Get close up and personal with Indiana Log Cabin nature

Saturday, May 9, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

 
There is so much nature to be found at our Indiana Log Cabin rentals property.  One of my favorite birds to watch in the late spring and summer is the Hummingbird.  I have always found these birds to be so magical and beautiful. 

When you stroll by the banks of Lake Webster and through the lots it is not uncommon to see turtles, bass and crappie fish jumping along with swirls of muskie and schools of  blue gill, sun fish, and perch (on a clear day). 

It is common to spot  raccoons, beavers, muskrats, groundhogs, deer. frogs, butterflies, bees,  and a few pesky skeeters too. Here at Epworth Forest  you're surrounded by the calming and beautiful gifts of nature.

 

Lake Webster Offers Plenty of Big Catches Too

Saturday, May 2, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

My nephew Chuck (pictured left above) just got back from a awesome fishing trip on the Osage River.. He just posted some of his great catches that I just had to share at least one!  Wow, now that's a catch!  He loves to fish as he started very young with my Dad (Grandpa) who was a avid fisherman.  I have invited him to our Log Cabin Indiana Rental this summer as there are plenty of fish to be caught in Lake Webster too.
Lake Webster is not only known for being one of the best Midwest lakes for Muskie fishing but there is a great population of  Black Crappie, Bluegill, Large mouth Bass, Muskie, Redear Sunfish , and Yellow Perch to be caught too!  






Crappie Fish Are Biting At Our Vacation Home Indiana

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

The crappie fish were definitely biting this past weekend when Wes and I did another Indiana Weekend Getaway to our cabin rental Indiana.  I made sales calls around the North Webster, IN area that day and took my lunch break at our Indiana rental cabin in Epworth Forest. I enjoyed lunch seated at our  picnic table that views Lake Webster.  I couldn't believe how many fishermen were playing hooky on this spring Friday. 
 
 

 
 It was obvious that the word was out that the fish were biting right outside our pier. 
It was a beautiful sunny day and not only could I hear the spring frogs chirping but also overheard some of the conversations from the fisherman.  I heard one Fisherman say "There are ton's of crappie over here, most of them are males"
 


There were at least 8-10  fishing boats in close proximity to our cabin shore line.  Sadly, I couldn't hang around much longer than a hour as I had sales appointments to attend to.  I knew I would be returning later that evening to a peaceful sunset over the lake and the fishermen would still be there.. and they were!
No surprise as our lakefront rental views a lake that is known for catching all sorts of fish including being renown for the best spot ever for Muskie Fishing Indiana.

Another source of info about our Northern Indiana Rental Cabin

Saturday, April 11, 2009 by Roxanne Turner


Several months ago Wesley and signed up on Facebook that is a very popular Internet social networking site.  We both had trepidation at first about dong so as we felt that perhaps this was mostly used by the twenty something generation.  To our surprise we have connected with a slew of friends in our generation and found this to be a fun and useful site.  I now am more connected than ever to my nieces and nephews who live out of state. I must say that a portion of facebook reminds me of  a high tech version of what I use to do in grade school called passing notes.  Writing one or two sentences and folding your note up in a triangular shape and passing to your best friend in class.  They in turn would write some quick update, humorous comment, or about who they had a crush on.  Always hoping that the Teacher wouldn't catch you and read your note out loud. 
Basically, Facebook can be very entertaining and a quick way to stay connected,.  Face Book also offers a business public profile.  We have just begun the construction of a Take It Easy Face Book Profile to give you additional insight about the owners,  and log cabin details.  Of course our business face book is not intended to replace our website blog but will be just another avenue to tell people about the best Muskie Fishing Indiana cabin anywhere.   We plan to post some great Indiana Weekend Getaway photos, and an array of family outdoor activities that takes place in Epworth Forest located in North Webster, IN.  Our Indiana Lake Cabins listing will be  under Hotels/Motels.  For a fast find just type in Take It Easy Cabin.  We hope to have our Indiana Log Cabin Face Book page fully completed soon. 
 

