Angler in need of some help

[skipper9]

does wild wings marina have a public boat ramp? I was looking at putting in just west of Maumee bay state park and heading toward Turtle Island? would it be better fishing farther east toward wild wings?

yes.. i think its $10 to launch out if wild wings but not sure.

[MasterKraft]

Not to be discouraging, but from wild wings to turtle island would be one long trip to paddle. You would be avlot closer to turtle island leaving from point place or halfway creek just over michigan line. Imo. I got caught out in my ranger bass boat last year jig season and the weather chaged on me. I was probably never more scared in my life. That water is very cold still. My bilge pumps were barely able to keep up. Be careful

[bevardjesse]

Master Kraft sorry I think I worded something wrong I was asking if launching from west of Maumee bay state park and heading toward turtle Island OR launching from wild wings and going well not real sure were to head from there, but witch one would probably give better results and would either be equal chance to catch some walleye thanks again guys for all the info.

[MasterKraft]

No worries brother, just be safe out there and you are correct, this is a great site with many helpful guys (and gals, Capt. Juls).

[Hoytman86]

So just out of curiosity, is there any particular reason that you're heart set on going out in kayaks the first time? I know it can be done, but that just sounds dangerous. Also, if you're planning on going out in April and you're targeting walleye, have you considered the Maumee or Sandusky river? I've not been to the Maumee so some of these guys would have to tell you whether or not it would be safe for the yaks, but I've been out on the Sandusky and it seems to me that would be a safer option in kayaks that the lake and you could still target walleye in there that time of year.

Edit: I don't intend to be discouraging either. I just want to make sure that you have a full understanding and appreciation for just how deadly that lake can be and just how quickly it can become that way. I'm not sure about father west than turtle creek, but those reefs that people fish during the jig bite are quite a ways out there. Have a fun trip and BE SAFE!

[BobR]

call the coast guard and see what they tell you about yaking on the lake in hypo water. They will have some recommendations about how far out to venture. Just saying.

[troy1976]

you can catch fish within a mile of shore from turtle creek to wild wings. its generally an early morning bite. like really early. Again would have to reccomend going out in a bigger boat with experienced captains. They will be able to accomodate your situation. Go with them a time or two, then you will see what you need to do and if it is possible from the kayaks. As everyone has already stated, erie is dangerous and people get in trouble very quickly. Please be safe!!

[loomis82]

I've been reading this thread as it has grown and debated if I wanted to say something or not. Well I decided I should. It is in noway a good idea to attempt what you want to do. I lost two great friends last April 16th and my friends girlfriend and her niece to lake erie. My buddy was very experienced on erie and many other bodies of water. Mother nature doesn't care about experience or non experience. All i know is I'll never see them again and there are no for sure answers as to what happened as the boat was found structurley sound. No alocohol factor just a pure accident. I would strongly recommend using one of the great captains on here. If something happens to you not only are you putting your life in danger but others also. Many can vouch on here I'm sure that they've had the crap scared out of them on erie and add cold water to the situation its a recipe for disaster. I really hope you rethink your choices. I'm not trying to be a ahole i just don't want to see anything bad happen

[bevardjesse]

Ok guys I hear your concerns. I would like advice from anyone that would like to talk about Walleye fishing in Maumee bay closer to the mouth of the river in late April early May. I would like to thank those of you who have voiced your concern and then gave me advice on were to target and what to use. I will be coming up in late April early May weather permitting. So any and all FISHING ADVISE would be greatly appreciated.

[wakina]

I've been reading this thread as it has grown and debated if I wanted to say something or not. Well I decided I should. It is in noway a good idea to attempt what you want to do. I lost two great friends last April 16th and my friends girlfriend and her niece to lake erie. My buddy was very experienced on erie and many other bodies of water. Mother nature doesn't care about experience or non experience. All i know is I'll never see them again and there are no for sure answers as to what happened as the boat was found structurley sound. No alocohol factor just a pure accident. I would strongly recommend using one of the great captains on here. If something happens to you not only are you putting your life in danger but others also. Many can vouch on here I'm sure that they've had the crap scared out of them on erie and add cold water to the situation its a recipe for disaster. I really hope you rethink your choices. I'm not trying to be a ahole i just don't want to see anything bad happen

loomis82~~ Your opinion is one of the best responses to hit this thread.

Everyone who has fished the big lake for very long knows for a fact that it can go from dead calm and flat to 3 to 4 footers in a matter of just a few minutes and without warning, making it difficult for power boats to stay in control of their own safety, let alone having to basically paddle yourself to safe harbor when time is of most importance to make safe harbor. We all know the weather guessers miss the mark quite often for the big lake, especially wind forecasts which are notoriously wrong early and late in the season due to the unsettled weather! Add to that the high amount of boat traffic that will be in the area, some of which will have questionable boat operators at the helm making large wakes and possibly not paying attention to the possibility there may be smaller watercraft on the water with them just adds another variable to the safety equation.

Early in the season you will have the added threat of extremely cold water to deal with, making hypothermia a real threat. There is a big difference between being wet/soaked and on shore and being wet trying to stay afloat in 40 to 50 degree water where you are immersed or mostly submerged. Just getting soaked with that cold water and trying to maintain your composure while paddling for safe harbor while still in your kayak can be more than what your body can endure as a wind chill factor can be just as deadly as being actually immersed in the water.

I feel that the decision to do this or not is yours to make and I am not telling you not to do it. I am in all honesty trying to make you aware of all of the hazards that you may be facing, and ask that you weigh those hazards very carefully before you make your final decision.