What to Use at Erie

[lucky2]

On April 21 we are leaving for our first trip to Lake Erie in search of the illusive walleye. I am planning on bringing bottom bouncer/spinners and cranks. Thundersticks, Reef Runners, Wally Divers ,and Shad Raps. What do you recommend on trying first when we get on the water? We will also have planer boards along. Any help will be appreciated
Thanks for your help and keep your line in the water.

[ETT]

Sounds lie you got a plan. Myself, I'd probably put a high lure (Rip Stick) out on a board on one side, a Reef Runner back 80-120 on the other side, and run 2 spinners deep on the inside. Then let the fish tell you what they want. Play with colors and speed and just have a ball. Good luck.

[Fishnwiz]

Plan on useing the boards right of way...unless the water has alot of color to it! You have your bait selection down...run perch and firetiger if you have it! Also .....leadcore and snapweights are a great option, if you have them! Spinners do and will take fish..but, sometimes cranks are the ticket! Watch for packs of boats but do NOT get hung up on staying inside of them...troll the outside areas and as long as you can get out, you WILL take fish! Plan on watching the waves crash in for at least a few days...but do NOT take any chances if you have NO big wave experience. A few years back...I spoke with a few guys from Ill in a small rig...These guys were out for the first time and saw us catching alot of fish. We gave them a ton of info on the water. When we left for the day..these guys stayed out late into the evening and got caught in a big east wind blow. Next day...we found out that these same guys were on their way in and drove into a test net near shore, in the dark! Both were killed when their boat filled with water....We were devestated, to say the least! I still think about these guys till this day! RESPECT THIS BODY OF WATER...No matter how tempting the walleyes are!

[ETT]

Great point Wiz!!! With the cold water temps we are all riding around on top of water perfectly capable of taking our lives. Look over the side of the boat and realize you are stareing death in the face. Be carefil out there!! You needn't fear the water, but to not respect it is begging for trouble.

[RANGER]

HEED THE WARNINGS!!!! GOOD POSTs! LUCKY2, YOU HAVE TOLD US THAT THIS IS YOUR FIRST TRIP TO ERIE. THIS LAKE IS LIKE NO OTHER YOU HAVE BEEN ON. SHE WILL BLOW UP IN A MATTER OF MINUTES, LITERALLY, AND PUT YOU AND YOUR COMPANIONS IN A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION. THERE IS A GOOD WEB SIGHT FOR LAKE CONDITIONS -

www.csuohio.edu/nws/marine/marine.html

BUT, AND THIS A BIG "BUT", USE THIS IS A GAUGE AND NOT A FACTUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE CONDITIONS. EVEN THE VHF WEATHER STATIONS IN THE AREA CAN'T GET A HANDLE ON THE CONDITIONS AT YOUR SPECIFIC LOCATION. YOU HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE AND AN EYE TO THE SKY AND YOUR EAR TO THE WIND. MOST BASS TOURNEYs, IN PA. WATERS, HAVE DECLAIRED THE "BIG WATER" OUT-OF-BOUNDS. LOST TOO MANY FISHERPERSONS OVER THE YEARS.

AS AN EXAMPLE - THE VHF WEATHER CHANNEL IN THE CITY OF ERIE REPORTED 1 TO 2 FOOT WAVES AND LIGHT SOUTH WIND AND MY DAD, BROTHER-IN-LAW AND I WERE SWEATING PUDDY BALLS TRYING TO GET OFF THE LAKE IN NORTHEAST PA. WHICH IS ONLY 20 MILES FROM ERIE CITY!!!!!! THE WIND WAS 15 TO 25 KNOTS OUT OF THE EAST, WAVES WERE 4 TO 6 FEET. THIS ALL CAME UP INSIDE A HALF HOUR AND WE STARTED MOVING RIGHT A WAY BUT WE WERE RIGGED AND 7 MILES FROM SHORE. WE BARELY GOT IN. SOME DIDN'T, UNFORTUNATELY. THANK HEAVENS NO ONE DROWNED THAT DAY! THIS LAKE IS NOT, I REPEAT - NOT, ONE TO TAKE LIGHTLY, BELIEVE US!!!!

RANGER

[fishnwiz]

FYI...I do NOT know if you guys have a place to stay yet, but you may consider staying on the islands if you own a smaller boat. I have fished Erie every year for 2-3 weeks since 1975 in a 16 ft Lund boat. I have stories that would make your head spin regarding bad weather! I also would like to think that I have alot of experience driving in big waves...and it still can be scarey!
There are several options open to stay on the different islands. There is a quality ferry service to most of the islands. You can take your boat and truck/car over and back for a very reasonable rate. this will cut down, big time, the amount of open water travel you will have to do, if you are planning on fishing the Kellys island areas! You will save at least 5 miles+ of driving out in the open. Just something to consider...hope this helps! Don,t forget a marine radio and cell phone when you go! Wiz

[fish bait]

i'ed like to plan a trip to erie in the next two to three weeks.just read on the message board about staying on the islands to save open water time.sounds like a great idea.but this is our first trip and we don't have a clue where to go.can anyone help?? thanks glen&sons. p.s.( darn this wind) would like to say something stronger but won't.6 to 7 foot waves on lake mich has stopped every thing!!! be safe and good fishing fish bait.

[Fishnwiz]

Try getting a hold of ohio dept of tourism...I bet they have a web site! They can give you names of hotels and cottages on the islands. Put in bay is a big one with alot of places to stay. Kellys island is alot smaller with alot les going on and a limited number of places to stay. Both islands have public as well as private boat launch areas.
be aware that the GAS prices can and will be higher on the islands...so stock up before you head out. There is a lake Erie site that you also ca check out...these boards can give you mor info then I can. I stay at Kellys alot but, I rent my cottage year to year so it can be hard to find a place during the full moon phase in april and May!
Nice thing about the islands is that if there is a big blow...you can still get out to fish for smallies on the leaward side of the islands! The ferry rides with passangers run under 100$ for most smaller rigs and 3-4 persons. Hope this is of some help! Wiz

[Gregg]

ETT,
I caught my longest fish (30") of '99 using that same method--like the Kohler's combo--between Green and Rattlesnake. What speeds are most effective for running spinners and cranks together without one or the other losing their action? I mainly run some type of Reef Runner product in the spring until Hot-n-Tots in the summer. Thanks.

[LUNDY]

fish bait go to the ottawa county visitor bureau at www.lake-erie.com you should be able to find all the info you need. have a good trip

[luvtotroll]

There are a lot of hotels on the main land that are reasonable. The last time i was out there the ferry to Kelly's was $40.00 round trip. We only had to run about a mile to fish. You will be able to tell were fish are by the boats.
We were out Memorial Day weekend and caught fish around the islands.
If you are thinking about going out around Memorial day, all of the Ohio college kids go to islands to party this weekend. It is alot of fun but harder to find a place to saty. Especially on the islands.

[luvtotroll]

If you are going around Port Clinton and will be there by 3:00 in the afternoon you can get some great info from the PWT pro's. The 21st will be the third day of the tournament.
Weigh in is at Water Works Park.
I will be staying Sat. and Sun. to fish out of my boat. I will be staying at the Best Western and fishing out of 17' Red and Beige Smoker Craft.

Good luck, have fun and keep your marine band on weather alert at all times.

Scott Hogland