CurlyShavings

We went fishing this past week in Lake Klein (map) at Greater Cleveland Council's Camp Beaumont. It's a neat little lake, one that I often hear doesn't have any fish in it.

I must argue though, that I've never walked away from Lake Klein without having hooked at least one fish, usually several and this time was no different.

First, though, we had to capture this very patient frog. He/she/it was hanging out near the Adirondack in the Sycamore Campsite that will eventually bear my grandfather's name. We painted it a few weeks ago and decided to check out how good a job we did. And while we were there, this little guy was checking us out, too. (We did put the frog back.)

We were there for Family Night, visiting our oldest Scout who is a Counselor in Training this summer for four weeks. He's learned quite a bit, worked really hard and has gathered quite a few stories to tell.

He's currently working his last week before coming home for a week and then packing up for two weeks of the 2010 Jamboree. Should be a fun July! One of the biggest things we've noticed with him gone this summer is the grocery bill has gotten smaller. The other is there's no one left who is excited about mowing the grass.

But seriously, we have missed him. And I cherish the Sunday drive out to camp with him and the time spent Saturday when I pick him up for his 22 hours at home each week.

Well, it seems that other wildlife was also curious this night. We had four or five damselflies that would land on a hat, someone's hair, the tip of a rod or the tackle box and just sit there.

If one got "shooed" away, another would take its place.

Have you ever wondered what the difference was between a dragonfly and a damselfly? Well, it's really quite simple:

the wings of most damselflies are held along, and parallel to, the body when at rest.

Well, the bluegill/sunfish were biting flies tipped with artificial maggots trailed about 18 inches behind a float.

Even my wife hooked a nice bluegill. So did the little one.

My oldest daughter (10, pictured) was having some trouble. We try to let our children be pretty independent in many things. In this case, that meant more fishing for Daddy.

It also meant some frustration a little further down the shore. I could sense some tears coming as she was having some difficulties, so I went over, helped her untangle her line and get the fly and the float in the right position. We've been practicing some fishing knots and this was a good opportunity to implement an Improved Clinch Knot. If I'd felt a little stronger on the blood knot, I doubt I would have had to snip, clip and re-tie everything else.

With a "fresh" maggot-like thing on the sharp little hook, she cast it out, began to reel it in and bam!!! she hooked a nice-sized one.

I think it's pretty easy to see just how proud she is.

And she should be, too.