Western Basin Areas

[Capt Eric]

West Harbor has got to be about the best all season home base in the western basin. We travel a little west in early spring, and by mid summer we're travelling a little east to catch fish. And the perch fishing around the islands last year was the best we've ever seen. Marinas in West Harbor might be a little more expensive, but they are also a hell of a lot nicer than most other areas. Why would you want to leave?

[West Basin]

Port Clinton is the center of the Ohio shore of the Western Basin year around fishing, from West Sister to the east side of Kelleys Island. However, Catawba Island (West Harbor) is farther north, so the distance or time to say Niagara Reef is about the same. Overall Catawba Island is arguably the best location. Western locations are more fishing related. Port Clinton east has more non-fishing boat recreation (and traffic). Marinas reflect these uses and clientele.

Generally speaking, if you do a lot of April and early May fishing and pretty much quit by August, and 90% of what you do is fish, and you rarely stay overnight, then docking over west around Locust Point (Davis Besse) is an advantage. If you fish all season and do other boating activities like island hopping, swimming, etc. then being closer to the islands is better (Catawba). List your activities by priority and time. Then match those to the location best suited for all of them.