I am gun-shy of launching my 16 ft onto Erie. I know there are some that do launch boats less than 25 ft, and I to find out how many here at the OGF. So, if you would, please post the size of you Erie boat and where you like to launch from. And, what weather report features do you need to hear before you'll head out?
TheKing
I have a 19 ft aluminum deep v I launch from Lorain, Vermillion, Cleveland, and just about anywhere else. If they forecast for anything over 1-3's I stay home.
In my opinion the most important issue isn't where or what weather as much as having experience operating, or at least being on, Erie quite a bit prior to going on your own. Boating on Erie is not like any inland lake.
I have 19' boat. I launch everywhere from Turtle Creek to Conneaut.
I look for stable weather with south winds, but very seldom get it. I don't trust the forecasts. You never know what you'll get on Erie until you get there and look at it, and it can change in a heartbeat. Always watch the weather, listen to your radio and if ever in doubt, leave the lake.
I would not launch on Erie without a good GPS and a marine radio.
Kim
I have 19' boat. I launch everywhere from Turtle Creek to Conneaut.
I look for stable weather with south winds, but very seldom get it. I don't trust the forecasts. You never know what you'll get on Erie until you get there and look at it, and it can change in a heartbeat. Always watch the weather, listen to your radio and if ever in doubt, leave the lake.
I would not launch on Erie without a good GPS and a marine radio.
Kim
I would definitely follow Lundy's advice. I would never go out without a radio and GPS. My dad and I go out from Lorain and Catawba Island in our 20' Tracker Targa and did in our old Tracker Pro-V 16 around Port Clinton. You need to make sure that you can handle your boat with the current weather conditions. I have seen some very small (<15') boats out there and would recommend against that. My advice would be that people who have not been on Erie before be very careful and stay close to shore....within reason i.e. if you have a 50hp. motor on a 16' boat, I would not go out 10 miles, no matter what the weather is like. Other than that, just be safe and wear life preservers.
Great advice guys.
Common sense,common sense,common sense!
If you use this,you can enjoy Lake Erie in a smaller craft.
Proper safety equipment,and an eye on the sky is a must.
Dont take chances and stay too long for "one more fish".
I heard the exact figure years ago,but a small craft warning is for boats of less than I think 75 feet!
Erie can be fished effectively at most times of the year without the need to go far offshore.
You might not always get the big hogs,but you can always have Perch or Walleye willing to bite nearshore.
The reefs in front of Davis Bessie in the western end is an awesome nearshore early spring fishery.
As the waters warm, Walleyes can be had all summer in the Huron/Vermillion areas.
Fall Perching off of Cleveland is phenominal.
Common sense,common sense,common sense!
If you use this,you can enjoy Lake Erie in a smaller craft.
Proper safety equipment,and an eye on the sky is a must.
Dont take chances and stay too long for "one more fish".
I heard the exact figure years ago,but a small craft warning is for boats of less than I think 75 feet!
Erie can be fished effectively at most times of the year without the need to go far offshore.
You might not always get the big hogs,but you can always have Perch or Walleye willing to bite nearshore.
The reefs in front of Davis Bessie in the western end is an awesome nearshore early spring fishery.
As the waters warm, Walleyes can be had all summer in the Huron/Vermillion areas.
Fall Perching off of Cleveland is phenominal.
Up until this year, I always fished Erie in a 15' boat (I now have a 20'). It's like Kim says, you have to watch the weather. It can kick up in a hurry. I would recommend buddying up wih another boat the first couple of times out. Also there are a few marinas on the lake that fairly tight access channels. These marinas should be avoided until you are comfortable out on the lake. These channels can be very interesting in a small boat when the wind is not in your favor.
Wes
Wes
Yes be careful, but regardless of how careful you are sooner or later you will get caught out in bad weather so the question is can you handle 5 or 6 foot waves, blowing winds, rain and still feel that you could get back to your ramp? If your answer is "maybe not" then you have answered your own question.
dean
dean
King, you got a lot of great advice from this post. I hope everyone heeds it.
I have a 21 foot deep V with a 220 h.p I/O. I was fishing out of Geneva yesterday and the lake was rolling 4'ers pretty steady. If it had built any more we would have headed in. When some whitecaps started I pulled anchor and moved in to 44 fow, about 2 miles out, just to cut the distance if we had to make the run. That turned out to be the best move all day, we limited in 2 hours.
I have a 21 foot deep V with a 220 h.p I/O. I was fishing out of Geneva yesterday and the lake was rolling 4'ers pretty steady. If it had built any more we would have headed in. When some whitecaps started I pulled anchor and moved in to 44 fow, about 2 miles out, just to cut the distance if we had to make the run. That turned out to be the best move all day, we limited in 2 hours.
