We took a fun trip up to my wife’s families house on the lake a couple of weekends ago. I did quite a bit of fishing, the bite wasn’t real hot but I did find a few good ones. The fish pictured below measured 3.4 lbs, I caught him using a technique that is fairly new to me. One of my goals as I fish more is to try new stuff. So I was “punching pads”, that involves using a heavy weighted plastic (for me it was a Yum Creature bait), you peg the weight so it won’t slide and then pitch it into the really thick pads and scum. The thought is that with the heavy weight your bait will be able to make it through the weeds to the more open water below. I would say my luck was only so-so, I don’t think my weight was quite heavy enough to really punch through so I was getting hung up a lot. I did catch the nice fish above doing it so I think there is some potential!
I also threw my old standby the scum frog a fair amount and fished the outside weedline with a creature and jig during the morning hours.
Weather Report: The weather was HOT and humid with tons of sunshine. The wind was never really a factor, and the weather pattern was pretty stable.
I targeted the pads because I knew the fish would be seeking shade from the bright sun. Plus, I have always found fish in the pads during hot, sunny weather. With more time I would have pitched to docks a little more, and one of these days I would like to target some deeper fish.
We also spent a little time scouting a chunk of woods that we will be hunting this fall. It was a family affair! It was me, my FIL, my wife and our two boys. It was hot and a little buggy in the woods, but overall it was a fun and informative trip. At first glance the woods look awesome, lots of potential. I will need to spend a little more time exploring before I decide where to hang my stands.
Sorry about the smile, I was pretty focused on getting everyone in the picture! 
I carried Elias on my shoulders for most of the trip which was quite the adventure, especially when I accidentally stepped into a completely hidden creek, TWICE! We were walking across a deep grassy area, and I had NO idea the stream was there! It was about 2 feet wide and a good 3 feet deep, and the grass had it completely covered. The first time I went down to my hips, Elias did freak out a little bit. But on the second unexpected plunge into the creek, I fell all the way in and he got a little wet too. He latched onto my face and pushed my hat down over my eyes. He had a finger in my eye with his death grip which made it a little challenging to climb out! We ended up OK, and he has been telling everyone who will listen about our adventure!
Elias loves riding in the boat and he got to come along with dad when we took the boat to the ramp to load it on the trailer. Fun to see him enjoy the boat, fishing and the outdoors. Hopefully, I am planting the fishing seed that will grow in him for a lifetime!