Crappie Fishing Indiana

Friday, April 3, 2009 by Wesley Duke Sapp

Crappie Fishing On Lake WebsterReprint from HoosierAngler.com

King of the Crappie by Captain Bradford McClatchie
"Of all the fish in the great state of Indiana, crappie are still a favorite. Oh sure, they are fun to catch and taste great. More important is they remind me of learning to fish with my dad . . . "

Webster is one of the great Fishing Lakes Indiana.  When you stay at the Log Cabin Indiana you can experience Crappie Fishing Indiana, Bass Fishing Indiana and Muskie Fishing Indiana plus bring back great  memories like mentioned above.

Lake Cottage Rentals Indiana are the way to go for Northern Indiana Fishing.  Have fun, reminisce and catch a mess. 

Lake Webster Fishing In the Spring

Friday, April 3, 2009 by Jess Wehner
Get Kissed By A Fish At Lake WebsterOk- so I may not be an expert fisher, like a lot of you out there, but I've spent some time fishing on lake webster and have been reading some great articles about spring fishing in Northern Indiana lately.  I just read one- Spring Fishing Underway, from the South Bend Tribune. 

Are you and your friends planning a spring fishing trip?  Here are some tips I read in the article that can make your spring fishing succesful:

"The key to any good fishing during the early spring is to find the warmest water. The northernmost manmade channels or shoreline shallows warm up first and fastest because they receive the most benefit of the sun.

Sunshine is a big key. Area tackle shop operators report the best fishing days have been those when water temps were rising, hence the need for sun. Also, dark bottom with stained water warms up faster than the clearer, sandy bottom lakes."

Lake Webster is a great spot for fisherman to visit - whether your hunting for Bass, Crappie or Muskie, you can catch it all at Lake Webster.  And the best part yet, our Lakefront Cabin Rentals Home is discounted this month!  Just mention our blog when you book your stay and you will receive 25% off a week stay in April.
 

About the Founding of Epworth Forest

Sunday, March 29, 2009 by Wesley Duke Sapp

Map of Epworth ForestWhy do people come to the Epworth Forest? Is it just for Indiana Lake Cabins?  Many full time residents and visitors who return to Epworth Forest year after year describe it as an experience rather than a vacation -- a place for rest and relaxation, fun and recreation, Bass Fishing Indiana, Crappie Fishing Indiana, Muskie Fishing Indiana, meaningful connection with family and friends, renewal and spiritual growth. How did Epworth Forest come into existence?

In 1921 the following appeared in the a publication of the Western Advocate: "District Superintendents of the North Indiana Conference, have closed a deal for the purchase of 240 acres, including the entire north shore of Lake Webster, for the purpose of establishing a Methodist Assembly, similar to the one at Lakeside, Ohio. It is the intention to construct a tabernacle with a seating capacity of 5,000 (!) and build a hotel. The grounds will be platted and offered for sale in lots."

These 240 acres soon became known as Epworth Forest.  Many Individuals and groups have built Lakefront Cabin Rentals and Vacation Rentals Indiana but there is only one Indiana Log Cabin in Epworth Forest.

In 1922 a charter set forth for "The Epworth Forest League Institute of the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church." The Conference set aside church property, which included:
 

  • Central assembly area
  • Ball park recreation area away from the main campus
  • Kline Island
  • Roads throughout the community
  • Platted fire/access lanes down to the lake waters edge.
  • Platted lakefront easement along the lakeshore so the whole Epworth community could enjoy the waterfront for walking, fishing, swimming, Northern Indiana Fishing and boating.
  • The remaining land was divided into lots that were sold to private individuals and United Methodist churches beginning in 1923.

The community began to take shape as the Conference built a hotel and auditorium. More church camp buildings soon followed. Trees were planted. Many private cottages were constructed. And the first Institute was held on Aug 10, 1924.

Over the years Epworth Forest has grown from undeveloped acreage to a place of beauty on Lake Webster.

The residential community in the early days was made up primarily of church groups attending camp and Methodist families who wanted to cool off and get away in the hot summer months. Today many cottages continue to be owned by the descendants of the original families that built them in earliest days of Epworth Forest. But by the end of the 1940's and early 1950's, many cottages had been sold and resold and the community became what it is today - a place enjoyed by a wide variety of families and individuals who come for overnight, Vacation Rentals Indiana or live here year around.

