So my good friend and housemate discovered a rather improbable method of, well, frog fishing here at the lake house.

Lately, a whole mess of reeds have become dislodged or cut from other parts of the lake, and lodged into our little corner, creating something of a habitat for the local frogs, who seem to have just come into their own in the season. My friend decided to attempt to lure them closer, with a little white worm lure – sans hook – trailing off a fishing line.

Sure enough, the normally shy and skittish frogs go crazy for it, hopping for yards out of their hiding places to go after it! Once upon it, they gobble it up into their mouths and hold on tight, not yet swallowing, as if unsure what to make about the rubbery texture. At this point, with a gentle tug, they allow themselves to be dragged right along, holding on to the lure with their jaws at all costs!

I must admit that throughout the whole process I was worried for the frog’s well being, but they didn’t seem at all hurt by the process, even after leaping off the deck. They’re pretty hardy.

Speaking of hardy beasts, we also recently found a large common snapping turtle dug into the mud right next to our dock! It seemed dead at first, barely reacting to our close inspections. After picking it up for a photo shoot, we suddenly realized it might have been nesting. Picked a hell of a place.

(all photo and video by iPhone 4)