot your license, battery for your flashlight, lighter, leader, rod tips or line? We’ve been supplying what you’ve forgotten, broken or just plain wish you had for lot’s of years now [over 30]! Stop in, if we don’t have it, we’ll help find it.

Just a few OPENER LAKE NOTES as of this writing 5/11/11:

-Yesterday was the 2nd day the surface water temp rose above 50 degrees

-Shoreline trees greened up just a few days ago- No lilacs are blooming yet

-Lake water level is 16” higher than Fall 2010, before ice formed

-Creek and surface water is actively running into & out of the lake

-Last seasons cattails are generally flooded

-Water clarity has been low [visibility 4’ down or less] but is improving daily

-Carver County Water Patrol placed Danger Buoys on the west shore Wagener’s Bay marking the “Rock Dock”; at the N/E Public Approach & a few on the north shore.

DNR Reminder: Pull your boat plug & drain live-wells when exiting all waters. Do NOT transport bait or fish in LAKE water. Do not dispose of bait held in “lake” water into the lake, or on its shore. Ensure your boat plug is IN & boat free of exotics BEFORE launching/leaving. Keep live bait out of lake water, to hold it.

To Help You comply-WE Offer:

  • FREE “fresh” non-chlorine water to transport & refresh live bait.
  • Bring your unwanted bait, dead or alive to our SHOP. We will properly dispose of it, FREE. PLEASE do NOT put bait in our Trash Containers!
  • We sell ice to legally transport your catch.
We’re working with you, to help protect our resources! Thank you to all our regular customers as you patiently waited and watched as we assembled the marina to receive you! Welcome, also to all Waconia newbie visitors! We’re happy to greet you too! You can’t find a better lake, town or fellow boaters than here! Opener updates will be posted as they come in, and more frequent reports will be provided to keep you in the know. Thank You and see you at the lake!