Over the years, thousands of individuals have been influenced by the Epworth Forest setting. Epworth Forest continues to be a place where a wide variety of people enjoy vacationing, recreating, learning, growing, and worshiping.

Come and visit us soon on the shores of Epworth Forest. We look forward to your visit and we'll see you at The Lake!


Musky Posts with Tips and Comments

Sunday, March 22, 2009 by Wesley Duke Sapp

Here are some Muskie Fishing Indiana posts from Musky Hunter Magazine.  They'll help when planning your Northern Indiana Fishing trip.  You could stay with us at our Lakefront Cabin Rentals when you plan your trip to any of the Fishing Lakes Indiana.

(Vince is a Fishing Guide in the Epworth Forest, Lake Webster area)

Vince Weirick
01-08-07, 09:27 AM (CST)
    
"Indiana fishing"
 
Well, the waters are soon going to be solid. Next weeks weather looks bad with highs at 30

and lows in the teens. The last week of 2006 and the first week of 2007 were outstanding to

say the least.
I went on 9 consecutive days of fishing with putting a 40" plus fish in the boat. My client

put a very fat 46" X 23" pig in the boat (picture below). On Jan. 1 we went out at 11:30am

and boated 11 muskies...didn't make it out Tuesday but on Wednesday with clients we boated

18 muskies from 30-41.5" and lost 9 more. With the other fish from this past week...44 in

the boat this year!

Vince Weirick
574/551-0214

Attachments
 Musky Fishing Indiana 
Top Water
01-12-07, 10:18 AM (CST)
    
1. "RE: Indiana fishing"
In response to message #0
 
   Vince,that is just sick!!
Is this time of the yr. the best time to be on Webster or is the spring/summer bite better?

and are you guys catching these fish on a
single pattern or a number of different ways? Anyway,congrats on an awesome week of

fishing.
Jerome

Proverbs 13:3
 
Vince Weirick
01-15-07, 05:11 PM (CST)
    
2. "RE: Indiana fishing"
In response to message #1
 
   Jerome,
Usually we do not have open water this time of the year. So,usually May is the best time.

The other best time is right before ice up which is usually in mid December.

It is a certain pattern although others are catching a few on other baits. Which if you

have a little patience I might have something coming out on this pattern.

Vince Weirick
574/551-0214

****************************
jbmuskie
10-24-06, 09:16 AM (CST)
    
"Kinkaid & EZE Glider"
 
   I just returned from Kinkaid where we got a 43, 35, & 30 in a day and a half. Two fish

were top water. The other fish was on a crankbait. Water temps were 60. A bonus of the trip

was that I was able to throw a new soft plastic lure that just came out on the market - the

EZE Glider. It looks great in the water, and it can be worked in a variety of ways. Has

anyone else been throwing this bait this fall?
jbmuskie
 
PFLesox
10-27-06, 12:17 PM (CST)
    
1. "RE: Kinkaid & EZE Glider"
In response to message #0
 
   JB
I'll be tossing them at Webster this week end, along with dragging meat.
Glad you like them.
I slow my presentation down with them in the fall (colder water), more of a drop and lift

action than a glide.
That is one thing nice about soft plastic, you can change things up!
Take care and good luck on the water.
Paul

***************************************

MikeHulbert
05-19-05, 12:18 PM (CST)
    
"Indiana Weekly Report"
 
   Indiana Musky Fishing has simply been on FIRE!
Big fish, small fish and mid range fish, they are simply eating like crazy.
Water temps are rising, and ranging from the high 50's in the mornings to low to mid 60's

in the after noon.

Weed growth is awesome and is holding fish. The weed kill on Webster hasn't effected the

fishing what so ever. They just sprayed the Barbee Chain, so watch out for huge clumbs of

floating weeds.

Bait fish and the muskies are scattered throughtout the lakes. Muskies are being caught on

the flats, off the breaks and once again in open water. Bait selection for me has been

Bulldawgs, Turmoils, and Weagles.

Several nice fish have been taken in the last week, 49.5, 47, 48, 45, 47, 44, 44.5,

etc.....

Get your butts out there!!!

To check out photos visit my site: http://www.mikehulbert.com

Be sure to check out message board as well as the recent catches!

Mike Hulbert
http://www.mikehulbert.com
419-553-6570

Release 'em all!

