Summer, where have you gone?

I can't believe it's the end of August already. Seems like we just rolled up April and were getting ready for the various fishing openers.
Spring and summer both have passed right by us. We went from winter directly into a chilly summer. Hex bugs were set back knocked out of whack. Not many stories about large trout being tangled with using the hexegina limbata or better known at the hex.
My fishing began early in the year with a trip to Bergland and Lake Gogebic this past January. Since that time I haven't had  a line in the water unit this past Friday evening when I managed to get out with the long rod for a couple of hours on fly water.
I've seen more doctors and hospital emergency rooms than I have lakes or rivers.  I can almost memorize hospital menus, knowing what each institution offers better than I know what is in my fly vest.
Back in the real world for a few days now, my arms are covered with bruises the result of IV's, blown IV's and numerous blood draws.
I look like I was in a hatchet fight without the hatchet. Hopefully I'm on the mend and can eventually get into some fishing before the hard water settles in for another season.
Those of fortunate to enjoy good health should take advantage of it and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
Others, me included, should be thankful we are back and on track to enjoy the outdoor life and all that the fall seasons have to offer.

You've got the perfect excercise tools, so use them

The perfect exercise tool are you feet and legs with walking being the best all-around exercise for most of us.
This weeks column had to do with getting older, slower and perhaps taking the attitude that there wasn't anything left to do once old age has set it.
Doctors keep preaching it. Keep moving. Get off the couch, out of the Lazy Boy, leave the remote home and get outside.
You can begin your exercise as soon as you walk out the door. No special equipment is needed. An old pair of sweats, something to keep your head warm, a pair of athletic shoes and you're ready to go.
Many doctors are saying just 20 minutes of walking a day is sufficient to keep muscles loose and joints working pain-free.
Balance is another important part of our life as we age. So many people fall and break a hip which sometimes leads to pneumonia and possible death.
Actually, getting your balance back is easier than walking. Grab the back of a sturdy chair then raise one leg slightly off the floor and stand that way for a little while. Change sides and hands then do the other foot.
Try balancing on one foot while brushing your teeth. Half way through, change feet. Stand on alternate feet while waiting in the checkout lane. Hang onto the shopping cart for balance.
You don't have to give up the things you enjoy doing as you age. Just remember to keep those muscles and joints in good working order.
Begin now and you'll have the legs, energy and stamina for the upcoming hunting seasons.

A gift for Father's Day was a definite surprise for Lee Anderson

Lee Anderson from Wolverine Lake fishes that lake for bass, pike and panfish. He has never fished for musky nor has he had an interest to do so.
This year for Father's Day, instead of the usual necktie or socks, Anderson asked for a golfing rain suit.
"I got a small bag and opened it up. Inside was a certificate to fish with Captain Don Miller on Lake St. Clair for musky," said.
The trip would quickly involve Anderson's two sons, son-in-law and three grandsons making the charter a great family outing and educational for everyone as well.
"Don was great. He had the kids pick out lures, told then where to stand on the boat when we were trolling, where to move to when we got a strike and where to be when we netted a fish.
Anderson got the first strike which turned out to be a 49 1/4 incher ad good enough for the third largest caught in Michigan this year according to a letter he received from the DNR.
Grandson Connor who is eight, got the next strike, winding in a very decent 36-inch musky.
For more information on musky charters contact Miller at (734)-429-9551 email:dsmiller2@comcast.net, www.millers-sportfishing.com.

Connor Loftus, 8, with 36-inch musky.