Fishing at the right depth, and not moving your bait or lure much, can put a lot of fish on the end of your line in the winter. And using some simple devices that will help you know when you have a fish on the end of your line is a big help too. The water in the frozen lake will range from 32 degrees (directly under the ice) to 39.2 degrees (at the bottom of the lake). Fish, being cold-blooded, will congregate and forage in this dense, warm layer.

Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says fish become lethargic when they’re under the ice. “Fish will often stay at a certain water depth all winter long,” Cushing says. “Also, they aren’t as willing to move fast to catch their food. “Keep those two things in mind,” he says, “and you should find plenty of fish on the end of your line this winter.”

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We help more buyers purchase lakefront property than any other Realtors® in New England. Here are the Top 6 Reasons why lakefront buyers choose to use our FREE REPRESENTATION:

1. KNOWLEDGE: We live the lakefront lifestyle ourselves and understand the intimate details of the area lakes & properties. We understand the right questions to ask, the most common pitfalls, and deploy the most effective strategies possible to make the most of your dream lake home purchase. Our “Keys to Buying Lakefront Property”seminar continues to set the standard for future lakefront home buyers.
2. CONVENIENCE: We pride ourselves on obtaining a deep understanding of yourlakefront home wants and needs. We become your “Personal Lakefront Assistant” saving you time by qualifying homes in advance and pre-screening locations to ensure they meet your needs. With one call, we complete the “discovery and due diligence” phase of any property that interests you.
3. EXPERIENCE: Water quality, aquatic vegetation, lake management techniques, lake associations, watershed runoff, market conditions, etc. These are the items we live and breathe every day. Use our experience to your advantage. We prepare you to make the most educated decisions possible.
4. PASSION: We believe there are only two kinds of people in this world: Those who live on lakes, and those who wantto live on lakes. We cannot think of a better use of our time than to help others experience the lakefront living lifestyle. This is all we do; all day, every day. LakefrontLiving.com was developed from this passion… it is the ONLY site that provides quick and easy searches of DIRECT lakefront property and lake details in New England.
5. NO COST: All this knowledge and experience is available to you at no cost. The Seller of the property pays for our time, you get all the benefits. Remember, the Seller’s agent works for the seller and represents their best interests. As your Buyer Agent, we represent yourbest interests and negotiate on your behalf. NEVER enter into a lakefront real estate deal without being represented.
6. FREE KAYAK: Start your lakefront life in style. When you choose us as your Buyer’s Agent, we provide you with a new kayak at closing. But you MUST get us involved early in the process. Ask for details!

So what is the first step? Fill out our “Dream Lakefront Home” Form. Communicate your wants & needs in 3 minutes or less!

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Downsizing does not mean downgrading! Choose a lifestyle upgrade!

Say goodbye to the McMansion. In 2011, homes over 3,200 square feet ended their dominance and appeal. But don’t think that downsizing means downgrading. In fact, homeowners are looking to upsize their amenities to help them enjoy every inch of their homes.

And, while many different generations are following this trend, Boomers are a unique group, looking to enjoy a smaller nest now that the kids have flown the coop. It appears that lakefront homes are filling this need…especially since waterfront prices and mortgage rates are historically low.

Here’s what we hear from Boomers…

Bathrooms: Mature adults are looking for ways to turn ordinary rooms into extraordinarily indulgent spa experiences incorporating elaborate showers, heated floors and towel warmers. It becomes a place to escape.

Kitchens: Boomers are looking for kitchens with amenities that will assist with entertaining. Popular are open design concepts and upgrades that may include cooktops with special-purpose features, such as a built-in grill or wok; commercial or professional-grade appliances; a built-in coffee pot connected directly to plumbing or an oven that dramatically reduces cooking times without microwaves.

Bedrooms: Convenience-based bedroom trends include a laundry room off of the master suite, remote-controlled window treatments and voice controlled lighting and electronics.  

Outdoors: No-mow lawns have sprouted up as a time-, water-, fuel- and money-saving alternative to the traditional lawn. Also, radiant driveway heating systems are an ideal amenity.

Regardless of the size of your lakefront home, whether you build new or buy used, filling your empty nest with hot amenities will help to make your golden years as good as gold.