Remember to stay at our Vacation Home Rentals for your Lakefront Cabin Rentals experience.  Contact  Ron & Cathy Shipley, 574-453-4098 or Wesley Duke Sapp, 317-625-2782 to book your Spring 2009 stay at Vacation Rentals Indiana for Fishing Lakes Indiana and a Vacation Home Indiana safari.

Webster Lake Musky Club

Saturday, March 21, 2009 by Wesley Duke Sapp

Muskie Fishing Indiana has many fans.  This is a reprint from the WEBSTER LAKE MUSKY CLUB Created by William Bennett
Website: http://www.websterlakemuskyclub.net
Location: North Webster, Indiana
Accommodations: could include Indiana Log Cabin
2009 dates for the club outings
Comment by William Bennett: hey all here is the line up for (this) year.. we might be adding a another show since ft Wayne decided (renfro productions) not to have one next year.. anyway here are the dates.

2009 Schedule

LURE SWAP DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED!!
March 28th ~ Ice Out Challunge (Alt date April 4th)
April 25th ~ Guide for a Day
June 6th ~ Tippy cash tournament 6am-3pm
June 19th & 20th ~ Iron Man
Sept 12th & 13th ~ Barbee/Webster Tournament

See more Fishing Lakes Indiana at the site mentioned above and also check on other Northern Indiana Fishing.


Muskie Fishing Indiana on a Cold March Day

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Wesley Duke Sapp

WEBSTER WAS “HOT” ON A COLD MARCH DAY.  (reprint of an article by Mike Ice on www.hoosierangler.com)

"I can remember a certain phone call from a good friend of mine like it was yesterday. That particular friend was one of my favorite fishing partners and a Muskie guru. I could tell right away that he wanted to involve me in something that had to do with fishing because he was excited and asked what I had planned for the upcoming Saturday. My first thought was that the Steelhead trout were running in the Grand River and he wanted me to come up there for the action. Then he proceeded to tell me that he was talking to an employee at Ye Old Tackle Shop earlier that day who informed him that Webster Lake had been free of ice for about a week. Once he said the words “Webster Lake was free of ice” I knew the game plan. Mike Ice Webster Musky on a Cold March DayDespite the weather forecasts for the upcoming Saturday we decided to meet up there that weekend anyway."  These guys are up for a Muskie Fishing Indiana Adventure!

"That Saturday finally came and we met at the backwater ramp on Webster Lake. Once we got my boat loaded with all of his gear, we slipped her in the water, parked the truck and headed out to the main lake basin. The weather started out mild for an early March day with air temperatures in the upper 50’s. That would soon change because the forecast called for the weather to get drastically worse as the day progressed with accumulating snow by evening. We started fishing on a spot that had produced for my friend and I in the past, but it was unproductive with only one lazy follow from a mid 30 inch fish. After pounding that entire shoreline we decided to take cover from the increasing wind and decreasing temperature behind an island that had a decent flat that was close to deep water."  This is probably near Kline Island just off the Epworth Forest shore.

"As we started moving out of the deep water an up over the flat, my friend changed up from a small crank bait to a jig. I could not believe what I was seeing and with confusion on my face and a couple of sarcastic remarks to him I continued to throw my trusty crank bait with confidence. It wasn’t six casts into the drift when he yelled out “I got one!"  Those baits are used more for other types of Northern Indiana Fishing like; Bass Fishing Indiana or Crappie Fishing Indiana.

"I looked over and his 8 foot flipping stick was buckled in the middle and shaking fiercely. I could not believe that he had a Muskie on that stupid jig, but sure enough he did and she was a nice one too. The fight was exciting to watch with a few quick runs and some strong head shakes. One more run under the boat and he led the fish my way and I got her in the net. After two quick photos and a measurement she was put back in the water to fight another day. That fish was 43 inches long and I have to guess her girth was around 20 inches. Once the excitement and high five’s ended we gathered our gear and started to continue down that same flat. Five minutes later I asked him about fishing with plastic jigs because I was still in disbelief about how he caught that fish and wanted to pick his brain for info. He said that he has used plastics for several years and especially in the early spring when the fish are lazy and want something dangling in front of their nose to get them aggravated enough to bite. That seemed like an intelligent enough answer to me so I went back to controlling the boat and throwing my buck tail."  What a great Indiana Weekend Getaway.  And with the weather like it was that day they would have been glad to end up by the fire in a Log Cabin Indiana Vacation Rentals Indiana.

