I'm finally going to Lake Erie!!!

[mkrakau]

Looks like I am finally going to make it out to Lake Erie. I've been wanting to get there for a few years and things just never worked out for me. I'm actually going to be in Columbus for work so I'm going to head up to Erie with a buddy April 20, 21, 22.

I could use all of the help I can get here....will this be a good time to go? Hopefully things won't be over by then. Lot's of questions here:
-Any suggestions on where to stay? I've always heard about Port Clinton - would it be beneficial to stay at Put-in-Bay? I'd like to stay close to where the bite will be if possible.
-I have an Alumacraft TP 175 with a 150 Opti on it - hopefully that will be enough boat?
-Is it necessary to have a marine band radio? If so, anyone have experience with a hand-held?
-Any suggestions on what areas to fish (GPS points??) and baits/techniques would be GREATLY appreciated!!

We'll only have 3 days, so hopefully the wind will cooperate for us. I would LOVE to get into some of those big girls! I apologize for all of the questions, but would really like to maximize this short trip. Thank you!!

-Mark Krakau

[ScreamingReel713]

That's right about when things are really swinging.The lake normally has settled down by then.Email me if you truly want some help I have friends who have a hotel.And putting you on fish will not be hard...DLM2799@aol.com

[Hoosier]

Myself and my father are going april 13,14,15 this will be my 1st time also and I'm looking for pretty much the same information.

Port Clinton seems to be the most logical place. there are several of the economy motel chains there for around 50 a night. I called a few they all have rooms, this is the off season there.

Anyone have a particular motel there that might be reccomended over another?

We have a Crestliner TS202 where do you reccomend we launch out of?

[Trophy]

I'd recommend Wild Wings for a launch point. It will be pretty central to the action.

[Paulywog12lb8oz.]

Fishing wise try the tops of the reefs to about 20 feet with jigs tipped with minnows.

Once you have your limit, troll big plugs in the top 12 feet of water in the deep water outside the reefs for hogs.

By that time fish will be anywhere from the reefs to the islands and N. of Kellys.



I stay on my boat so I can't recommend a hotel. There are plenty of Hotels in the Port Clinton/Catawba Island area so that shouldn't be a problem. If you exit the 2 freeway at rt 53N there will be a fancy new "Visitors Center" with tons of free brochures and coupons. It's really a nice place and It would definitly be a good first stop as you get into the area.

Good luck and check out Port Clintons web site for more info or WBSA Denied website for a lot of help also.


Paul

[K Gonefishin]

I will be up there that same friday, saturday and sunday with about 20 other boats from another club fun fishing (OGF), lots of us going probably close to 50 people or so if not more, if you want to hook up, you can call me on my cell or get me on the radio, with all of us there we will have ZERO problems getting on fish and a super tight program, it will make your life easier if you don't know guys down here, email me at kcm1079@aol.com I will help any way with reports, numbers, programs, it's all about the fun and catching fish.

Your going to love Erie.

[bobk]

You got good info on the fishing side if it. As far as a radio you need to have one. It would be very risky to hit Erie without a radio.
Bob

[WATER FOX]

i suggest turtle creek or wild wings .close fishing with out alot of long runs.if you have your heart set for port clinton go to catawba st park nice ramp and give you a mile and 1/4 off of yourboat ride {maybe?}good luck any ???'s just ask.

[Hoosier]

Where is wild wings located at ? Maybe a website link by chance?

[perchjerker]

thanks you Bob for the radio suggestion.

a good compass and paper charts is a necessity too in my book.

Its the first thing that came to my mind when I read his post.

got some great fishing tips from some of the best too!!!

[bob oh]

Turtle Creek - 419-898-7745 -- usually has some small campers for rent, they have a nice ramp and good cleaning facilities and they are in the middle of the reef complex and the range can area. Wild Wings -- 419 898-2005 -- has the best, most expensive, marina, but no small lodging.
For condos (at Green Cove - Wild Wings) check 419 707-1738.
Rooms, cabins etc at Camp Perry - (614)336-6214

rod bender bob

[Hoosier]

I got the lodging worked out now. Went to the WBSA website and got all the waypoints in both my gps units. I've rarely even turned on my Marine radio but I will be sure to check the channels there.

Thanks for all the info guys! I think we have a good plan in place I just hope the weather stabalizes some by then, we had 50 mph gusts and snowflakes here by Chicago today.

[Hombre Robusto]

>Its because you act as if you invented the walleye. At 27
>you should be more concerned with the opposite sex.


He's passionate about walleye fishing. Obviously you've taken it the wrong way, or looked into it deeper than you should have. Don't take his willingness to help others for more than it is. I doubt that you'll find another fisherman as eager to help other people get on the fish as KGone.

By the way, which position did you finish in in last weeks LEWT Tournament?

KGone finished second in a field of very talented fishermen (45 of them), on a day when the bite was next to zilch.

[perchjerker]

enough of this bickering!!!

You probably scared off the guy who asked the orignal question for cripes sake

[K Gonefishin]

PJ--Two guys emailed me for help I'm going to respond with as much info as I can including cell number.

[katman]

I recommend a gps as well, its named Erie for a reason.

[mkrakau]

WOW! Thank you for all of the help...it is very much appreciated!!

I'm leaning towards staying around Camp Perry, Turtle Creek or Wild Wings - figure I can always drive to Catawaba to launch if needed but haven't made any reservations yet. Hoosier - where did you decide to stay?

I certainly didn't intend to cause a stir here...I guess I must have missed something, but I don't really see what is wrong with helping another fisherman out? In fact, I think that the generosity should be applauded! Thank you!

[B Thomas]

by then dont rule out fishing Kelly's- put in at Mazurik

[WalleyeSteve]

I've been out of Wild wings on a friends charter service. Great place to fish for gators. You'll be hit'n just right for timing. I'm sure you can get a good report from someone at Wild wings. Good luck!

[Hoosier]

We decided to stay at Commodore Perry's in Port Clinton. They got a good reccomendation from a friend. They got a bar and restaurant on site, indoor pool, free breakfast and for 50 bucks a night, they seem hard to beat.

We're planning on driving 15 minutes to Wild wings to launch at least the 1st day and play it by ear after that.

I really appreciate all the great Information. This will be my 1st trip to Erie and I actually feel very well prepared after reading posts on this site and others.

If any of you guys are planning a trip to Lake Michigan. I typically can track down the Salmon, trout and perch.
Drop me a line I'll help you any way I can.

There were some flame posts deleted thats why some of the posts seem to not make much sense. It seemed like an ongoing personal thing between a couple of the posters.

[Paulywog 12lb8oz.]

K gone and others, Please hail me on the radio as I plan on being out there at that time. I'f I'm on fish I'll give you the numbers and vice versa.

I'll second the KIS area and the GIS area this time of year.


To the guy coming from chicago, don't forget shallow reefrunners in eriedescent, bubblegum and the new bare naked. Run them off boards about 40 to 80 feet back at 1.3-1.8mph. Also, If you mark fish on the bottom or they aren't hitting plugs, 3oz. bottom bouncers trolled at .9-1.0 right on the bottom are DEADLY in the 35-40 foot range in between Kelly's and N. Bass.



Good luck and may the hogs be with you!


Amanda Too

[K Gonefishin]

Will do Paul, you can email me and get my cell number too i know I'm on the water lots of the same days you are, been reading your stuff on here for a couple years now. On the radio, just holla for Kgone.