Lake Erie, first timer

[jackd1023]

Hello all, it has been a few years since I have been to lake Erie, the times I have gone has been Charters.

I want to bring my boat there in late March, What should I bring?

I have Jigging rods and a bunch of crank baits.

I have read about trolling here I am considering purchasing a couple of trolling rods and reels, any preference? What line and size?
Planers ,dipsys?

In short if I started with nothing what should I have? Just want to plan ahead and it will give me some time to shop,

Thanks

[flipp19585901]

start with winning the lottery ,planer bds reels rods ,cranks, crawler harness etc . so where are you fishing huron deep water?

[SPANKY1]

Where do u want to fish the Lake?
March seems a little early

[jackd1023]

Was reading that the "jig" bite starts mid march, is that right? Near Port Clinton

[jackd1023]

I am in the process of ordering jigs from captain hook,

I am heading to Cabellas to look at trolling rods, Just wondering what type of lures.....

[K Gonefishin]

If you could only take one bait it would be Rapala Deep Down Husky Jerk's size 12, Smithwick Rattlin Rouge's floaters and suspending in the diving model also work well that early, in march the water is still very cold, they want a slow rolling stickbait.

[Papascott]

March can be very difficult on erie. There is a chance of ice still being around, spring run off can make for cold muddy water, imho that's the toughest conditions possible! The tactics can range from basically ice fishing from an anchored boat to possibly slow trolling cranks with an outside chance for jigging the reefs with hair jigs or jig and twister, that early I would tip your jigs with shiners and make sure to use stinger hooks.

If this is your first solo trip I would suggest waiting til mid to late april. By then most tactics will pull fish and fishing should be more consistant. Not saying march is not good, some of my biggest bags came ice/boat fishing in mid to late march, but I. Have had many many fishless weekends when the cold water turned to mud.

Scott

[jackd1023]

Thanks guys,

I might be able to push it off to first of April, My life seems to get CRAZY as the weather warms.

I any color combinations on the Cranks? .08-1 mph? and around the reefs?

I am also purchasing a map so I can study it any suggestions? Port Clinton area is where I know or is there a better area to launch?

[Juls]

Thanks guys,

I might be able to push it off to first of April, My life seems to get CRAZY as the weather warms.

I any color combinations on the Cranks? .08-1 mph? and around the reefs?

I am also purchasing a map so I can study it any suggestions? Port Clinton area is where I know or is there a better area to launch?

The #12 DHJ's in Pink/white glass is a must....wink wink. Shhhhhhhh!

As for other colors...the usuals...purples, blues, naturals, chart/yellow, and whites

You're correct on the speeds.

Keep an eye on the sattilite pictures of the Western Basin as the time gets closer...if it's windy and all mud, don't bother coming until it cleans up. Pray for mild winds this spring. We could use a good hatch this year.
To find the sat. pics...go to www.noaa.gov (http://www.noaa.gov) and put "Modis" in the Search box, then click on the link for the "Lake Erie Modis Images"...(don't put it in the box where you're supposed to put your address for weather forecasts, because that won't work. ;))

West end....launch out of Wild Wings. "B" Can, "A" Can, "K" Can...Niagra, and Crib Reefs, Turtle Island, West Sister and the surrounding area, and don't forget the beaches...the mouth of the Maumee (bunch of humps), etc.

There are plenty of people fishing that time of year, if the ice is out, and the water is fishable. Just ask here, and we'll get ya going in the right direction. Often times, you don't have to go far from the launches to catch fish.

Make sure you have the required safety equipment aboard too. If you don't know what you need see this link:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/requiredequipment/tabid/2727/default.aspx

Hope this helps...

Juls

[jackd1023]

Ok now have four trolling rods, just picked up some reels (here) bought some new crank baits (here) planer boards, Jigs.......wow adds up lol.

any other suggestions would be appreciated.

First week of April is penciled in on the calender ( weather permitting)

[southerncomfort1]

Ok now have four trolling rods, just picked up some reels (here) bought some new crank baits (here) planer boards, Jigs.......wow adds up lol.

any other suggestions would be appreciated.

First week of April is penciled in on the calender ( weather permitting)

Hair jigs for early April for sure.Trolling will most likely produce your bigger fish but jigging the reefs will fill the cooler with eaters most likely.All depends on what your after.With Erie you always must watch the weather forecasts and this is especially true in the spring.So check the weather,winds,and marine forecast often right up to you pull out of the driveway to prevent wasting a trip.Good luck