Photo by Robert H. Cleveland Jr.

Finding the right balance between fishing time and family time can be a challenge when the entire brood goes on summer vacation. Buckeye State anglers need not worry, though, because prime fishing holes are just a stone's throw away from educational, entertaining and unusual attractions sure to please every family member.

Fabulous fishing is a given in Ohio, with Lake Erie's 2.25 million acres plus 451 miles of the Ohio River, 40,000 miles of streams and more than 200 inland lakes to choose from. Whether it's panfish for the kids to practice on or magnificent muskies, Ohio's got that.

And when it's time to put the pole away for the day, great hiking, natural resource education, historic sites and family entertainment are only minutes away.

Here's a roundup of some great family fishing vacation destinations to keep your clan happy this summer.

BUCK CREEK STATE PARK
East of Springfield, Buck Creek State Park offers plenty of camping and a 2,120-acre lake full of walleye, bass and panfish. There are 111 campsites, of which 89 have electricity. There are 26 housekeeping cabins. Buck Creek has a full service marina, a public fishing dock, a half-mile long beach, seven miles of hiking trails, volleyball, basketball and bike rentals. For information, call 1-866-644-6727.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages a visitor center and recreational site near the C. J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, offering displays, programs and dam operation tours.

Hiking, picnicking and fishing are allowed. Call (937) 325-2411 for details.

Another great place to stay or to fish is Kiser Lake State Park. The 396-acre lake is swimming with largemouth bass, bluegills, channel catfish, crappies and saugeyes.

The park has a boat launch and boat rentals. Only non-motorized craft are allowed on the lake. There are five fishing piers. Kiser has 114 non-electric campsites, a beach and five miles of hiking trails. For a hike, check out the North Bay Trail, which follows the lakeshore for over a mile.

For details, call (937) 362-3822 or 1-866-644-6727.

Or try the Enon Beach Campground, which has cabins and sites for tents and RVs, a 20-acre lake with fishing and swimming, boat rentals and a playground. Call (937) 882-6431 to learn more.

There's no shortage of fun things to do in this region of the state. There are rich historical sites, natural wonders to explore and all the offerings of city life in nearby Springfield and Dayton.

Be sure to drive the Simon Kenton Historic Corridor between Piqua and Mechanicsburg. This popular route offers access to the Piqua Historical Area, the A.B. Graham Memorial Center (commemorating the founder of 4-H Clubs), the Cedar Bog and the Ohio Caverns.

The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) celebrates 2,000 years of Ohio history, from the prehistoric Indians to the state's canal era.

Much of the focus is on John Johnston, a farmer, public official and United States Indian Agent who contributed much to the settlement and growth of western Ohio. Visitors to his 1829 home and farm will meet costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators who make learning fun.