Texas Outdoors

Tips for Preventing Water Pollution While Boating

Many people bring their boats to Miami to enjoy the beautiful waterways. However, if we want to keep these waterways beautiful, we must prevent pollution.

On average, over 10 million people visit Miami every year. Many of them bring their own boats to enjoy the beautiful waterways around the Miami area. While exploring new areas with your boat isn’t bad, all of us in Miami care deeply about preserving our waterways and their wildlife. Follow these tips for preventing water pollution while boating so you can respectfully enjoy Miami and other waterways around the world.

Watch for Slow Zones

Different waterways have different rules. Around Miami and other popular boating locations, you may see signs about shallow water or no wake zones. Often, you must slow down to about five miles per hour to safely navigate these zones. This protects your boat from scraping the bottom of the waterway and preserves the sediment there. Some sediment carries phosphorus, which can feed algae. Algae can hurt plant and animal life in waterways. Leave these waterways untouched by boating at slow speeds.

Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies Between Waterways

Organisms, both visible and invisible to the naked eye, can cling to boats after they exit a waterway. If you don’t wash your boat in between waterways, you can accidentally introduce these organisms into a new environment. These organisms can then contaminate this location in addition to the original location, which can hurt the local plant and animal life.

Cleaning your boat between waterways can prevent this contamination from happening. However, some cleaning agents can also cling to your boat and pollute water. Use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies to prevent this from happening.

Service Your Engine Between Seasons

While you can enjoy the water around Miami year-round, many people visit and do most of their boating in the warmer summer months. If you’ve kept your boat in storage during colder months, service your engine before this popular summer season. Otherwise, your engine may have an undiagnosed problem that can leak oil and gas into your next water destination. If you want to prevent this problem, you must understand the importance of regular outboard motor maintenance.

Upgrade Your Motor

Some engines need more than maintenance. Older two-stroke boat motors can release air-polluting fumes and water-polluting gas and oil mixtures. Upgrade to a four-stroke motor to protect the air and water while enjoying your boat in Miami and elsewhere.

These tips for preventing water pollution while boating around Miami and other waterways are important. Every step we take from shopping for cleaning supplies to servicing our boats can make a difference if we make the right choice.

Essential Supplies for Your Next Camping Trip

The right supplies can have a significant impact on your experience while camping. Use this guide to ensure you have the necessities while out in nature.

There’s nothing like an extended camping trip to help you get out into nature, have fun, and reduce stress. However, your trip could get cut short if you don’t pack the right items.

Realizing you’ve forgotten something important at the last minute can be inconvenient and impose unnecessary risks. These essential supplies for your next camping trip will prepare you for anything.

Tent

Unless you’ve rented a cabin or other facility, a tent is one of the most essential items for your trip. Having shelter to protect you from the elements and provide a barrier between you and wild animals will keep you safe and comfortable while enjoying nature.

You’ll need to consider how many people need to use the tent to ensure you get one big enough for everyone. Remember to bring sleeping bags, pillows, and a foam pad to boost comfort when it comes time to sleep. Purchasing a tent made of modern lightweight materials will make it easier to carry and clean.

Backpack

Another essential item you’ll want while camping is a backpack. Even if you’ve already got a bag for your clothes, an extra pack can make going on long hikes or carrying extra supplies easier. A backpack will free up your hands and make it easier to get around.

Finding a quality pack is essential so you aren’t stranded with a broken zipper or torn pocket. Pay attention to the warning signs that it’s time to replace your backpack so you can be sure yours holds up for the entire trip. Products designed especially for camping will generally have more pockets and hold up better outdoors.

First-Aid Kit

Your health and safety should be a priority when you go camping. Putting together a first-aid kit with the necessary supplies will ensure you’re prepared for the hazards of the wild. If something happens, you won’t have to wait to return to civilization to provide care.

Sharp and heavy objects, fires, and wild animals are unpredictable. A first-aid kit allows you to administer emergency care when nobody else is around. Treat cuts, scrapes, and burns immediately to ensure they don’t worsen.

Stay Safe and Have Fun

Camping is a lot of fun, so long as you’re adequately prepared. While today’s campers have many camping gadgets they can take with them, shelter, storage, and safety should be your biggest priorities.