Epworth Forest.. Bridging The Past To The Future

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Roxanne Turner
 I
Our love for "Take It Easy" Indiana rental log cabin has been both inherent and experienced with year's of memories.  I am sure Wesley's parents had this in mind from the start for not only their son but for future families and guests.  A place to love, revere, share and hold scared and a place to create more memories!
 
I have had the good fortune of being a partner in "Take It Easy" log cabin and have a  healthy respect for the foundation, history and what this cabin truly offers all who enter this Indiana Getaway Retreat . In every room there is a story to be told.  The living room opens up to a cathedral type of ceiling with log beams and a wooden wagon wheel chandelier that Wesley's Uncle Jimmy made and installed in the fifties.   The guest book has comments as far back as the fifties expressing their favorite lakeside vacation moment   Family Ancestors hand made colonial style rugs grace the natural wood floors along with scattered antique pieces that Ms, Emily personally selected from the 50's until the 80's.  A portrait painting of a log cabin can be found in the master bedroom as this was a house warming gift for the cabin from Wesley's grandfather to his Mother when the cabin was first built.  If only these walls could talk and share more details of the conversations, cabin dinners, cookouts, table games, swimming, boating, muskie fishing, prayer and refuge that has taken place here.
 
Over four years ago,  Wesley and I started updating, decorating and rearranging  rooms  in the cabin.  Together we joined forces and put long hours into a consignment booth at Heart Of The Lakes Antique Shop in North Webster, IN.  We sold some antiques and collectibles and then replaced our cabin with new decor.   We continue to build and preserve the beauty, history and memories that this cabin embraces. 
 
Together we are bridging the past to the future and enjoying the journey.   There are so many more memories to be made here and cherished as the setting it set... it just awaits family and guests arrival for more memories.

Spring Fishing is Just Around the Corner

Friday, February 20, 2009 by Wesley Duke Sapp



The Boat Sport and Travel show in Indy is goin' on now.  It's a huge event that has a long history and big following.  We've had folks stay at the cabin who went there to learn about all kinds of fishing that they can do while staying at the Lake Webster Cabin.  There's Bass, Crappie, Musky (sometimes spelled Muskie, short for Muskellunge,) Bluegill, Perch, "Sunfish", Catfish and probably more.  Basically any kind of fish you can find in any Northern Indiana lake you can catch in Lake Webster.  Since we have a Lakefront Cabin you can walk right out the door of the cabin and cast your line.  Or, go out in the boat to your favorite fishin' hole.  There is a very large contingent of Musky fishermen who attend the event.  We've had several people book their fishing rentals already for the 2009 season.  Get your gear ready 'cause spring is less than 6 weeks away.

Al Compone Tales Of Fishy Business at Lake Webster

Saturday, January 31, 2009 by Roxanne Turner
True or False?
Did the famous Al Capone (Scarface) once spend time in and around Take It Easy Log Cabin? According to local lore, Chicago Mobsters including Al Capone where suppose to have hide away in the original brick cabin across the street along with  hiding out inside some of the cabin islands located on Lake Webster. There are at least 5 cabin islands on this lake that can only be reached by boat. 

It would appear to be a prime spot to gamble, bootleg and a place to cool off while the heat (police) were on their trail. 
The brick cottage across from ours was one of the first cottages to be developed in the area.  Records have been found to prove that the original owner/builder was connected to the Chicago Mob  The house is built of steel and concrete and constructed similar to a fortress.  All of this mob business is said to be happening while the Methodist Church camp was going on just feet away?  Imagine that!
 
There is a fascination about this history as even "hearsay" has to have some basis for a beginning.  Chicago is around 150 miles from our cabin so the proximity would make sense too.  Many days when we cruise or fish on our lake  we let our minds wander back in time and can easily imagine this tale unfolding. Al Capone is suppose to have been spotted at many other nearby lake areas.   One of our favorite small restaurants that we like to go to is The Barbee Hotel/ Restaurant, located in Warsaw,  just around 5 miles from our cabin door.  They claim that not only Al Capone stayed in room 301, in the back of the hotel, but that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their honeymoon there.  Whether it is fact or fiction that one of Capone's hideouts was in or around North Webster Lake (known for it's Muskie Fishing) doesn't really matter as it's a fun and thrilling story to believe and share with guest. 

