Summer fishing means battling the weeds

Some of the area ponds and even lakes have been suffering from an overgrowth of algae and heavy weeds. But some anglers have been able to score when working the open pockets, especially for big bluegills and largemouth bass.

Before I get to other inland waters, an update on the big lake.

Perch action on the south end is getting better as the days go by. Small minnows and soft-shell crawfish are the live baits of choice, and small minnow-imitating soft baits are also working. North end perch are a bit more difficult to find, but try your hunt near Lake Forest in 75 feet of water.

The Fox Chain held its own through the hot spell. North end action for bluegills continues to be good. Walleyes are showing up for trollers on Fox, Petite and Channel Lakes. The night bite for muskies on Lake Catherine is something to check out.

Fish story:

A 13-year-old Port Orange, Fla., boy is recovering after his arm and chest were slashed by a 5-foot barracuda that leapt into his dad's boat "like a torpedo" Sunday as the two fished in the Atlantic Ocean. Parker King received 27 staples and 17 stitches. The incident "is definitely not going to stop me from fishing," King told reporters. "But I won't fish for Barracuda again."

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.