When it comes to sheer numbers of fish, multi-seasonal fishing opportunities, and services that cater to anglers, few places can compete with the Bass Islands regions of Lake Erie. Located near the town of Port Clinton, Ohio, the Bass Islands are aptly named. Perhaps the finest smallmouth bass fishery in North America, the bass fishing available in this region is literally mind boggling.
Ironically, it's not bass that draws most anglers to Port Clinton. A sportfishing fleet that outnumbers any in the Great Lakes specializes in the art of walleye fishing. From late March through October this relatively small region of Lake Erie produces more walleye per angling hour than any other port in the Great Lakes!
Unlike most states, Ohio fishing regulations allow anglers to catch and keep limits of both bass and walleye daily. Also, anglers may possess for transportation home a limit of fish for each day spent on the water! The Ohio waters of Lake Erie offer anglers the most generous possession limits in the Midwest. As of June 1, 1996 the Ohio limit on walleye will be increased from six to 10 fish per day.
When To Go
Planning a trip to the Bass Islands forces anglers to make some hard decisions. In Ohio waters both bass and walleye season is open year around. The walleye fishing is excellent from late March through October. Bass fishing is excellent from late May through October. However the weather and angling conditions change dramatically during this eight-month period.
Anglers seeking trophy-class walleye are wise to plan their trip for early spring or fall. The months of April and October are prime time for walleye that routinely range from eight to 12 pounds! Unfortunately, the weather during this time of year makes fishing very unpredictable.
"The wind may blow 20 or more days during the month of April," says Dean Clemons the owner of Lakeland Charter Service. "Anglers who plan to fish in April should realize that many charters are likely to be canceled due to rough seas. It's best to book several days in hopes that conditions will allow fishing one or two days."
When anglers get out during April they are often treated to catches of big fish. In fact, Port Clinton may well be the best trophy walleye fishery in America. However, Clemons warns that April is not the best time to come if anglers are interested in catching large numbers of fish.
Much of the fishing takes place on or near the many spawning reefs. Jigs tipped with minnows, weight-forward spinners, and bottom-bouncer/crawler harness combinations bumped along bottom are the most productive presentations.
Anglers visiting in April or October should come prepared to fish in cold, wet conditions. Snowmobile suits, rain gear, gloves, and a warm cap are must items for early and late season walleye fishing.
During May the weather can be as unpredictable as April. On a more positive note, the fishing action picks up dramatically. "When the water warms to 60 degrees walleye go on the feed bag," says Clemons. "Limit catches of walleye up to four pounds are common."
May also marks the month that smallmouth bass fishing takes off. The many islands and mainland shorelines come alive with pre-spawn smallies. The best fishing takes place in shallow water. Casting with tube jigs and grubs or drifting with minnows or soft-shell craws on Carolina rigs are productive presentations.
June and July offer anglers the most stable weather of the year along with a great opportunity to catch both walleye and bass during the same trip. It's not uncommon to catch a limit of walleye and bass in a single day during this period.
Walleye are frequently found suspended over deep-water mud flats. Casting weight-forward spinners and trolling spinners or crankbaits are the most productive angling techniques. Smallmouth bass are easily caught around the islands and off-shore reefs. After spawning, smallies feed heavily on crayfish and minnows. The best bass fishing is usually found in 10-20 feet of water. A wide variety of baits and presentations produce bass during the summer peak including tubes, grubs, blade baits, spoons, crankbaits, and Carolina rigs.
Bass fishing peaks during August and September. The dog days of summer yield outstanding bass fishing. Smallies will be found in a little deeper water during the heat of the summer. Carolina rigs are one of the most popular methods of tempting smallies found in 15-30 feet of water.
Walleye fishing continues to be excellent during the heat of summer. The fish are usually located in the deepest available water. Trolling crankbaits and drifting with weight-forward spinners are popular angling techniques.
"Fall smallmouth fishing is fantastic in the Bass Islands region," says Dean Clemons. "Angling pressure is very light and some of the biggest bass of the year are taken during October."
Essential Equipment
Some charters provide all the necessary fishing equipment, lures, and bait, but most require the angler to provide a favorite rod/reel combination, terminal tackle, and bait. For walleye fishing, anglers will need a graphite medium or medium-light action spinning rod, loaded with fresh six- or eight-pound-test monofilament.