Bringing the essential supplies for your next camping trip will enable you to make the most of your time and enjoy the outdoors.

Tips To Help You Prepare for Your Next Big Cycling Event

Cycling enthusiasts go on many rides, but they must prepare themselves when attending large events with other people. Use this advice to ensure you’re ready.

Bicycling is a great way to improve your health and well-being. Testing your endurance gives you a chance to see how much you’ve improved and allows you to socialize with other enthusiasts. Whether on or off-road, good competition will push you to the limits. Use these tips to help you prepare for your next big cycling event.

Look Over Your Bicycle

The most important thing you can do before a big cycling event is to look over your bike to ensure it’s in good condition. If your chain comes off or you get a flat, it could ruin your entire experience.

Check the handlebars, seat, and all the bolts to ensure they’re tight. Lubricate the chain if necessary, and check your tire pressure. Your brakes should be in good working order so you can stop on a dime in case of road hazards.

Create a Checklist

Preparing for your big day will probably take up quite a bit of your time. The event will go quickly, so it’s good to have a plan to help you stay on top of everything. If you have to make last-minute adjustments before the event, you could make mistakes and injure yourself or someone else.

Preparing yourself physically and mentally before a big cycling event will enable you to handle the stress required to finish. A complete pre-ride checklist should include a timeline that counts down to the final day so you can be ready for crunch time.

Get Plenty of Rest

It won’t matter how much you prepare for the event if you don’t get enough rest beforehand. A solid taper period will give you all the energy you need. However, you shouldn’t completely stop training. Otherwise, your body could become lethargic, making it harder to perform on the big day.

Functional training should wind down about a week before the event so your body has time to recover. A few days of rest will allow your muscles to rest and give you time to accumulate carbs for energy. You should get at least seven to eight hours of sleep the night before the cycling event.

Pay Attention to Your Body

Physically preparing for any significant activity shouldn’t be a second thought. If you plan on participating in a cycling event, building your physical and mental stamina beforehand will ensure you’re ready for the big day. Preparing for your next big cycling event doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember to look over your equipment, taper off training, and get enough rest for a successful day of riding.

How To Ensure Your Safety When Off-Roading

Off-roading is a thrilling way to explore the outdoors, but it can come with some dangers. Here’s how to ensure your safety when off-roading.

If you’re an avid off-roader, you know how important safety is when out on the trail. But it’s easy to get carried away in all the excitement of revving your engine and leaving civilization far behind. No matter what kind of off-road adventures you’re planning, from simple day trips to full weekend camping excursions, following certain guidelines will help make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time. We’ll explain how to ensure your safety when off-roading so you can get the most out of your trips.

Go With a Group

Off-roading can be a thrilling and exciting way to explore nature, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important always to go off-roading with a group and never by yourself. Having another vehicle with you not only means you’ll have someone to share in the adventure, but it also ensures that you won’t be stranded alone if you run into trouble. If you get stuck in mud or a ditch, having another vehicle nearby means you’ll have someone there to help pull you out.

Follow the Trail

It’s also crucial to follow the designated trail to stay safe. Venturing into unmarked areas might initially seem exciting, but it can pose various dangers that could turn a fun-filled adventure into a disaster. You might find yourself navigating unstable terrain, crossing rivers with strong currents, and getting stuck in treacherous mud pits. Moreover, deviating from the path can impact the area’s ecology and harm wildlife habitats. If you’re a beginner, learning trail etiquette for first-time off-roaders can help you navigate the terrain with ease while reducing your environmental impact.

Bring Emergency Supplies

Being prepared is key to staying safe in any off-roading situation. One of the most important ways to prepare is by bringing emergency supplies. Whether planning a short trip or a multi-day adventure, having the right supplies can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening emergency. A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating injuries, and bringing plenty of water and food will help keep you hydrated and fueled up for the journey ahead. Maps and phones are also crucial for staying on track and communicating with help if needed. And, of course, a recovery kit will come in handy if you get stuck in mud or sand.

Know Your Limits

As a responsible off-roader, it’s essential to acknowledge and respect your limits and never push yourself or your vehicle past them. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, sticking to terrain that you’re comfortable navigating is key to ensuring your safety. Taking on challenging obstacles that are beyond your skill level can lead to serious damage to your vehicle and, worse, put you and your passengers in danger. So, before hitting the trails, make sure that you know your limits, and above all, always prioritize your safety.

