Port Clinton Area

[Ohio guy]

Looking to trailer up the boat and fish the islands area for the first time ever this weekend. I hear that the water is still very cold and around 37 degrees. ANy tips on where to start and what to do? I looked through the post here and found one where a guy was trolling north of Kelley's island with success and another with guys jigging west of Marblehead lighthouse. Anything going on West of Port Clinton in the reef area?

I know there is a PWT tournament next week and most of those guys will be out pre-fishing. Should I just find a pack of expensive boats and start trolling? Will they shoot you if you stop and catch a fish?

Are the fish spread out just about anywhere or are they concentrated in particular areas and pounded by packs of boats? Can you go off on your own and expect to find any fish?

[shadowalker]

from my past experence the most active fish after a big blow and cold are going to be the fish in 30 to 35 feet of water,find these fish and anchor over them and fish jigging spoons and blade baits,,,put minnows on all hooks. the fish in the marblehead area should get active again when it is fit to fish,,,be sure and fish in the morning as early as possible they seem to shut off around 12:00,,,,shadowalker

[PRO-V]

The water is very muddy up here. Yesterday the waves
were 6 to 8 ft. Today things have calmed down, 3 ft+. However,
if the cold front moves in this weekend and the wind blows
out of the NE or N, I don't think you'll find the fishing
to be very good - unless you liker to be cold and rocked by
the waves all day for a few fish.

Watch the weather reports and then make your decision.
No use wasting your time if the conditions are not good.

As to where to fish...

Off Camp Perry and the Western Reefs
South of West Sister
Off the Lighthouse at Marblehead
Around the drops at Rattle Snake
North of Kelleys
The Reefs in Canada, north of North Bass

Bottom bouncers with spinners and jigs can
be hot, as well as trolling.

Be sure to have all your saftey gear up to date.
You can almost be sure you will be inspected by
Ohio Division of Watercraft when you go out and then
by inspected by the ODNR as to your catch when you return.

So stay within you limit and have all the right gear.
Good fishing!

[JBL]

PRO-V is giving you some good advice. My suggestion would be in the deeper water (26-35) N of a-b-c cans or E of d-e can as a starting point. Also, don't be afraid to work inside the cans staying in the deeper water. Especially if it starts warming up work the top 8-14 ft of water with ripsticks, reefrunners short, husky jerks, or renoskys off small boards. If you like to jig or work blades anchor up on top of the reefs inside the cans.

[RHLSnoopy]

Please note, they do not owen the lake only the spot where they are sitting on.

[Jeff]

With the water temp still low most of the fish are still prespawn. The best areas to fish will be in front of the rivers. Marblehead light house, the dike off cedar point amusement park. The best method for these conditions is to anchor and jig. We were doing very well before the blow. The trolling bite was practically non existent. They want the bait preetty slow.

[TJTROLLER]

Ohio guy,

Last week before the blow, a couple of areas that were good for
us were 3 miles N.E. of Turtle Creek in 19-22 f.o.w. and the west
side of Catawba - same depth . We tried Toussaint & Crib reefs but only picked up one there. On the flats small chartreuse spinners
& shiners worked. At Catabwa trolling little rippers & deep jrs.
was the ticket. Ran into a couple of PWT guys & they were having
luck trolling reef runners at Round Reef. I'm sure they move daily
but these could be worth a look after things settle down.

[JVolpe29]

will the pwt shoot at you if you fish???? it's a big lake and your 100% in the right to fish wherever and whenever you want .....follow them out from the ramp if you like.......and if they shoot at you.....SHOOT BACK !!! thats what I would do !

[Ranger II]

There is plenty of room out there were the walleye will be on. If the water is off color the tournament boys will be tailgating the headboats Ha!

[bob]

I don't fish tournaments but I've never had a problem with a tournament angler on Erie. But I've had a lot of problems with anglers with the attitude that they are going to "show" the tournament guys and everyone else what macho guys they are. Must be envy? Kinda of like I got to have a sports car to prove I've still got it (but probably never had it). Chill out guys, it's more fun that way.

[luvtotroll]

Why would you need to follow them around? Can't you find your own fish. Most of the PWT guys I know will give you some tips if you ask them. Especially if you give some tips back.
Someone has a little fishing ability envy.

fish and have fun
Scott

[cracking up]

Comments like your always make me laugh. Why can't anyone find their own fish? Let me get this clear! If I pull out my hot maps and plot a course for Niegra reef and head there. Then catch a couple of fish. Does that make the fish off Niegra reef mine?????????????? Did I find my own fish???????????????? What if somebody is already in the area? WOuld the fish then be theirs?

Tail Piper!

[Me.]

These guys sure like to start fights .
As for cold water; how cold was it when we were catching them thur the ice . Nuff said.
The best place to look for clean water is the north side of Kelleys .
The PWT guys were all in walmart tonight . I was listening . Didn't sound good . some where trying to find blade baits .
One told me the water had cleared up a lot from this morning .
There was about 9 boats fishing the RT.2 bridge today . Didn't see any fish . More mud than water there .
Before the water got muddy , the head boats were limiting (with 16 guys )in less then 2 hours ,3miles north of the portage river . But I haven't heard anything good in about 9 days because of the weather .

[PRO-V]

The walleye fishing today was hit and miss.
No consistent catches. Some caught a few and others
got skunked.

The reef complex off Camp Perry produced some fish
for those using jigs. The water was muddy, merky and even clear
depending on the area. The merky water produced best. Anglers
reported they were often marking fish, but few takers.

Sandusky Bay fishing was slow and a LOT of boats were out.
If you get a lot of traffic, the bite can come to a stop.

Catawba State Park ramp was packed with anglers. To
avoid the crowds, try another launch ramp.

The winds are to go NW then N on Saturday with 2 to 4 ft.
waves. If it doesnot get too rough, things might get going.