'Dog Days' can be good days

Staff

Published Saturday, July 30, 2005

By Dick Herfindahl, Outdoors writer

With this break in the really hot weather it seems to rekindle everyone's enthusiasm. To me it's like splashing cold water on your sweaty face on a 90-degree day.

I think most of us are inclined to have a little extra bounce in our step and may have an extra smile or two for everyone.

As we head into the 'Dog Days' of August we should remember that there's still some good fishing ahead. Some of us start to lose the urge to hit the water when August rolls around. In all reality it can be a good time to fish.

Bass fishing can actually be pretty good when the hot August days give way to the cool nights. This is when there starts to be a fog on the lakes as the cooler air greets the warmer water and the sun starts to rise above the horizon. This is an excellent time to fish top water lures over weed beds. If you have weed beds that are submerged a foot or so under the surface and are close to deep water, you can actually have some pretty good fishing by throwing a top water lure. Look for little pockets in the weed beds, they can be holding fish and often produces some very good fishing action.

I don't think there is a more refreshing feeling that being on the lake the sun rises on a late summer morning.

There always seems to be something magical about the cool air and the fog that slowly lifts to give way to the morning sun. Nothing gets the adrenaline flowing like the silence of the moment being broken by the sound of a fish jumping in the distance on a cool, still and foggy August morning.

It's still too foggy to see them but you can hear them as they feed on the surface.

For anyone that has ever dreamt as a child about catching the lunker that lurks around the next point this has to be what it's all about.

I guess if you are a true fisherman the child in you never quite goes away. It's not about how many fish you boat or about catching the biggest one. It's about being there and knowing that the biggest one you've ever caught may be in that next pocket in the stream, under those lily pads or lurking under the branch of that fallen tree.

Many years ago I read an article about a young boy that was always trying to catch this big old bass that lurked in a pool in this creek that he fished quite often. He became almost obsessed with catching the fish, which he had actually given a nickname to.

One day he finally realized his dream and was able to catch the fish. He was alone at the time and had nobody there to witness the great accomplishment. He surprised even himself when he decided that the only right thing to do was release the old fish out of respect for all the times the fish had gotten the better of him. He said he felt a certain "good feeling" and sense of accomplishment even though he never

told anyone about this for quite a few years.

As long as we are looking into the teeth of the month of August I will mention an event that will be coming up in September.

The Southern Gateway Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association will be holding it's Annual Banquet on Sept. 10. This will be at the American Legion Club in Albert Lea. It kicks off with a 6 p.m. Social Hour followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Cost for this year's event is $45 for an adult, spouse is $20 and forkhorn (16 & under) is $20.

There will be a 'Wall of Fame' photo contest with prizes for the best photo. Bring you favorite deer hunting photo (4x6 or larger) along to the banquet and you may just win a prize.

For more information, contact Ed Miller at 373-1050 or Jack Adams at 373-4153. You may also e-mail Ed at epmiller@smig.net.

Here are a few fishing reports from around the area:

Mankato - Catfish are hitting large suckers on the Minnesota River. Walleyes are taking spinners with crawlers or leeches trolled from 8 p.m. until midnight on Lake Washington. Bass and northern pike have been most active in the shallow weeds of Lake Washington. For crappies and sunnies, try 12-foot depths around Grassy Island. Anglers are taking pike from Big Jefferson Lake on spinnerbaits.

Faribault - Bluegills continue to be caught from less than 10 feet of water with worms on Lake Mazaska and Shields Lake. The docks on Cedar Lake are providing bass anglers

with steady action throughout the day. On Cannon Lake, shallow-running Shad Raps in the channels have produced a

few walleyes during the evening hours. The evening hours also are producing a walleye or two on French Lake in 18 to 22 feet of water. Leeches and nightcrawlers have worked better here.

Until next time, play safe; take time to enjoy the outdoors and "Let's go fishin'."

Remember to show your support for the troops that are serving our country so that we may enjoy these many freedoms that we have.

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