Photo by Bill Banaszewski.

As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to heat up, many Mississippians are looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the summer. And with the kids out of school, why not make this year's summer vacation an angling adventure they won't soon forget?

Despite their fascination with high-tech gadgets and cell phones, most kids in today's fast-paced modern world still have a blast catching a stringer of bluegills, paddling a canoe, or taking in the naturally beautiful sights and sounds on a hike through the heart of Mississippi. No matter where you live in the Magnolia State, there are numerous places to take the family and enjoy these simple activities that forge family bonds and nurture a love for the outdoors that will last a lifetime. And best of all, you won't have to wear the numbers off your credit card in order to find a great spot where your family can enjoy an unforgettable outdoor vacation.

From oxbow lakes and coastal marshes to giant manmade reservoirs, fishing is by far one of the most popular outdoor activities in Mississippi. And with 24 state parks scattered throughout the state, a great family fishing vacation is literally just down the road.

From the Appalachian Mountain foothill country in Tishomingo State Park to the Mississippi River bluffs in the Vicksburg National Military Park or the sandy beaches of the Gulf Shores National Seashore's Horn Island, Mississippi has plenty to offer. One of the great attractions of the Mississippi's state parks is that each is unique. And for those wishing to combine education and adventure with a multitude of outdoor activities, there is no better place than one of these facilities.

In order to help launch this year's summer vacation season, I've selected the top three Mississippi family fishing getaways for the corresponding months of June, July, and August. I've chosen these locations because they're kid-friendly, with plenty of room and opportunity for young anglers to experience the joy of fishing along with a wide variety of other activities and attractions sure to appeal to the entire family. Each of these state parks is family oriented and a great place for a weekend or a week-long summer vacation. So let's get started!

JUNE
Trace State Park
Pontotoc County is home to 600-acre Trace Lake. This is a top quality recreational lake that has gained a reputation as one of Mississippi's finest fishing hotspots. Located 10 miles east of Pontotoc and nine miles west of Tupelo off State Highway 6, Trace State Park offers a quiet, natural retreat. Yet, it is also only minutes away from Tupelo, one of Mississippi's fastest-growing cities and the birthplace of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley.

Trace State Park holds a high ranking on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' listing of the state's Best Bream Lakes. However don't overlook the quality largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie that call this lake home. And this June the fishing should be spectacular.

Last summer, the lake level was drastically lowered to allow repair work to be done on the dam. During this period, dense vegetation quickly took over the former lakebed. Once the winter rains refilled the lake to its normal capacity, this same vegetation became home to a smorgasbord of creatures that the fish in the lake have been feasting on. In addition to an abundant food supply, a load of pea gravel was spread in key locations around the lake offering the bream an irresistible choice of top notch spawning beds.