(P) Back from our vacation in Wisconsin

Well, I am back from spending 3 weeks at my grandparent's cabin in Wisconsin. Liz and I took the kids up there for a good time and to make more special memories (it is an annual trip). We mostly swam at the lake, played games and fished. I have to say that this was one of our best summers for fishing and weather. We caught a limit of fish most of the time we were on the water and the temperatures peaked in the high 70's or low 80's everyday (without the Kansas humidity of course).

My oldest son, Ryder, fished off the dock every morning and evening in an attempt to set the hook on another big bass (he has no problems catching them). My oldest daughter, Ashlynn, caught a few bass and my youngest son, Gage, tore up the bluegill for the first time. I had the opportunity to fish with all three of my brothers, my cousin, my mother and grandmother, and especially my lovely bride. I really enjoy fishing with my wife because she is such a natural at fishing! Each summer she goes fishing once or twice but she can cast and set the hook on big fish like she does it everyday. She needs no instruction and I enjoy watching her be successful. Yes, she has out fished me a time or two.

I have to shout out a BIG thank you to my cousin, Steve. We elected not to buy a boat this year because I did not receive raises at my work, etc. So, Steve offered to let us use his bass boat while we were in Wisconsin on vacation. It was really nice of him and we would not have caught nearly as many fish without his boat. Thanks Steve and keep our honey hole a secret! I say that because Steve, my brother Jeff, and I went fishing one morning at a new lake. Wow! After fishing for a couple of hours, we started catching 4-5 pound smallmouth and largemouth bass. We caught 12 fish that averaged over 4 pounds. It was awesome. We returned to the lake on another day with equal success. My brothers and I fished another lake earlier in the week where we caught 32 bass in less than 3 hours. Good times!

The fishing stud of the trip though, was my son Ryder. He wanted to fish 24/7. He would fish for bass, bluegill, northern pike, even a muskie if I would let him. Ryder wanted to learn to do everything for himself. He is very good at casting and is very patient. I was extremely proud of him. This 6 year old fishing junkie reminded me of another 6 year old that fished relentlessly on my grandpa's dock. Me! I guess this is a stage in life when we watch our children grow up, doing the things that we used to do. It was special and rewarding. If Ryder's passion continues for fishing, he maybe fishing the BASS tournament circuit one day. That was once a dream of mine so I think I could help him get there, but only if that is what he would want. I know I still grind my teeth a bit when I see fishing pros like Dean Rojas and others on TV. I used to compete with those guys back in the 1990's in California. Oh well, such is life.

Here are more pictures showing some of the fish that we caught. They look a bit short due top my wife's camera lens. However, 7 of them were 19" or longer. Next week I will start cutting the clover on our food plots and brush hogging. It is time to put out the trail cameras and start preparing the fields for fall food plot planting (in the end of August). Seven weeks until opening day in Kansas!!!!