wife layed down the law

[Kicknbass]

We are heading north for the summer. Minnesota and Wisconsin. I know the place is loaded w/ lakes, and finding a place to fish will not be hard, but if anyone knows of a must fish location, please chime I w/ a suggestion. I will be packing a spinning rod, a bait caster, and a fly rod. I have 3 small children, so nothing hard core. I don't think that this is a boundry waters excursion, but could use some solid advice.

Thanks.

[SilverMallard]

If y'all like shopping and art/craft and fishing, Taos, NM, is impossible to beat. It's our favorite. Most lodging there is a bit pricey, but there are a few great buys. Laughing Horse Inn is a fabulous double-adobe B&B in town that costs about the same as the Best Western or Comfort Inn in town. All three are very affordable options. The food is EXCELLENT all over town if you like Southwestern. And prices are very reasonable. And there's a pizza place right across the street from Laughing Horse that is AMAZING. And about 1/2 mi up the road is a fantastic nouvelle Mexican joint that is a terrific bargain. Fishing options range from the Rio Grande right outside of town (big browns...big water...lots of public access) to the Little Red, the Cimarron, and a couple of other smaller streams full of wild trout up in the hills to the N and E of town. Taylor Streit's Taos Fly Shop in the place to get your info and flies and such...or hire a guide. The art galleries, jewelry shops, folk art/craft shops are endless. Taos is one of the great folk and fine art capitals of the United States. And then there is the Taos Pueblo for history/cultural education for the kids (and grownups). It is a huge, ancient, real native American pueblo village. It has been continuously inhabited for many centuries. And the Indians preserve the ancient culture. Then there is the Kit Carson House and Museum. That is a "don't miss" stop as well. It is in the Taos Historic District downtown. The people are very hospitable and laid back. The whole place has a bit of a New Age/hippy sort of feel to it...even moreso than Sedona, AZ, or Carmel, CA. You can make the drive in one long day of pretty serious driving. Or you can stop for the night in the OK/TX panhandle to break it up. Absolutely stunning scenery as you get within an hour of Taos coming from the East! The kids would see antelope, mule deer, and all sorts of wildlife along the way starting at the TX/NM border...maybe even Elk or a bear.

Pics: (L to R) Taos Pueblo, Laughing Horse Inn, and Pronghorn Sheep

http://www.taosguide.com

http://www.laughinghorseinn.com

http://www.taosflyshop.com

http://www.taoschamber.com

[skeeter]

I'd suggest Sanibel Island FL. Excellent shelling while strolling on the beach, wildlife refuge on back half of island, beach access limited to those staying there, no high rise condos allowed, outstanding tarpon fishing May and June and fishing for other salt water species with local guides using light tackle and open boats. Lot's and lot's of beach front condos for weekly rent and this is the "off-season". Just be sure and check the pool before jumping in first thing in the morning !

[Terry Beeson]

Kickinbass... Check on talkflyfishing.com or the forum on flyfishingarkansas.com ... The guy you need to talk to is maddog Mike Davis. He's from up that way and was up there recently for a visit with his folks. He can suggest some good water for you.

OR you can email him at lrrtroutnut (at) suddenlink (dot) net