While the North Shore rivers of Minnesota are great places for expert paddlers, most of them can be deadly for non-experts. The lower Baptism is no exception; it's winding, steep, and twisting, with class IV and V waters.

Be prepared before you go with shoes like these from Columbia, that can handle the water or the slippery rocks when you portage. Another good choice is these convertible pants from Merrell. Wear as shorts while you're in the water, and zip on the quick-dry bottoms to save your knees from scrapes when you're out.

You'll hit action right after you reach the dells. There are two offset holes that you can avoid with little trouble, then a sweet pool at the end where the river makes a sharp left turn. Below that, another rapid leads to a boulder that splits the flow. The left side is your best bet, but if you can handle the Baptism, you'll manage the right.

There are a few sharp drops ahead, including one ledge that's about 3 feet and also shoots you off to the left. Past that, get ready to get out (river left) and scout. Downstream from you is Illgen Falls, a 35-footer. It has been run, usually with only minor problems, and you'll probably pop right up from the churning froth at the bottom. Then portage around it (also river left) to a steep trail, and it's not easy to climb down carrying your kayak, but wiser heads usually take the portage route. Below that, be ready to go ashore (river left) to avoid hitting a footbridge and going down High Falls just beyond. High Falls is the highest waterfall in Minnesota, and you'd have to be crazy to try it. Carry the kayak, take the trail, and put in below.

There's plenty more to come, but don't try this river without a good guidebook (try "Paddling Minnesota" by Greg Breining). The lower Baptism is sure to give you more than one rush!

Perhaps more than anything else, sport fishing requires tons of patience. While you are waiting for a trophy fish to finally tug on your line, unpack the iPod from your waterproof bag, toss back a cold refreshment and listen to these aquatic favorites:

"Under the Sea" (From "The Little Mermaid" Soundtrack)

One of the show-stopping tunes from the popular Disney film, this song talks about the joys that one can find just under the surface of the ocean. The lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken even go on to say that "it's better, down where it's wetter - take it from me."

"Louie Louie" (Sung by the Kingsmen)

Thanks to an urban legend, the lyrics to "Louie Louie" were supposed to be fairly offensive. In reality, this song is a fairly innocent "sea shanty" about a heartbroken sailor who wants nothing more than to come home and see the girl that he adores.

"Brandy" (Sung by Looking Glass)

This is a sweet, simple song about a girl who serves drinks to all the sailors who are stopping over in her harbor town. The men admire Brandy's good looks, saying that her eyes "could steal a sailor from the sea." Still, despite all this attention, Brandy adores only one man, who, unfortunately, is in love with the sea.

And in case you ignore all those small craft warnings:

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (Sung by Gordon Lightfoot)

In memory of the 29 Edmund Fitzgerald crew members who lost their lives in 1975, Gordon Lightfoot wrote and sang this haunting, yet beautiful song about how the sea truly can be a cruel mistress.