spoontang
Senior Member

hi, would you mind giving me a call? 614 327 7144. thks jim

Hey Spoontang - going back up Friday - should be on the lake by 6pm. I think I'm gonna hit Green/Rattlesnake area and try trolling crankbaits this time vs bottom fishing with bouncers and harnesses. I bought some snap weights (boy are those expensive at Bass Pro - 2 for $15) and was going to try running rapalas/reef runners with about 1.5oz snap weight 30' up or so and then running another 20-30' to the planer. A boat from WI 2 weeks ago limited out in 5 hours doing this when all we caught were 2 in the exact same area! We were fishing too deep and they were catching the suspended/active eye's. You been out? Any advice - I'm sure I'll try harnesses too near the bottom.

Ok - thanks. I talked to a guy who lives up there and he said water is like a mud pit. So, I guess I'll take your advice and head N or Kelly's? Or, do you think the water on the northern reefs (ie Niagra or even Northwest) should be ok? Heck, I already have my Ontario license - should I make the trek to Pelee this early? Only time I fished there was last year and we fished on the NE corner - a long trip. Leaving about 3:00am Sat to get on the lake... Just not sure where yet and the muddy water has me a bit worried... Where would you go for Walleye - won't fish for Perch or Smallies. Thanks Again Spoontang!

It should be a good week to be on the lake. Marblehead is a great central location. Port Clinton is just 10 minutes away. The action in that area is what is left from the walleye spawn.The area from marblehead to Toledo is where something like 90% of the walleye spawn. As the water warms up, they migrate toward Detroit or to the Northeast. I think you could use the public launch near Lakeside. Mazurik or some variation of that spelling. There will be a ton of fish right out in front all the way out to the Canadian line. the farther you go, the better quality of fish, just not as many. Try to have lines in the water at sun up. The first hour and the last hour of daylight are best. That is why the hardest fish to catch is usually the last of the limit. I'm sure you read my description of the worm harness with 4 oz of weight. That will take you straight down and make it easy to cast while dragging a harness. I will be up the 15-18th. Stay in touch and will do my best to point you in the right direction. My favorite hole is between Middle island and North Bass. Deep water with huge females starting to feed. The captains call it up the middle or the shoot. Always fish in there. Should be tons of males and juvies just a couple miles from shore.

I live in Florida but will be up on the lake (Marblrhead) May 10-15. Have any suggestions as where to fish and what to use. Appreciate all your comments for others. Papajohn

I think you will be ok and water temps should be 52- 54 I think. Near the island should be warmer. I really hope you slay them.

Hey - I went and looked at satellite photos and noticed the water is also much colder over by Kelly's? Still in the low 40s? I assume that means no worm harnesses trolling but back to jig and shiners? I don't have much luck with jigging minnows as compared to slow trolling 3 oz bottom bouncers with worm harnesses so not sure if I can do that over near Kelly's since the water is colder?

Thanks for the advice. Yea, I know all too well about Gull Island. I fished that last year and camped on Kelly's. Boy does it get shallow - didn't hit my prop but almost. But i did learn about the structure there and we caught an 11 lber in the 40 fow just south of Gull. Plus, you are right, we did well on the East side of Kelly's last year although it was early June. But, with the varying water depths there, I think we could try everything and then camp on Kelly's for the night. Hell, we could even venture to Pelee if the eye's are over there - we fished last year in early July on the NW corner and limited out both days. Kinda long trip in my 17.5 Crestliner but was worth it. Do you ever fish Pelee? Tried this early over there? Thanks again. Will let you know how we do this weekend - you going?

Hey spoontang - thanks for your help on the walleye. I live in Springboro Ohio and try to get up to Erie about 6 times may-July. I take out my 17.5' Crestliner - went out north of Pelee last July in it (about 45 miles north of shore!). Anyway, looking to go out this weekend - do you suggest I fish just north of the reefs in 30' water, or go fish Turtle Island area in shallower water, or just go over to fish N. of Kellys where I can just camp there in a tent? I'll go wherever i can catch the fish but I know this time of year is hit or miss it seems for me. I usually have better luck when the water warms up a bit.

I am 40 years old, live in Lexington Ohio and fish mainly with my wife and 4 children. My port is Port Clinton. We love to travel and salt water fish.