seeking advice

I have a small 14 foot boat and I live in Norwalk, my first year with any kind of boat, Can anybody tell me exactly where I should put in at and where to go? Sorry, I'm a beginner, any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
hammerin11

Hammerin11,

A 14' boat is way too small to be fishing Lake Erie, at least out in the open waters.

However, IF the weather (wind & waves) is nice and going to stay that way ALL DAY, and you are an experienced boater, you can get out into walleye April through mid-May close to shore (one mile out or less) around the reefs and shallower near-shore waters off the Davis Besse Power station west of Port Clinton. Many public and private launch sites off Route 2 along this stretch of the Lake.

After that, the only SOMEWHAT SAFE places ON CALM DAYS will be around the Islands (launch from the island) through late July when walleye schools are present, or near shore from Sandusky east to Cleveland. I've caught limits of walleye in July within 200 yards of shore around the islands.

Your biggest issue on calm days with that small a boat is boat wakes, especially on the weekend. Personally, I wouldn't go out on the open waters of Lake Erie in a 14' boat on a weekend, unless I was in an area very close to shore and at a time when few boats are traveling.

Best advice is to find somebody with a bigger boat and hitch a ride.

West Basin

Hey, thanks for honesty, Like I said.., I'm just a beginner and that is what I was hoping to hear is somewhere that you don't have to go out too far, just like you were saying! Maybe just the name of a ramp that you can go out a little ways and catch a few walleye,
Thanks,
Gary

You can try Mazurrick (not sure of that spelling) near Lakeside and fish near shore and catch a few eyes this time of year. Just don't wander off too far and remember, the water temp is what would get you in trouble if there was a problem. Pick your days and have a way to communicate with others..........Good luck

Thank you very much, not lookin to get hurt, just want to catch a few fish, safely..,My brother and I took it out at cranberry creek marina but we didn't see another boat anywhere! Must not be a good time of year at that spot.
Thanks again,
Gary

Go right out of Vermillon, 28-35 fow troll west.

By the way "West Basin",
I was looking for advice for the equiptment that I have, just like you said.., not too far from shore and on a calm day. I just wanted some suggestions on the names of boat ramps where you can catch walleye without going too far out and that would be somewhat safe on "my" small boat, not to hitch a ride with a bigger boat, geez..., thanks anyhow!

West Basin's advice was right for your question. A 14' boat, Lake Erie, first time boater, trying to fish is a recipe for disaster. He wasn't being disrespectful, just honest. Take your 14' boat to a small state park lake and learn the ropes there.

ok, I understand that, I just thought that maybe there was somewhere that you don't have to go far, believe me, I'm listening to the advice!

Is your boat a deep V? last year in June I came to Erie in a 19 foot bass tracker and launched out of Est harbor state park, drove to Kelley's and limited out 3 days, however I almost lost my new boat in 5 footers. If I was you wait for no more than 2 footers or you might be in trouble.
I got smart and bought a deep v this year.
See ya in June

No it isn't, thanks for all the advice from everybody,
Gary

Hammerin- Check your messages

wait for south wind 5-10 and go right in front. This weekend should be a dandy, but watch the wind and find wind reports before you go. That water is cold bro. I would use the shoreline for cover and move towards Crane Creek till ya find fish. Make sure you take a floating marker to locate exactly where you caught your fish. I know its an invite to all but if you dont have GPS its your only choice. Focus your efforts in water between 10-15 FOW

Good Luck and Good Fishing

But I'm not from that area, where is right in front? What ramp? I will stay by the shore I just need to know where and, Thanks

GARY I am not going to BS you 14' is small for erie I run a 24' cuddy and it gets nasty out there you go out lake is like glass 20 min to get out 2hrs to get back all of these guys are trying to look out for you they know most of them have been there the fish are hitting your not ready to leave then bam a slap in the face when you go to return .
if you are going to go out get a portable BILDGE PUMP and a Charged Battery YOUWILL NEED IT.

I can bet that this will not change your mind so I will give you a few spots to try .

west wind-stright out of point marble head there is a long drawn point come in shallow and drift out jig and shinners or crawler harneses. good spot in the spring.

south wind -north end of catawba island called scott's point all around this point is also pretty good try just west of mouse island it is rocky done good there in the past only a 150 - 200 yards out start there and all around this point quick dropoffs gradual drops what ever you are looking for .

if it is a nice day you can try to troll from catawba island scott's point to the south west side of south bass island then around the south side of south bass island to the south east side of south bass island and back catawba but on your return trip try 1/2 mile east of catawba you will go over a few reefs
starve reef,and scott point shoal the trip out and back trolling will take a couple hours watch the weather ,wind and wind changes

also if you have problems with your motor dont start, hard to start , stalls out
or what ever dont take it on erie I'm on a water rescue team and I like to keep it that way Rescue not Recovery please think use your head if you have any dought stay on shore thanks

GOOD LUCK !

BURNIN DAYLIGHT- Conneaut, Ohio

Lamberjacks is a Marina right on the mouth of the channel that feeds Fenwick Marina. I believe it is off Humphrey Rd. Go west of Davis Besse and turn north on Humphrey Rd. If you look hard they have a small sign on Rt 2. Make sure everything is in perfect order. Equipment, Boat, Engine, Plug, and a bilge pump is a GREAT idea. It ain't no game this time of year. Life or Death. Out in front is defined as less than 1 mile. You will see boats there. Most everyone starts there, then they move around, but you must stay close to shore. Crane Creek is approx 3 miles west and you can use the shoreline for cover. You must have south winds and if you are out and the wind shifts to the west as it often does!!!!!! Your trip is over. Skee daddle without haste. Start your day at sunrise before the heat of the sun has a chance in increase wind speed. Be careful.

Ok, you guys have all gotten through to me, I'm going to give up on getting walleye from my boat and I appreciate all the honesty you guys have giving me but, I'm still going to try to catch some perch on very nice days from my boat! Hopefully I will get some offers to go catch walleye from one of you guys and help with the gas,
Thanks all,
Gary

I too have a small bost 16 ft deep v so I watch the weather very close and stay out in frt. all the replys are words of wisdom from some very experienced men . on rough days we go out in larger boats and still can have a wild ride back in . It has not been mentioned but I believe you can take your car trailer and boat over on the miller ferry this puts you out on the islands with no long haul back to dock its kind of pricey but may be an option .:cool:

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind,
Gary