Smallmouth heaven. That's the best way to describe the region of Lake Erie known appropriately as the Bass Islands.

The Great Lakes region is blessed with many fine smallmouth bass fisheries, but none that can hold a candle to the rod bending action available in and around South Bass, Middle Bass, North Bass, Kelly, Pelee, West Sister, East Sister, and Middle Sister Islands.

Collectively known as the Bass Islands, these smallmouth magnets are located in the Ohio and Canadian waters of Lake Erie's Western Basin. Fantastic bass fishing opportunities are available in and around the many islands and reefs in this region, plus anglers will find plenty of willing smallmouth along the rocky Lake Erie shore at Port Clinton, Catawba Point, Marblehead , Sandusky, and east to the town of Huron.

Smallmouth fishing season is open year around in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie. A seasonal non-resident fishing license runs about $20 and is available at most any tackle shop, marina, hardware, or discount stores that sells fishing tackle.

Bass fishing season opens on the last Saturday in June on the nearby Canadian waters. Non-residents can purchase a Canadian fishing license on Pelee Island. Non-resident one day, one week, one week conservation, seasonal, seasonal conservation, and spousal fishing licenses are available ranging in cost from a couple bucks to $45. The conservation licenses are new and allow anglers to save a few dollars on license fees in exchange for a couple less fish in the bag.

In Ohio waters the bass fishing action begins in late April when smallmouth seek out the shallow and slightly warmer waters along Catawba Island, Marblehead, and Cedar Point. The first warm days of spring see smallies heading for the protected waters of back bays and marinas by the thousands. Catch-and-release fishing is stressed during this time period when broad shouldered pre-spawn females are often caught.

This untapped April and May fishery is a sneak preview to the main attraction that occurs around the off shore islands in June, July, and August. South Bass, Middle Bass, North Bass, Kelly and Pelee Islands attract spawning smallmouth in unbelievable numbers.

Bob and Sharon Collins are smallmouth specialists that operate Omni Charters out of Channel Grove Marina. A trip on Bob's boat last June left me convinced that smallmouth can indeed walk on water. Fish after fish slammed our tubes and blade baits only to throw them back at us with their aerial jumps and flips.

"Throughout June and July, I concentrate on the first drop-off in water from 10 to 20 feet deep," says Collins. "Jigs and soft plastic lures work well. My favorite smallmouth lure are the Berkley Power Tubes with a 1/4- or 3/8-ounce leadhead nestled inside. Smoke is the best all-around color, but camo and blue fleck are also good at times. A 1/4- or 1/2-ounce blade bait like the Luhr Jensen Ripple Tail is another excellent choice."

During late July and into August the fish often move to the second drop-off in water from 20 to 35 feet deep. "A Carolina rig armed with a Berkley Power Craw is tough to beat in deep water," says Collins. "Vertical jigging with tube jigs, jigs dressed with various grub bodies, and blade baits are also productive on deep water smallmouth."

Anglers should bring along a graphite spinning rod, light freshwater spinning reel, and plenty of six- or eight-pound-test monofilament. A six-foot medium action rod is perfect.

During June, the smallmouth bass experience a feeding frenzy. "Aggressive bass will commonly hit a lure two or three times if the angler doesn't hook him on the first try," comments Collins. "If you miss a fish, quickly drop the jig back on slack line and the fish will usually slam it twice as hard the second time!"

Collins encourages his customers to use artificial lures, but he keeps a few minnows and crayfish tails handy for young anglers and others who have a hard time catching onto the finer points of jig fishing.

A trip to the Bass Islands is one you'll want to share with the whole family. Lodging and excellent restaurants are available in Port Clinton. A wealth of charter boats operate out of this area or you can take along your own boat and fish from the mainland or take the Miller Car Ferry to one or more of the islands.

If you take your own boat, it's still a good idea to book a charter one or two days. A charter captain will put you on fish and the best techniques fast, making the rest of your visit more enjoyable.

For More Information

Bob & Sharon Collins, Omni Charters
(216-238-7771 winter and 419-734-2099 summer).

Jerry Abele
(419-732-2670)

Dave Dalenberg
(419-798-5248)

Channel Grove Marina
(419-732-2663)

Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce
(419-734-5503)

Miller Care Ferry
(419-285-2421)

Rickard's Bait & Tackle
(419-734-2496)