Have a few questions regarding fishing Sandusky Bay. First, I have a 16.5 ft Lund with a 25 hp mercury that runs about 22 mph with two people. I know weather has to be a key factor before venturing out, but in your opinion is it wise and enough boat and horsepower to feel safe and comfortable on the bay in case of unexpected inclement weather or any other key factors that I am not taking into consideration? Second, what boat ramp options do I have and what ramps do you recommend? Third, is there any special boating safety equipment required [radio,flares etc...] being on Erie different than the inland lakes? Fourth, this time of year how good is the fishing and what fish species is a good bet to target in the bay with some success? Fifth, if there is a good species to target in the bay, what techniques or presentation should I consider using? I live in Champaign county and have about 3 hour drive to get there. Just want to be sensible and safe before driving all that way and being disappointed or just a plum idiot for considering the option. So, if any of you seasoned Erie guys could give me your opinions or info, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.
slabseeker
Need Sandusky Bay info help
Flares are required.I THINK that's all that's different from inland.Don't count on that though.Someone else will chime in if I'm wrong.Your boat will be plenty for staying in the bay on MOST days.The couple times I've fished the bay from a boat we put in at Dempsy access.Species are Largemouth,small mouth,crappie should be in there or close,catfish,bluegill,rock bass,maybe muskie.I'd target largemouth but that's me.
west end has an average depth of 2 to 4 ft. with some sunken walls around be carefull you dont lose a lower end.
slabseeker- plenty of boat and motor for the bay which runs shallow. Dempsey's is fine, also try the Shelby Street launch in Sandusky. species - anything from crappie, perch, cats, bass (small and large mouth). I would not really worry about the weather changing to quickly - things cool off and the pop up summer storms go away. winds are north today and tomorrow so shoreline fishing will still accommodate your long drive nicely. fishing the channel, docks and rocks is your best bet. shiners on a crappie rig, spreader (try to get them - they are in short supply), in-line spinners, cranks. maybe even a steely near the mouth of cold creek! enjoy!!!!
No worries,just pay attention.His boy was pushing him to go out and it was pure fog.He knew better!
Right next to the bay you have east and west harbor, better for LMB imo. Nothing really rivals the bay north of the Ohio river when it comes to catfish. Your boat is plenty for exploiting all kinds of options in that area. Any S, SW, or W wind and you are in good shape. The bay will always be ok, but if you want to venture around just beware a N, NE or NW wind.
The bay can get churned up pretty well with a strong south wind too. Our rule was typically if the lake was rough, the bay would be ok. This of course depends on if you're putting in at Dempsey or if you're putting in Shelby St. Dempsey will be pretty ok with a NW/N wind, Shelby will be ok with a S wind. Back in the 70's we used to fish 3 adults and me as a little kid in a 14' row boat with a 5 1/2 hp Johnson in the bay. We fished all around Johnson's Island mostly. This was before the bridge was built and it all started silting in by the Bay Point entrance.
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