Firstmate Controls

Lake of the Ozarks lovers hates to hear when summer is officially over but that time is upon us. Even though there are several great days of boating ahead of us this fall, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your dock for the winter months.  Learn more in this week’s blog from Firstmate Controls , the finest wireless electronic equipment for the recreational marine industry . The fall is the perfect time to have your dock inspected especially for second homeowners to ensure the dock is ready to endure the cold months ahead of us. Many Lake of the Ozarks locals know that Ameren prepares for the winter drawdown usually around the first of the year. The drawdown prepares the lake for flooding possibilities with spring rains. The drawdown can be a problem for homeowners who haven’t prepared their dock for winter.    Pull all the water toys out of the water and the boat, remove all the air, dry them out, and store them in your dock locker.  If you have f

Everyone wants to captain a boat or personal watercraft at some point in their life.  With the waterways filled with boats and PWC’s in the warm months, it’s nice to know that Missouri requires some boaters to take the Missouri Boating Safety course.  Firstmate Controls believes in water safety for everyone who will be enjoying time on the water.  Below you will find out all the details of how to sign up and what to expect while taking the course.  Missouri Boating Education Requirements All operators born after January 1, 1984, must have the Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card to legally operate a motorized vessel or personal watercraft (PWC) on any Missouri lake. Motorboat or PWC operators must be 14 years of age or older unless under the direct supervision of a person 16 years or older.  There is no minimum age requirement to take the online course and you do not have to be a Missouri resident to register.  Taking the course online makes it easy for anyo

Most fall activities include football, hunting, and indoor activities while fishing falls to the wayside.  Fall fishing could be the most cherished fishing season if anglers would give it a chance.   With the cooler temps, less boat traffic, and the beauty of the fall foliage fall can be the most enjoyable season to be on the water fishing.  Speaking of fall foliage, Lake of the Ozarks was named the 2nd best place in the United States to view the fall colors.    Bass Fishing Getting the big bite can be tough at times but knowing what you are doing can bring in a large quantity and quality of bass.  Bass are known for feeding on shad in the fall to prepare for the winter.   Fishing with lipless crankbaits with a tight wobble is great when bass are feeding. Wait for the bass to strike on shad in shallow grass, pull your lipless through the grass and hook your bass. Get ready to work your cadence with a soft plastic jerk bait when the fish are jumping out of the water t

The official start to the National Football League is this weekend!   The team dock flags are beginning to fly, the team jerseys are being pulled out of the closet, your favorite team hat is sitting out ready for Sunday, and fans begin to plan the appetizers they will have for the big game.   We have compiled 5 ways to spend the opening day of football season.     HEAD TO THE STADIUM There’s nothing better than watching the game in person if you have tickets.   The excitement in the air during tailgating will have you in football mode in no time.   As you look across the parking lot with your favorite team flag flying, families enjoying bar-b-que, games of corn hole, and drinks flowing, you can feel the excitement begin to take over your body.   As you walk into the stadium for the first game of the season and seeing your team warming up on the field, you just know that this game will be one to remember.   You can’t beat the anxious feeling of your team receiving the f