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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.
July 9, 2003
It's not all perch, steelhead, and walleye. We still have an excellent bass fishery, too. And beginning in July and continuing until November, expect good smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie.
Capt. Dave,
I always enjoy reading your informative fishing reports on fisherie.com. I am planning on coming up next weekend to fish out of North East marina and was wondering exactly where Shades Beach and the W's are located. I believe they are west of the marina, but not exactly sure how far. Could you let me know where these areas are and are they the best areas for smallmouth or is any place better than another? Or is it good fishing west of North East all the way to Presque Isle?
Thanks for any insight you might be able to provide.
Mike
Hello Mike,
As with any body of water certain "hot spots" are best. Two areas are "must try" spots for the bass angler - both have a gradual sloping rock bottom that consistently attract large bass. The first (nicknamed the "cribs") is four miles east of Presque Isle Bay. Here, two concrete pilings, situated approximately one half-mile offshore, can be used as a marker. Fishing is best to the east of that marker. The second area (nicknamed the "W`s" for the water trails cut in the cliff) is five miles west of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission marina at North East. In this area, use the cliff as a center point and fish one mile east or west of the cliff. Depending on wind and direction of drift, and at both areas, work the 12 to 35 foot depths.
Although none are known as "the spot," other areas, also, are home to big hungry bass. These alternative-fishing spots can be just as productive; and as a bonus, require a shorter boat ride. From Presque Isle Bay, turn the boat east (as you exit the bay, turn right) and try anywhere from the Hammermill Paper plant (visible by the smokestacks next to the bay entrance) to the cribs. The 25 to 30 foot depths are best in this area.
Also, near the North East marina is a small, yet productive spot nicknamed the "rock piles." Approximately 150 yards wide and as long, it is one mile west (exiting the marina, turn left) and near the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek. Begin in 12 feet of water at the tributary mouth, and continue working east and north towards the marina until you reach the depth of 35 feet. A key point here: The prevailing winds on Lake Erie are from the southwest. If you get a day such as that, don't overlook this spot.
nice bass caught on a Bass Pro Silver Buddy
Hi Capt. Dave,
We corresponded by email last year before you took a leave from chartering. I fish with a good friend on his Starcraft. He keeps his boat at a yard on Route 89 in North East until the perch fishing picks up out of Walnut. That aside, my question concerns smallmouth fishing.
Until last year we did really well out of North East using salted tube baits, but last year was a bust. I had my hip replaced in January and my knee in April. So, I haven't been out until last Friday. It was a beautiful day on the water, but the bass wouldn't cooperate. I saw in the fishing reports that it was probably due to their spawning. If so, when would you think would be a good time (lake permitting) to try again.
Dick
Capt. Dave,
Hi. I met you during one of your seminars at the Allegheny Sports Show at the Expo mart in Monroeville, Pa. My name is Shawn. We spoke about fishing with dipsy divers with small boats.
I have a 14.5 V-hull Sea Nymph. I have all the required equipment, plus the handheld VHF radio. I like to use gitzits and a 1/4 oz jig drifting. I have the weekend of May 25 planned; will that be prime time?
Thank you Dave for the past info and hopefully the future info.
Shawn
Hello Shawn and Dick
With the exception of the peak spawn, which was around the end of May, this has been a good year for bass fishing. From reports that I have been getting, the bass are hitting. And it should continue through early August. Then, most likely, there will be a slow-down in the bite during late August and early September when the water is at its warmest.
The next good bass bite is in the fall - normally, sometime in October after we experience the "turn over" of the lake and the water temperature drops into the mid to upper 50 degree range.
But, because of Lake Erie's ever changing water clarity and food supply, tactics to catch bass are different than a few years ago. The round goby is the primary culprit of most angler frustration. The goby, however, is a bottom dweller.
And the most productive tactic to avoid this fish, by far, is trolling plugs. A favorite setup is the 3 ½ inch Thunderstick (darker colors), 2 ½ inch Shad Rap (black/silver), or Reef Runner Lil-Ripper. With a lead of 60 to 100 feet, using eight-pound line, and a trolling speed of 1.2 MPH most small plugs will find the bass strike zone.
If you prefer using live bait such as minnows (large golden shiners are best), nightcrawlers, leeches, or crayfish you probably will catch your share of gobies, but the hits and leaps of a fighting smallmouth is worth losing a minnow or two.
When using live bait, present a natural rolling drift. For best results, use eight-pound line, slip weight or walking sinker, size 4 hook, and size 14 swivel. The weight you use will depend upon the speed of boat drift; I normally use a ¼ to ½ ounce. After putting the slip weight or walking sinker on the line, tie on the swivel and follow with a three-foot leader and hook. This set up is dropped below the boat; and in a slow upward sweeping motion, occasionally lifted off the bottom. A bass will hit either on the drop or between lifts while the bait is being dragged on the bottom.
Many anglers also use jigs tipped with minnows. Preferred jig colors are white or green. The best size - depending on how much weight needed to allow constant contact with the bottom - is 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. Drop the jig straight down. Let your boat begin to drift; and depending on the wind speed, allow the jig to drag along the bottom. Occasionally spool out line and allow the jig to stop.
typical jig and minnow set up
The jig and minnow combination slowly drags along the bottom in the same manner as dead minnow floating along with the current. Use patience and work the jig very slowly and avoid setting the hook on the first strike. Wait for the bass to start carrying the jig and then set the hook.
Tube jigs (2 1/2 inch is best) work well. And since bass enjoy an occasional meal of goby ala carte, their favorite color is brown. While working the 12 to 35 foot depths, try both a vertical jig and the cast and retrieve. Blade baits (1/2 or 3/4 ounce) such as the Cicada and Bass Pro's Silver Buddy are new to the Erie scene, but during the last few years they have been very productive, especially during early spring and fall. The jury is out on which color is best, some anglers swear by gold and some only by silver - carry both.
On a final note, tomorrow might bring other fishing opportunities, but none such as the smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie.
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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