Now that you know these essential safety precautions to follow when off-roading, you can prepare for your next adventure. By following these tips and staying safe, you will be able to enjoy off-roading and have even more memorable outdoor excursions in the future.

Coker Boys fish Matagorda back lakes

We love fishing the back lakes of Matagorda Island for trout and redfish. Typically, we start off fishing the shorelines with top-waters. My personal favorite is a bone Super Spook Junior. As the day heats up, we either wade out to deeper water or set up on the cuts and drains. Typically we change out to DSL soft plastics.

Kayak Fishing Redfish in Seadrift

We had another successful fishing trip to the Seadrift area. The Seadrift and Port O’Connor bay systems hold endless possibilities – reefs, marshes, jetties, with endless islands and shorelines. Charles suggested taking his kayaks and using our Gulf Coast as a mothership. So, we loaded up and headed out at sunrise.

We hooked up a number of nice slot reds. A pod of tailing reds is about as good as fishing gets.

NuCanoe Flints loaded up on our Gulf Coast. Ran great, lost a little speed on top but easy transport. Pulled up into knee deep water to unload and then hopped right in. The Flints are plenty stable enough for a smaller kayak.

Note the trolling motor set up Charles rigged! Lithium batteries enabled us to motor along all day with plenty of reserve power. One practice I recommend is to motor upwind to start the day. That way if you lose power (for whatever reason) your paddle home will be downwind.

Why You Should Consider Buying a Boat This Summer

Have you ever dreamed of sailing on your favorite lake or open sea in your very own boat? Here’s why you should consider buying a boat this summer.

Do you love the feeling of cruising on a tranquil lake or ocean? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a boat? This summer, why not consider investing in an aquatic adventure and purchasing a boat? A boat can open up many possibilities—whether it’s fishing, sailing, or just enjoying the beauty of nature from out on the water. Below, we detail why you should consider buying a boat this summer.

Exciting Way To Explore the Outdoors

Buying a boat can be an exciting, unique, and adventurous way to explore the outdoors. The endless possibilities and freedom that come with owning a boat allow you to experience the beauty of nature. You can leave the crowded beaches behind and explore secluded islands, hidden coves, and crystal-clear lakes that you can only reach by boat. While aboard, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, stunning wildlife, and peaceful serenity far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Exploring the outdoors on a boat allows you to create memories that will last a lifetime, whether you prefer fishing, water skiing, or a leisurely cruise.

Perfect Opportunity for Family Time

There’s something about being on the water that brings families together like nothing else. And owning a boat provides the perfect opportunity to make those family memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine cruising across the stunning blue waters of a lake or ocean with your loved ones by your side, taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying each other’s company. A day on the boat is always a day well spent with family.

Enhances Vacations and Weekends

Picture this: a golden summer weekend, blue skies, and a warm breeze caressing your face while cruising in your boat. It sounds like a luxury reserved for the wealthy, right? Not anymore. Getting a boat may seem like a splurge, but the benefits are enormous. It can completely transform your vacations and weekends and result in unforgettable memories. Instead of being grounded on land, you can set sail in search of hidden coves and beaches, explore different areas of the lake, or fish in a new spot. The possibilities are endless. And what about those Fourth of July fireworks? Imagine having an unobstructed view and the freedom to enjoy the show from the water. You can take the boat out every Saturday and spend the day cruising, swimming, or relaxing on board. With a boat, you can enhance your experiences and make the most of your vacation and weekend trips.

Want to enjoy the benefits of getting a boat this summer? Go for it! There’s no better time to become a part of the boating lifestyle. And once you find the boat of your dreams, it’s important to know the things every new boat owner must know to help you prepare for all that family fun out on the water. Invest in your boat today and enjoy the freedom of the water!

4 Tips for Texas Gardeners To Tackle the Heat

Texas gardening is a challenge for many. Learn some tips and tricks for tackling the Texas heat, so you can grow fruits and vegetables with ease.

In Texas, gardening is war. Though there are plenty of native plants that find a way to thrive in the heat and humidity, many typical garden plants are hard to grow. This difficulty can be a source of frustration for vegans looking to grow fruits and veggies. Below are four tips for Texas gardeners to tackle the heat.

