There’s an old song that has a line, &uot;Summertime and the living is easy.&uot; That kind of describes the laid-back part of the summer that I remember from my younger years.

It seems that vacation time, fishing, camping and back yard barbecues were the thing to do. Weekend picnics were always something to look forward to or be surprised by when it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to do it. These sometimes worked out the best.

The mention of the word picnic always seemed to get a kid excited. Going to an area park and eating the same food you could eat at home made average food seem like a feast.

It’s good to see families in the area using our parks and enjoying being together in the outdoors.

These days, with all the things going on in our lives, it’s nice to just step back and let the fast-paced world pass us by, if only for a day or an afternoon.

The last time I went to the camper for the weekend I didn’t hear anything but a little music and the weather on the radio, and the natural music of the two pair of resident loons that reside on the lake. I had no idea if the Twins were on a winning or losing streak or if there were any new events going on in the world. It was nice to remove myself from the everyday things and just enjoy a little of what the outdoors had to offer.

I guess that’s why I enjoy fishing. You can lose yourself in the moment and be hypnotized by the sight of a bobber bouncing gently on the waves. A person may even be shaken from his trance by the sight of his bobber actually disappearing under the water.

There have been a couple of times when I’ve become a little too tranquil and almost lost a rod and reel to a fish. On Memorial weekend I was on the dock and had my line in the water and had laid my pole down to help my grandson untangle his line when my pole started to make a dash toward the end of the dock and almost ended up in the water. The grandkids thought it was pretty funny when Grandpa had to scramble to save his pole from disappearing into the lake. I have to be the first to admit that my reflexes aren’t quite as keen as they used to be.

A couple weeks ago I mentioned my grandson Grant losing his mom’s pole to a large fish. I am beginning to understand where he gets it. I don’t think he has actually been interested in touching a fishing pole since that incident, but he’ll come around.

&045; &045; &045;

There have been a few good fishing reports coming out of some of the area bait shops.

Mankato: Catfish action is good on the Minnesota River. Large suckers are producing larger fish. Look for some consistent walleye action in the deeper holes on the Blue Earth River. A jig and minnow combination seems to be the ticket there. Lake Washington is producing a few walleye. Sunfish are still shallow and are still plentiful on Lakes Washington and Jefferson. Northern are still active on Little Jefferson.

Fairmont: This area has been kicking out a few crappies on Hall Lake, Amber Lake and Sisseton Lake which is also producing some of the areas best bluegill action. Hall Lake is producing a few walleye and northern in less than 10 foot of water.

Faribault Area: Cannon Lake has been giving up some walleye and stripers trolling #5 Shad Raps. Other lakes worth a look in the area are Cedar, French, Shields, Mazaska and Roberts. There are also some nice bass to be caught in these lakes. Shad Raps of various types seem to be doing well on all waters in this part of the state.

Waterville/Elysian: Tetonka Lake still seems to be the place in this area. Lots of fish being caught the past couple of weeks and also lots of variety. Reports of northern, walleye and some nice bluegill being caught Weeds seem more prominent than in past years but fishing has been good.

These are just some of the area lakes that I have heard reports on this past week.

&045; &045; &045;

I regret that was unable to attend this year’s &uot;Take a kid fishing day,&uot; but from all the reports I have heard it was another successful event.

Howard Johnson, one of the Sportsman’s Club volunteers, couldn’t say enough about all the people that get involved in the event. He said the number of participants was about 450 and every year the number of volunteers has grown. They gave away 350 rod and reel combinations, tackle boxes, lures and many other prizes.

Wal-Mart was a major contributor this year along with many other businesses and organizations.

My wife and daughter-in-law took three of my grandsons to the event and said they all had fun although Grant, the youngest, still wouldn’t have anything to do with a fishing pole.

The Fountain Lake Sportsman Club and all the volunteers along with the Minnesota Department of Conservation do a great job of introducing and encouraging the sport of fishing to kids of all ages. This is a day that has become a tradition in Albert Lea.

We should all give a big thanks to those who make this event possible because a lot of work goes into making this a fun day for all who participate. Howard said seeing the smiles on the faces of all the kids that are there is what it’s all about.

&045; &045; &045;

Good Luck and Good Fishin.’

&045; &045; &045;

Keep showing your support for our troops.