In the spring, I dont have to travel more than a few miles at most in early April. I fished April 1st this year, started in 9ft of water 1/2 mile out. Never had to go more than 16 miles. Most days I ran 12 miles and stayed there all day. Skipper9 made alot of runs over 18 miles most days. Not saying thats wrong but thats where he found his fish. Skipper9 likes to run east of his harbor to areas of the lake I fished 15-20 yr ago. Everybody has their own way they want to fish. I fish the west end most of the year and from mid July till Labor day I offer Ashtabula trips but this year I took plenty of fish NE 12 miles of Fenwick Marina.
Next year it will probably be different locations. I may have to run to Maumee Bay area in the spring for jigging. I learned that I love to fish Canadian waters. Its an entirely new way to fish, for the most part. Its alot more reef fishing, which can be tricky but rewarding when pulling fish out of the shallows. Anyways, you can see there are alot of factors to think about each day when you head out. Mayflies bring on another new story for another day.