Been fishing in a Crestliner 14 1/2 with a 25 hp. It is the biggest, deepest, and widest 14 they make. I never go out far, 99 percent out of vermillion and Ruggles. Always catch fish, always watch the weather. Went out of Catawba a few times this year, probably never again. 1 to 3's at Catawba is usually 5 to 7 when you get out there. You just have to be careful. Smaller 14's, I would not go out in.
I have a 20' Triton Dual Console with a 225 HP. I don't go out in anything over 1-3'. I have got caught out there in 4's or little better twice and I didn't like it. I watch my forecast but as others have said you have to be by the water, see it, then only you will know the true conditions for the next few minutes! It can and does change in a heartbeat at times.
Earlier this year I was in my friend's 20' Bass Boat. We launched out of Dunkirk,NY (Lake Erie) and went west about 5 miles. We got there within no time with pretty smooth conditions. We fished about 45 minutes and several boats were around us. It started kicking up some, a white cap here and there. We saw a few boats leave and then some more white caps build. 10-15 minutes later we decided we better head back since their were constant white caps. It was a bad sign when we were leaving and no other boats were around us anymore, duh are we stupid or what!?
It was a LONG ride back to the east, the winds were pushing directly at us on the way back in... We stayed dry until we had to turn right into the harbor at Dunkirk. We turned right and had about 200 yds to go to get behind the breaker wall. Within no time 2 waves hit us hard. I couldn't have got any more wet had I jumped in the water, nor could the guy sitting beside me. The bilge pumps came on instantly pumping water. We hurried as much as possible traversing the waves and luckily made it behind the breaker wall. If we would have caught one more wave we'd have been in big trouble. Waves that are 4-5' and coming over the side of the boat are no fun at all. That day was no fun, we spent the rest of the day shivering and fishing behind the breaker wall. I really hope I don't ever see that again but I learned a few things. I'm telling you this story just so you know how quickly things change and what can happen if you don't listen and watch the weather.
As everyone else says, watch the weather, look for the first sign of building waves, whitecaps, etc. Winds out of the south are usually better since it typically means the water nearshore will have smaller waves. Take your time getting back in, it will be a drier ride and safer.
My favorite place to fish is Presque Isle bay just for that reason. It seldom gets rough enough (it can and does though) that I can't fish it and if the main lake is too bad I fish the 3000 acre bay and catch plenty of nice fish.
Earlier this year I was in my friend's 20' Bass Boat. We launched out of Dunkirk,NY (Lake Erie) and went west about 5 miles. We got there within no time with pretty smooth conditions. We fished about 45 minutes and several boats were around us. It started kicking up some, a white cap here and there. We saw a few boats leave and then some more white caps build. 10-15 minutes later we decided we better head back since their were constant white caps. It was a bad sign when we were leaving and no other boats were around us anymore, duh are we stupid or what!?
It was a LONG ride back to the east, the winds were pushing directly at us on the way back in... We stayed dry until we had to turn right into the harbor at Dunkirk. We turned right and had about 200 yds to go to get behind the breaker wall. Within no time 2 waves hit us hard. I couldn't have got any more wet had I jumped in the water, nor could the guy sitting beside me. The bilge pumps came on instantly pumping water. We hurried as much as possible traversing the waves and luckily made it behind the breaker wall. If we would have caught one more wave we'd have been in big trouble. Waves that are 4-5' and coming over the side of the boat are no fun at all. That day was no fun, we spent the rest of the day shivering and fishing behind the breaker wall. I really hope I don't ever see that again but I learned a few things. I'm telling you this story just so you know how quickly things change and what can happen if you don't listen and watch the weather. As everyone else says, watch the weather, look for the first sign of building waves, whitecaps, etc. Winds out of the south are usually better since it typically means the water nearshore will have smaller waves. Take your time getting back in, it will be a drier ride and safer.
My favorite place to fish is Presque Isle bay just for that reason. It seldom gets rough enough (it can and does though) that I can't fish it and if the main lake is too bad I fish the 3000 acre bay and catch plenty of nice fish.
I fished in 3-4's this past saturday and belive me it wasn't much fun, you dont have much of a stomach left on the ride back in.
There will be a bunch of boats launching at Cranberry Creek Marina on Sunday morning, September 26th, the morning after the Hawg Fest, for some fun in close fishing.
You welcome to bring your boat and join us. It would be a good time to get some Erie experience, and ask any questions you may have, with a lot of other friendly boats around.
Kim
You welcome to bring your boat and join us. It would be a good time to get some Erie experience, and ask any questions you may have, with a lot of other friendly boats around.
Kim
Heck I fished the big pond in an 18' Mako flats boat. At the time it had a poling station on the back and a casting platform on the front. It sure was a long way from running 6" of water on the Florida Keys flats, but I had no problems.
I did get a lot of funny looks though, RIGHT LUNDY AND WES! But I am still not sure whether that is because I had two 300lb guys with me, or that I was crazy enough to have that boat so far from the ocean.
The truth of the matter is, the waves never hit 4' that day and I had put it in worse chop on the ocean. Never once felt unsafe, but it is a matter of knowing what the boat can handle(or in my case, what my dad could handle before crying) and not going past that point.