1. Make the Most of Shade

The main problem with gardening in Texas isn’t the soil or humidity; it’s the summer heat. In August, you can expect temperatures to reach triple digits on most days. That’s just too much time in direct sunlight for many plants. Delicate herbs, especially, don’t stand a chance. So, if you want to try gardening in Texas, figure out which side of your house or apartment gets the most shade during the late parts of the day and turn that space into your gardening haven.

2. Use More Mulch Than Usual

Keeping plants watered when temperatures are high can feel downright impossible. As soon as you water your plants, it seems like the sun just evaporates everything. The trick is to choose your watering times carefully and put down a thick layer of mulch around your plants to protect their roots. The mulch will help keep the sun from getting to the water before your plants can take a drink.

3. Slow Flow Irrigation Is Your Friend

It pays to install a slow-flow irrigation system for in-ground gardening. These systems allow water to drip into the ground near your plants over time. You won’t have to worry so much about staying on top of the watering during the hottest parts of the day, and your plants will get plenty of hydration.

4. Consider Installing a Greenhouse

Installing a greenhouse in your backyard could be worthwhile if you’re struggling with gardening. A greenhouse helps Texas gardeners tackle the heat by controlling where the sunlight comes from. Looking to set up a greenhouse quickly? Consider getting a versatile dome greenhouse to control pests and allow for customizable insulation.

Gardening in Texas can be difficult if you’re new to the region, but plenty of people make it work. Make sure to check out some books on Texas gardening and focus on plants that grow well in your zone.

Tips for Helping Your Kids Fall in Love With Camping

Are you excited to show your kids the world of camping? Give them the best experience with these tips for helping your kids fall in love with camping.

Do you remember your first camping trip? The world probably felt so big and full of adventure. Camping is a fantastic experience for kids, but not every child is eager to head out into the wilderness—especially if they’ve never done it before. How can you share this beloved hobby with your children and pass on your love for the outdoors? Make your family trips a success with these tips for helping your kids fall in love with camping.

Camp Young and Camp Often

You’re never too young to start camping. The earlier you expose your kids to camping, the easier it is for them to adjust to the experience and start to enjoy it. Remember, little kids love copying their parents and older siblings. If you’re excited about a trip, your little one will be, too.

Even if you can’t go on a full camping trip when your kids are young, you can still foster a love for outdoor adventure. Pitch a tent in the backyard, go on family hikes in your local parks, and find other ways to get your kids outside and exploring when they’re young.

Bring a Friend

Everything is better with a friend. Besides, what kid doesn’t love a sleepover? One of the best tips for helping your kids fall in love with camping is to let them invite a friend. In addition to getting to share the experience, your child will also have someone their age to hang out with throughout the trip. Having another kid around takes some extra planning, but it will make the experience even more fun and memorable for everyone involved.

Make Camping Comfortable

For some people, the fun of camping comes from roughing it out in the wilderness. However, your kids don’t have the same resilience for the outdoors as you do. There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy and planning a comfortable camping experience—especially when your kids are still learning the ropes. Make the new experience as fun and gentle as possible so your kids can focus less on surviving the wilderness and more on enjoying all of nature’s wonders.

Where Do I Start With Shooting As a Hobby?

Shooting can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. Refining your marksmanship skills and learning more about firearms can support other goals (like hunting or home defense). Still, no matter how you choose to employ your skills, shooting is an activity that consistently offers new challenges in fun environments.

Not sure where to start shooting as a hobby? This guide is here to help. Whether you’re looking to build up to hunting or simply incorporate a range day into your routine, we’re here to help you get started.

1. Get familiar with the basics

If you aren’t familiar with firearms or have never shot before, start by learning the basics. Today’s new shooters can employ one or more of the following methods to get their bearings in the world of firearms:

Finding a community at a local range – We’ll explore more benefits of finding a local range in the next section.
Taking a course – Consider signing up for an Intro to Shooting, Concealed Carry Permit, or Hunters’ Safety course to learn more about shooting, firearms, and safety.
Finding information online – Doing online research can help you learn more about the basics, find an in-person community in your area, or prepare for an organized course.

2. Find a shooting range near you

The best way to practice shooting as a newcomer is to visit a local range: a facility where shooters can discharge their weapons in a safe, supervised setting.