A few weight-forward spinners ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 ounce are also required equipment. Erie Dearie, Storm Pygmy Spin, and the Luhr Jensen Down & Dirty are a few of the most popular brands.
Bottom-bouncer sinkers are becoming a mainstay of Lake Erie fishing. Designed to fish spinner rigs near bottom, these sinkers account for most of the walleye taken on the deep-water mud flats. An assortment of one- to three-ounce bouncers and a few spinner snells almost guarantees success.
Colorado and Indiana are the most popular blade styles used on snelled spinners. The best producing blade sizes are No. 2, 3, 4, and 5. Hammered silver, hammered brass, chartreuse, green, and firetiger are among the best color patterns.
Trollers will want to use slightly heavier tackle. A 7- to 8-foot medium or medium-light downrigger rod, level-wind reel, and 10-12 pound test line is ideal Lake Erie trolling applications. Assorted crankbaits including a few shallow, medium, and deep-diving models are a good investment. Some of the most popular cranks include the Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue, Reef Runner Rip Stick, Rapala Husky Jerk, Storm Jr. ThunderStick, Storm Rattle Tot, Rebel Spoonbill, Bomber 8A, Luhr Jensen Power Dive Minnow, and Bagley Deep Bang-O-Lure.
In-line planer boards such as the Side-Planer produced by Off Shore Tackle are an easy and effective way to improve trolling coverage when fishing crankbaits or spinners. These small boards attach directly to the fishing line and can be used while trolling or drifting.
Bass anglers are best outfitted with a medium-action spinning rod/reel combination loaded with eight-pound-test monofilament. Essential terminal tackle includes an assortment of Berkley Power Tubes, Kalin Grubs, 1/4- to 1/2-ounce leadheads, Cicada blade baits, jigging spoons, bullet weights, swivels, and No. 1 offset-shank worm hooks for Carolina rigs.
Booking a Charter
There are no shortage of charters in the Port Clinton area. Anglers can choose from six-pack-style charters that provide all-day adventures or head boats that facilitate 20-30 anglers and half-day trips.
Six-pack charters range from $260 to $400 or more per day. The services, staff, equipment, and quality of boats provided on these charters accounts for the wide spread in pricing.
Head boats run approximately $25-$35 per head for half day charters. Bait is provided in the price of some head boats and not on others. Anglers who book on these party boats will need their own fishing rods, reels and terminal tackle.
For convenience it's tough to beat the Lakeland Motel & Charter Service. Visitors will be treated to a clean room on the waterfront, easy access to 10 six-pack charter boats, plus the Jet Express an all-new catamaran style head boat. All the boats are clean, in excellent condition, and captained by some of the most experienced fishermen in the Great Lakes. Call Lakeland at 419-734-2101 for reservations. For additional information on lodging and charters contact the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau at 800-441-1271 or 419-734-4386.
Food and drink are not provided on most fishing charters. Plan to bring along a box or picnic lunch. Anglers are encouraged to go easy on alcohol the night before their trip and while on the water. Combining booze and waves is a good way to turn an otherwise excellent day on the water into a nightmare of sea sickness.
Visiting anglers will need an Ohio resident or nonresident license before fishing. Licenses are readily available and reasonably priced. Also remember that charter businesses work on a thin margin with lots of overhead. Don't hesitate to tip for good service.
Other Attractions
The town of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island attracts folks looking for a good time. Partygoers flock to this tiny town that's made up mostly of taverns and gift shops. A round-trip catamaran ride to Put-in-Bay costs about $20. The Miller Car Ferry also runs from Catawba Point to South Bass Island. Passengers, vehicles, and even boat/trailers may be transported. Call the Miller Car Ferry at 419-285-2421 for specifics.
Cedar Point, one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest, is located on nearby Sandusky Bay. A great place for mom and the kids to visit while dad's fishing or on blow days; tickets are available in advance or at the gate.
Anglers who have visited the area consider Port Clinton a walleye and bass angler's best bet for consistent fishing and quality fish. Huge concentrations of fish, liberal limits, and sportfishing services that are unmatched, makes this quiet Lake Erie port a winner during any season.
Copyright (c) 1996 Mark Romanack. All rights reserved.
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