Log Cabin reviews of our lake vacation rental on North Webster Lake in North Webster, IN

Saturday, January 24, 2009 by Roxanne Turner
               
This is the original visitor log book that was started in the 50's for guest who came to visit the cabin over the years

It reads...
Come in the evenings.
Or Come in the morning.
Come when you're looked for
Or come without warning.

There have been hundreds of relatives and guest who have left behind their memories of spending time at this vacation log cabin.  Many guest with second and third generation family members who have continued to return each year.

There is something special about this cabin as it's a magical place that creates memories for all who enter in.

 
I don't think I can fully describe in a blog all the history and wonderful family moments and fun that has been experienced over the years at our vacation rental log cabin in North Webster, Indiana.  I know what I have personally experienced along with the stories that Wesley has shared in his lifetime at the cabin, yet to read the historical comments recorded over the years is so very touching.  We love sharing this cabin with others as it was built out of love and continues to be a place of refuge for relaxation, fishing, nature, boating and a great get away from life's demands.

Here are just a few of the log book entries that guest have left behind:

August 31, 1950
Thanks for the swell time.  Enjoyed the cottage and the fishing!
Grace Farrell


(Wow, when was the last time you heard someone say.. "Swell"  Uh.. maybe my Grandmother!)

August 19. 1953
We've had a wonderful time together.  We will remember such things as the fire, swimming, boat ride, tours etc for a long time.  We left all our cares behind once we entered the cabin.
Love, Baba Duke

(This is why we renamed the cabin as truly you can take it easy here and leave all your cares behind)

August 4, 1962
Went swimming, played in tree house, rode the Dixie boat.
Mark Phegley

(Wesley as a youth had a tree house that other youth enjoyed when visiting the cabin)

August 12, 1984
I had a great time fishing, swimming and water skiing.
Love,
Jon

August 15,1987
Our family really enjoyed your cottage.  The boys hardly left the pier
The Bowens

August 11, 1990
We're headed for home after a week at your cottage. We had a really enjoyable time.  You really have a lovely place with a great view. 
The Daugherty Family

September 18, 2002
This cottage is just breathtaking and the view as well. We hope we can make another entry sometime soon.
Doug Marrs & Family

October 1, 2002
You have a wonderful place.  This is are 3rd year here and have appreciated all your upgrades.  We have enjoyed prime fishing, no less than 2 muskie and caught Blue Gills. The weather has been outstanding, the fishing super.  Thank You!
Gerald Kuehn

(These guest still rent the cabin in the summer

Jan 29, 2008
My family and I had an awesome time. Most relaxing vacation ever. Enjoyed fishing, grilling and jet skiing. Small town atmosphere. Cabin is cozy, we had 2 adults and 3 children stay."
J Vince Meyer
 
I will blog more about log entries in the following months to come. 
 

Lake Webster is a fisherman's paradise for Bass, Muskie and Crappie fishing

Friday, January 23, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

Relaxing SceneryI have many pleasant memories as a youth fishing with my Dad. He loved the sport and was pretty darn good at it. Some of our best conversations were shared out on the lake with fishing poles in hand. I sometimes think of him at the cabin and how much he would have loved Take It Easy cabin, especially when the sun begins to rise and cast it's dawning light over the cabin trees.  If he were with us today you can bet he would be the first out the door and on the lake to catch a big one.

 

 

 

Lakefront CottageOur cabin takes many reservations from casual fisherman to serious sport fishermen because North Webster Indiana area offers both action and opportunity to land a monster and the fishing is simply awesome.  The DNR reports there is an average of 6 adult fish per acre with the average length around 38'.

 

 

 

 

 

One of our renter's at "Take It Easy Cabin" with a big catchThe lakefront cabin is located in Kosciusko County an considered  to have the best Midwest Muskie fishing lakes. These lakes also offers great fishing for Black Crappie, Blue Gill, Large Mouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Red Ear an Yellow Perch...and that is no fish story!