But a range serves a few different purposes: You can visit to practice your skills, meet people with similar interests, and learn more about local resources for shooters in your area.

Meeting other hobbyists is an excellent way to learn more and get feedback and support as you develop shooting knowledge and skills. Perhaps the best part of learning to shoot is getting to know other shooters: people who can connect you with resources, provide tips, or even let you try out their firearms.

3. Source a firearm

If you’re interested in shooting, you’ll need access to a firearm.

Common Issues To Prepare for When Camping

No camping trip goes perfectly, but you can prepare ahead of time to make sure it goes smoother. Learn about the common issues to prepare for when camping.

Going camping can be a fun experience for everyone, but it also requires a lot of preparation. Before you find yourself fixin’ to leave for the woods, review these common issues to prepare for when camping. You will be glad you did!

Getting Lost on a Hike

One common issue people encounter when camping is losing their way while hiking. Although they started the hike with the intention of not going very far, they found themselves far away from their campsite with no idea how to get back.

You can avoid this issue by becoming familiar with the routes at your camping site as soon as you arrive. It’s also a good idea to bring a compass and locate the local landmarks to help you while hiking. If other people go with you, try not to let your conversation with them distract you from where you’re going. With these precautions, you’ll be less likely to lose your way.

Not Bringing Enough Food

Another mistake people make while camping is not bringing enough food. Although they reckoned they brought enough food before leaving, they discovered later that they didn’t. There are ways to prevent this from happening.

One thing to do is write a packing list several days before your trip that includes the food. That way, you can check the list to be certain the food is in your camper where it should be. Afterward, if you are still worried about not bringing enough food to the wilderness, try bringing more than you need.

Locking Yourself Out of Your Camper

A third issue to prepare for while camping is locking yourself out of your camper. Fortunately, you can prepare by bringing a spare set of keys. Alternatively, if you have experience picking locks, you can consider buying a lock pick set to bring with you. The set will allow you to easily let yourself into your vehicle instead of traveling to find the nearest locksmith.

Becoming Sick or Injured

It is also common for campers to become unexpectedly sick or injured on their trips. You can prepare for this by ensuring you have packed a first aid kit stocked with all the necessary supplies and medications. You should also review food safety guidelines so you can avoid food poisoning.

If you prepare beforehand, you will have a better chance of avoiding common issues on your camping trip. That will make things smoother, helping you and your camping companions have a much better time in nature.

Incredible Wildlife Parks To See in Texas

Texas is a beautiful state with much to offer. Animal lovers may want to plan a trip and check out some of these incredible parks to see some amazing wildlife.

Texas is a vast state with some amazing animals. There’s a park for you; whether you want to see exotic creatures from far-off lands or want to admire some animals you’re likely only to see in the Lone Star State. Here are a few incredible wildlife parks to see in Texas and some of the animals that you may encounter.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell is a fantastic park for those who want to experience rare animals. This park is one of the only places on earth where guests may encounter the critically endangered whooping crane. While guests are in the area, they may also want to swing by the nearby coastal regions for a chance to see dolphins.

Ann W. Richard Congress Avenue Bridge

While not distinctly a park on its own, those looking to see wildlife around Lake Travis may want to swing by Austin in the summer and walk the Ann W. Richard Congress Avenue Bridge. This bridge is the largest urban colony of bats in the world, and those interested in seeing the beauty of them flying through the night skies won’t want to miss the opportunity.

Franklin Drive-Thru Safari

Some of the most incredible wildlife parks to see in Texas allow you to experience animals from far-off lands. Texas is home to many exotic wildlife parks, with the Franklin Drive-Thru Safari being one of the best experiences. The drive-thru park has over 1,000 animal species, such as zebras, giraffes, camels, and kangaroos. It even has designated areas where guests may walk around and interact more closely with the animals. It’s an incredible experience for any animal lover and one you don’t want to miss.

Big Bend Ranch State Park

The Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest park in Texas and has positively breathtaking landscapes and scenery for visitors to take in. Additionally, those wanting to see some wild animals won’t leave disappointed. Guests may frequently see mule deer, collared peccary, gray foxes, jackrabbits, and desert cottontails. Keep your camera ready when you head to this park because there’s something beautiful around every bend.