|
|
Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
February 7, 2001
Steve and Jodi Lech Ask: Dave - Sturgeon two confirmed citings in one year ... what is causing this? The two citings: one was washed up on shore in PA (read an article described length etc.). The second is in Ohio's DNR web site. An ice fisherman caught a five plus footer measured it and released it.
What I know: Sturgeon are cold water fish who actively feed year round. They grow slow; the five and a half foot Ohio sturgeon was estimated to be over 18 yrs old. They are bottom feeders. At one point Ohio released a few sturgeon (early 70s). Is it the zebra mussels, gobies, mild winters, cleaner water or unexplainable?
Have a very good season. Will listen to you on the radio. Thank you for all the help.
Captain Dave's Response: Steve and Jodi,
How could a slow growing fish such as the sturgeon survive in a body of water once thought of as dead? Think about it. It was not all that long ago, Lake Erie was written off for dead.
According to PA Fish Commission biologist Roger Kenyon more sturgeon exist in Lake Erie than we realize.
Although the sturgeon is native to Lake Erie, they are seldom seen. Sturgeon have survived pollution, commercial fishing, and anglers' hooks since the inception of Lake Erie, 4,000 years ago. As reports of sturgeon sightings increase - such as a 73 inch 70 pound sturgeon found near the PF&BC marina at North East - more interest is generated. They are there, just seldom seen. You never know - that next snag might start moving.
Scott K. from North Springfield, PA asks: Dave - I have a question about walleye fishing. I live in the area of Elk Creek and was wondering about the fishing for walleye out there, is it ever very good? I have seen some reports on it and seen a few people bring them in, but I was wondering because I might want to fish out there, and wondering if it would be any good? And I also have a question on what size dipsey to use at say 40 to 50 feet of water and how to troll them. Any other help on crawler harnesses and other things to use would also be helpful.
Thanks
Scott
Captain Dave's Response: Hi Scott,
The most difficult aspect of fishing the PA waters of Lake Erie is its lack of bottom structure and varying water depths. In the short distance between the Ohio line and the New York line, the waters of Lake Erie vary from a maximum depth of 79 feet to 190 feet. The area in front of Elk Creek is relatively shallow and depth control is important. Since Capt. Dan Kelly of Buckets Sportfishing is familiar with this area, I asked for his advice. According to Dan this area offers two opportunities.
First, from June till mid-July resident walleye are targeted. At this time your best tactic would be the Big Jon Deeper Diver Disk (Dan uses 17-pound Stren with the diver disks and smaller dipsys). Work the 25 to 40 foot depths in front of Elk. Start with a 90-foot lead and as the day progresses, move the lead back to 110 feet. This will keep your presentation in the 30-35 foot range. The best harness color last year was copper or purple/back in the single blade. Another favorite tactic during the early season is the jointed Thunderstick. Just flat line it behind the boat - vary leads from 90 to 150 feet.
Second, from late July to the end of August the migratory fish reach the waters of PA. When this happens, target the deeper waters - such as the north edge of the first trench. The following presentations will allow you to reach the 40 to 50 foot depths. The NO. 1 Dipsy Diver (smaller dipsy) set at 0. Start with a lead of 150. In addition, the smaller dipsys work well from planer boards. Also, the larger Dipsy Diver (size 0) can be used. A favorite setting with the larger dipsy is 3 1/2 with a lead of 150 to 155 feet.
It is important to remember that when presenting any lure to Lake Erie walleye - constantly change leads and depths; as walleye are always on the move.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
|
|