Considering a lifestyle upgrade? Find your lakefront dream home here.

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If the cold air has got you down, why not start dreaming about your summer fun on the water? Here’s some options for you…

The 19th Annual Providence Boat Show, January 12-15, 2012, The Rhode Island Convension Center.

The New England Boat Show, February 11–February 19, 2012, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Great Northeast Boat Show, March 30-April 1, 2012, The Hampshire Dome, Milford, NH.

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From the moment you walk through the entrance to the Lake Home & Cabin Show you’ll know you’re about to experience something special. They’ll have free features, demonstrations, give-aways, contests and seminars – all designed to engage and involve you in the experience of life at a lake home or cabin.

Relax, unwind and enjoy. Madison, Wisconsin, January 27-29, 2012, Alliant Energy Center.

If you’re a true Wisconsinite chances are you spent time at a lake home or cabin this past year. With an estimated 175,000 seasonal homes dotting the state, Wisconsin is the “cabin capitol” of the Midwest!

Now in its 8th year, the Lake Home & Cabin Show is Wisconsin’s ONLY show that specializes in second homes and the second home lifestyle. If you own a lake home, cottage or cabin or you want to own one this is a truly unique and focused event you’ll want to experience.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find at the Lake Home & Cabin Show:

• Rustic and Specialty Furniture & Furnishings
• Architects, Builders & Remodelers
• Real Estate & Finance
• Sporting Gear, Outdoor Equipment & Marine
• Landscaping & Lakeshore Maintenance
• Custom Products, Accessories & Publications
• How-To Seminars & Demonstrations

There are also shows in February and March, 2012.

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The figures in the table below are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. Reduce strength values 15% for clear blue, river ice. Slush or snow (white) ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice and can be very treacherous. “Honeycombed” ice, which occurs in the spring or during major winter thaws as the ice is melting, is the most dangerous ice, and best avoided unless the angler is certain there is a safe layer of solid ice beneath the honeycombed surface.

Anglers should also be aware that many lakes and ponds contain spring holes and other areas of current that may create deceptively dangerous thin spots in areas that are otherwise safe. Always use caution, and don’t venture out onto unfamiliar waters without checking ice thickness frequently.

How can you tell if ice is safe?

There are no guarantees — always consider ice potentially dangerous.

Check ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don’t venture on to ice-bound rivers or streams as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.

What if you, a companion or pet fall through the ice?

As with any emergency, don’t panic! Call for help if there are people nearby. While it doesn’t take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, you have more time than you might think; typically 2-5 minutes and perhaps longer if you are in good, physical condition. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using “ice pins” that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don’t waste precious time, you need to warm up and dry out. If you are in a remote area, this means getting to or starting a campfire. If you are in a more urban setting get to a car or house. Once there, get out of wet clothes, change into dry clothes to get warmed up and seek advice from your physician on medical attention. You need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia.

If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase “Reach-Throw-Go” If you are unable to reach your friend from shore, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

When walking on or near ice, keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well meaning pet owners can too easily become rescue victims when trying to assist their pets.

Outdoor recreation activities on the ice is a safe pursuit. By using a little common sense, these activities will stay that way.

For other ice safety tips and winter weather preparedness, check the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency website.

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Are you a full service real estate brokerage?

• Yes. Lakefront Living Realty, LLC is licensed in MA, RI & NH. We represent the interests of Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property all over New England.

 Are the properties shown on your site just your listings?

• No. Our sites represent EVERY lakefront property for sale in the states we cover. The site is updated hourly to provide buyers the most up to date and comprehensive list of lakefront properties on the web.

 Do you just show direct lakefront property?

• Yes. Every new property coded as “waterfront” that comes on the market is pre-screened daily. Only direct lakefront properties make the cut and are placed on the site alongside their specific lake page.

 How do I find information on a specific lake?

• Since 2003, we have been collecting data on every lake in New England. Every property you find on our site will have a specific lake link attached. There you will find details such as boating restrictions, swimming data, boat launches, fishing info, weed count, size & depth, etc. You can also start your search by lake…chose “Lake Search” on the main menu.

Why is it so difficult to find direct lakefront property on the internet?

