22-23 April

[GANGWest]

JLG,
I have fished the last 2 weekends and fished last Saturday on a Charter, and it was very muddy, of the fish caught, they seemed to be snagged (including our 3)... its very tough right now with the wind, rain, and water conditions... but if you are driving 5+ hours, I am afraid that you may not enjoy it. I wish I could paint a better picture, but if you could change the date, you may want to look at that.. but I do not want to discourage anyone from going fishing... that is the beauty of fishing.. you might find the diamond in the rough... the hard part about the forecast is that at times they are wrong.. the lake was fishable this past Saturday(windwise), but the day before and after that was not... plus a small 14' boat tipped over from the waves and folks died... so nothing to take lightly, especially in the cold water.... I am with you, want to get in on the action of the jig bite, but this year has been TOUGH... and with the colder weather, it might still happen... last year, we jigged through the first week of May and did our best (plus the limit goes up to 6)... so whether you go or delay, always be safe out there.

[skinny]

JLG...We have had our boat in at Fenwicks for a week now and have only managed 4 to 5 hrs of fishing. I only live 45 minutes away and won"t take the chance till this weather settles. Being retired I can pick and choose my days and I know things will get better. This is the first year we have made an effort to fish the jig bite,renting a dock at Fenwick for a month or so before moving to Midway on west harbour for the rest of the season. Like they say you can pick the days but not the weather. Better to be safe and not sorry. I have fished that lake for over 50 years and I have learned alot. Better days to come. Skinny

[Go-Time]

JLG,
I have fished the last 2 weekends and fished last Saturday on a Charter, and it was very muddy, of the fish caught, they seemed to be snagged (including our 3)... its very tough right now with the wind, rain, and water conditions... but if you are driving 5+ hours, I am afraid that you may not enjoy it. I wish I could paint a better picture, but if you could change the date, you may want to look at that.. but I do not want to discourage anyone from going fishing... that is the beauty of fishing.. you might find the diamond in the rough... the hard part about the forecast is that at times they are wrong.. the lake was fishable this past Saturday(windwise), but the day before and after that was not... plus a small 14' boat tipped over from the waves and folks died... so nothing to take lightly, especially in the cold water.... I am with you, want to get in on the action of the jig bite, but this year has been TOUGH... and with the colder weather, it might still happen... last year, we jigged through the first week of May and did our best (plus the limit goes up to 6)... so whether you go or delay, always be safe out there.

When did that boat flip and where ??

[GANGWest]

Sorry for mistating - I was listening to the radio and thought I heard the story correctly. I thought they had mentioned Lake Erie and a 14 foot boat. So I did some research and it was actually at a Reservoir, not on Erie... the cause was the strong winds.. and they didn't have life jackets on.. so sad.

[jlg]

Thanks to all for some insight. I have a charter booked for 22/23 for wife and i and need to make a last minute decison on Weds evening so this helps. My captain indicated we should talk Weds to decide and maybe see if any alternatives. he seems to be interested in insuring I have a good trip and also indicated yesterday water is muddiest he has ever seen for this time of year and fishing is poor at best so i appreciate his customer service and truthfull insight. This is our first trip ever for erie eyes and part of the goal is to determine if it is something I want to plan for (buying a new boat as soon as I sell my current boat) in retirement which is only a few years away. The boat capsize and fatalities you are talking about I beleive was on MJ Kirwin also known as West Branch St. Park. Very sad story and everyone needs to think safety and wear a PFD espeicially in small boats and during cold weather/rough conditions.

[skipper9]

Yea its bad.. I have already cancelled all charters till next friday. Not a good weekend to come..