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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.
April 20, 2002
Matt Asks:
Dave -
I'm just looking for some friendly advice and information. Last spring I killed the bass while fishing the lagoon off the east pier in the bay. Caught a lot of pike too. Is the bass fishing always that good in the spring or was last year exceptional? When can I expect them to come in that close to shore again? What lures do you suggest? I mainly used spinners and Rapalas. Also, what are some other hot spots for the bass and pike when they come in? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and good luck fishing.
Matt Fair
Captain Dave's Response:
Matt-
It's hard to imagine that the waters of Presque Isle Bay once protected Commodore Perry's fleet during construction until he sailed forth into Lake Erie to engage the British fleet in the War of 1812. After which, his victorious ships and men returned to the same Misery Bay that we fish in.
What does this mean to the spring bass angler? Nothing really, except that if you add the fact that Connecticut, Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts once claimed ownership of Presque Isle. Then, the Federal Government decided that this water and its fabulous fishery should belong to Pennsylvania. So, they did the right thing and sold to us. Finally, in 1921, it was acquired as a Presque Isle State Park.
This is quite an amazing history to the water that we call home. Now, let's go bass fishing.
Accessibility and rather easy fishing also describe Presque Isle Bay. "You can easily pull a six or seven pound largemouth from these waters," says B.A.S.S. District 5 Tournament Director, Larry Freemam. "Also with walking trails (six trails comprise a 7 mile network) leading to the lagoons and bay, it's the best place for the shore angler."
Freeman, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, has been fishing Presque Isle for 22 years and says that good fishing during the spring is common. "The bass are starting to stage for the spawn," he says. "If you were to put on a good pair of polarized sunglasses and walk along the lagoons or bay, you can actually see them."
With aspirations of fishing the pro circuit soon, Freeman spends many hours on the bay. And he says that the lagoons are the best for both the numbers of largemouth bass caught and big bass as well.
While fishing these waters, his favorite tactic is the spinner bait. And the best, according to Freeman, is the white Strike King Premier Model spinner bait in either 1/4 or 3/8 ounce. "Great action and lots of flash," he says. Also, he uses a white hand painted spinner bait made by BA Baits. "It's unbelievable," adds Freeman. "But it's only available through a local distributor in Meadville." This spinner bait has tandem willows in the color of gold. For information on this spinner bait this is the web site: http://www.babaits.com
When using plugs, Freeman prefers the Bandit Crankbait (series 200) in chrome/blue. This plug runs about eight feet below the surface and it is available through Bass Pro. "As long as you use some color variation of blue, you will catch fish with this plug," he says.
"Presentation of baits changes every day," says Freeman. "Start with a continuous retrieve, then switch to a jigging motion." Some of his best fishing spots are the lagoons, Horseshoe Pond, and Misery Bay. When fishing the main bay, stay towards the lake end because it gets too shallow at the other end, he says. For anglers whom wish to target spring smallmouth bass, Freeman recommends the area near Dobbin's Landing.
Also, last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erie resident and B.A.S.S. tournament pro, Dave Lefrebre. Here are his comments on fishing the bay.
"Families can catch more bass - largemouth and smallmouth - at Misery Bay than any place I can think of," says Lefrebre. "Park at the Perry Monument and fish the sand bar between Misery Bay and Marina Bay." Shore anglers, he says, also can target the main bay at an area on the northern shore between Misery Bay and Marina Bay.
"A giant sand bar extends just offshore and runs between both bays. The preferred tactic is casting top water plugs such as the Heddon's Zara-Spook or Zoom Bait's Super Fluke in the colors off white, silver, or pink," Lefrebre adds. "Since these lures are both top water plugs, cast the plug as far as you can and use a slow retrieve with a twitching motion."
Professional fishing is not easy.
These anglers put family first; and then, devote every spare minute to learning how to catch fish. Yet, each time an interview is requested or an angler needs advice, they gladly share their expertise. Many thanks and good luck to both Freeman and Lefrebre.
And Matt, even though I was not able to gather any information on pike fishing, I hope their tips - and my history lesson - will help you enjoy your time on Presque Isle Bay.
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.
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