• When a new property is entered into an MLS system, there are all kinds of choices for waterfront. Therefore, everything is lumped together: ponds, streams, rivers, lake view, lake access, deeded rights, oceanfront, etc. 70% of what you see coded as lakefront on-line is really not. Our sites filter that out and just keep the 30%…direct lakefront. We have taken a 3 hour internet search down to 10 seconds!

Begin your dreaming today on www.LakefrontLiving.com!

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With the recent release of www.NHlake.com and our strategic partnerships with local premier lakefront specialty agents, there’s no reason for you not to find your dream property!

Our website displays ONLY direct lakefront property. We have taken a typical 2 to 3 hour on-line search down to 10 seconds! From small lakeside camps to multi-million dollar dream homes, we have it all. As with our other sites, NHlake.com provides detailed lake information pages to ensure the swimming, fishing and boating conditions satisfy your needs.

Once you find a property, they next key to a successful transaction is to work with a local lakefront specialist as your Buyer Agent. They provide intimate knowledge of their area lakes, building codes, and neighborhoods. We only work with the best in the business…meet our latest team members below:

Paula Hinckley, Broker, Realtor® & Carl Sack, Buyer’s Agent, Realtor®, New Hampshire Lakes Region Premier Lakefront Specialists

Broker Paula Hinckley and husband Carl Sack are truly Premier Lakefront Specialists. They have been passionately uniting buyers and sellers of New Hampshire lakefront property for over 10 years. Paula & Carl assist buyers in defining lakes that suit their needs, recommending the best values and answering specific questions about the lakes & lakeside communities. Purchasing NH lakefront property is different than any other real estate. We encourage buyers not to learn the hard way. Paula & Carl will be your NH lakefront property “coaches”…local expertise at no cost to you.

Darlene Sodano, Broker, Realtor®, Southern New Hampshire Premier Lakefront Specialist

Darlene has been in real estate since 1998 and is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Darlene prides herself on providing the highest level of service to her clients. She understands the lakefront lifestyle and can assist any buyer or seller in southern NH as well as north central MA. There are very few agents that can provide this level of multi-state knowledge of the local lakefront market. From small waterfront camps to multi-million dollar lakefront dream homes, Darlene specializes in finding the perfect property for you.

Start your dreaming today at www.NHlake.com!

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Today’s Snow Shoes have evolved over the last 30 years. When you rent or buy a pair of snow shoes today you’re getting a light weight, highly effective version of what has been used for centuries.

There are a number of reasons to enjoy the benefits of snowshoeing around a lake:

* A fun, inexpensive and active way to visit the shoreline areas
* Simple to learn and easy to access places covered with snow
* Great cardiovascular exercise for adults and for kids
* An entertaining social group activity

Snowshoeing is an extremely safe sport. Snowshoeing involves a natural motion similar to walking, to which the body is accustomed, and is very low impact due to the cushioning of snow. Any wintertime outdoor activity has its risks and snowshoeing is no exception. Take care to avoid the following hazards:

* First it’s a good idea to always bring Food and Water with You!  Just do it….
* Thin ice: Do not walk over frozen water unless you are sure of its safety. Even after a long freeze, a body of water may have thin spots. Be careful!
* Frost bite: Protect all exposed appendages, especially as the temperature drops or the wind increases.

* Hypothermia: Staying warm means keeping your body dry inside of your clothes and out.

To visit Snow Shoe Magazine, click here.

New to snow shoeing? click here.

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The largest one in the Country is the MSP Polar Bear Plunge called “Plungefest” in Sandy Point State Park in Maryland. Last year, the event drew more than 25,000 Plungers and spectators. Plungefest 2012 features a heated Festival tent with great live music and entertainment, local and national vendor booths, Plunge Food Court, giant sand sculpture, a “Kids Zone” complete with face painting, games, inflatable fun and more.

Media support comes from WBAL-TV, WBAL-AM, 98 Rock and Comcast and celebrity support from Ravens QB Joe Flacco; WBAL-TV’s Jennifer Franciotti and Rob Roblin; 98 Rock’s Mickey, Amelia & Spiegel and more.

For just $50 in pledges, Plunge participants take a quick dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland, the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Anyone can participate!

 Looking to participate? Learn more here!

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