Karen Dillon

Karen writes about the people and places of Smith Mountain Lake in "Shorelines," published bi-weekly.

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From the end of October to the middle of March, it's hit-or-miss when it comes to finding a marina that's open. All that, however, will change in the coming weeks as area marinas begin opening for the spring and summer season.

"It's been pretty quiet," said Tom Buck, owner of Mitchell's Marina in Huddleston, of the winter season. "There's not much going on."

During the colder months, when the marina is not open regularly, Buck said a phone number is posted on the door of the business for boaters to call if they need fuel.

The slower winter months give marina owners time to prepare for the upcoming tourist and boating season. Mitchell's Marina is installing 14 new aluminum-covered floating docks.

"They're the first aluminum docks on Smith Mountain Lake," said Buck.

The new docks, which can accommodate boats up to 45-50 feet long, are stronger than wooden docks, require little maintenance and never need painting. "They'll look good forever," said Buck.

Mitchell's Marina also plans to install a new pump-out unit later this month, just in time for the 2008 boating season.

On the Blackwater River arm of the lake, Crazy Horse Marina closes for the winter season, but boaters with a credit card can buy gas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Carol Landrum, one of the owners of Crazy Horse as well as nearby Foxport Marina, stays busy throughout the winter fielding phone calls from customers inquiring about the availability of gas at the marinas, boat-slip rentals and lodging. Foxport has efficiency lodging units that are rented out year-round.

"I still get the calls all during the winter," she said. "We have a lot of fishermen that stay in the lodge."

In the coming months, Foxport will be gearing up for the 40^th annual Cave Spring Optimist Club fishing tournament scheduled for the first weekend in May. More than 700 fishermen participate in the event which awards $15,000 in prize money.

This year, the Optimist Club is planning another tournament to be held Oct. 3-5. Foxport will be the designated place where fishermen will weigh in their catches during both tournaments, said Landrum.

Fishing usually is what brings people to the lake during the off-season. As the weather turns warmer, more fishermen are coming to the lake to fish for fun and participate in fishing tournaments.

Captain's Quarters opened its doors a bit earlier this year specifically to accommodate the fishermen.

"The weather seemed to have broken earlier this year," said owner Dewayne Lamb.

The business, which offers boat rentals, fishing tackle and a guide service, opened March 1 and was the weigh-in site for the Smith Mountain Striper Club's fishing tournament on Saturday.

While Lamb has expanded his tackle selection by 10-15 percent, he's held off on buying more boats for his rental business because of the seemingly weakening economy.

"I'm looking for a slower season," he said. "We really have to watch what we do and not overstock."

Even though the slower winter months cause many marinas to shut down entirely, Bay Roc Marina has remained open year-round. Located on the lake's upper arm of the Roanoke River, the marina has been open four days a week and, beginning in April, the business will expand those operating hours to seven days a week, according to employee Gloria Burchette.

"Business has been pretty slow [this winter]. But we still have customers come in for breakfast and lunch, to have their boats serviced or to pick up parts," she said.

The marina offers dry and wet boat storage, gas, boat rentals, a restaurant and a service center. Burchette said business all depends on the weather and if the fish are biting.

"You never know when fishermen are going to be out."

Also open all year is Bridgewater Marina at Bridgewater Plaza. It also has a 24-hour pump available to those paying by credit card.