I did get a lot of funny looks though, RIGHT LUNDY AND WES! But I am still not sure whether that is because I had two 300lb guys with me, or that I was crazy enough to have that boat so far from the ocean.
The truth of the matter is, the waves never hit 4' that day and I had put it in worse chop on the ocean. Never once felt unsafe, but it is a matter of knowing what the boat can handle(or in my case, what my dad could handle before crying) and not going past that point.
I dock out at Meinke's West(Curtice,OH), 26 ft Trojan. I will go out in 2-4 footers, if the waves get much over 4' it can become too cumbersome to try to fish and do it safely(with the fly bridge the boat really can get a rockin'). As was said previously, the size does not matter so much as the experience of the captain of the vessel and knowing the capabilities of your vessel. Also I monitor the weather on the lake through NOAA reports online & on marine radio, as well as checking the weather bouys out in the lake via the computer before I go out in the morning. General observations of the weather coupled with a look at the radar in the morning to see what could present itself during the day also help me ensure that my guests and myself stay safe. I learned a long time ago that if I am unsure about possible changing conditions, or have any apprehension about leaving the dock, I just don't leave the dock. Don't let the pursuit of fish cloud your judgement when it comes to the safety of your guests and/or yourself.
I have a Tracker Targa 17 and usually go out from East harbor or another Catawba ramp. I have a good GPS and VHF radio and a second hand held weather radio as back up and of course the cell phone. I would also suggest some type of boat towing insurance.
I only get to go up a few times a year and I won't go out if they are calling for 2-4's, or will stay in close if I have a protected area. The best advice I've seen is to not go out if you feel uncomfortable and to go out with a couple of other boats the first few times out.
I only get to go up a few times a year and I won't go out if they are calling for 2-4's, or will stay in close if I have a protected area. The best advice I've seen is to not go out if you feel uncomfortable and to go out with a couple of other boats the first few times out.
The suggestion by Lundy is great. You might also try to arrange going out with an experienced person, don't fish, just have him/her school you in the basic handling techniques so you can learn to
"feel " how your boat reacts to different sea conditions. I have been boating on Erie for 60 years, operated 14 foot Lymans (one of the best) up to 36 foot twin screw. Each boat reacts differently to the sea but all have a "feel" that you can recognize as your ability increases. I now have a 16.5 foot with a 60 and 9.9 for power. I don't push the envelope and draw the line at 3 footers to launch into but have been caught out in fives and some sixes. Lewis and I had a great two mile ride in at Ruggles this spring. Four to six quartering in off our stern, portside. It wasn't enjoyable but we both felt safe as the boat handled the waves quite nicely if I did my job. C'mon out and let us help you.
"feel " how your boat reacts to different sea conditions. I have been boating on Erie for 60 years, operated 14 foot Lymans (one of the best) up to 36 foot twin screw. Each boat reacts differently to the sea but all have a "feel" that you can recognize as your ability increases. I now have a 16.5 foot with a 60 and 9.9 for power. I don't push the envelope and draw the line at 3 footers to launch into but have been caught out in fives and some sixes. Lewis and I had a great two mile ride in at Ruggles this spring. Four to six quartering in off our stern, portside. It wasn't enjoyable but we both felt safe as the boat handled the waves quite nicely if I did my job. C'mon out and let us help you.
I have a 14' Lund deep V w/ 25hp.
I don't go out unless the forcast is for 2' or less and then I call Shines and then check Lakevision. Usually launch out of Gordan Park, Edgewater or Fairport. I usually only go out a mile or two to find the perch. The greatest distance I have been out is the Cleveland water intake.
By the way, how far is that intake? 3 miles?
Last fall there was a man and a women perching in a canoe w/ an electric trolling motor a couple miles offshore. Now that's nuts.
I don't go out unless the forcast is for 2' or less and then I call Shines and then check Lakevision. Usually launch out of Gordan Park, Edgewater or Fairport. I usually only go out a mile or two to find the perch. The greatest distance I have been out is the Cleveland water intake.
By the way, how far is that intake? 3 miles?
Last fall there was a man and a women perching in a canoe w/ an electric trolling motor a couple miles offshore. Now that's nuts.
Call me crazy, but I've had my 16' Bass Tracker out there. Only in 0' to 2' waves though. I grew up right on Erie and learned a lot about it. In high school a buddy of mine and me would take a 14' semi v with a 9.9 out all the time at Perry Park by the nuke plant. Just be smart. It's hard to do when your catching fish, but all it takes is getting caught out there once. I stay close enough to get in quick and keep a close eye on the weather.
Sure sounds very do-able with my 16 ft. But I am sure I will need practice for 3+ footers. The toughest time I have had so far was in my 14 ft V-bottom on Grand Lake St Marys. Waves were probably 2-3 footers packed very close together. I had to tack back and forth for a mile or so to get to the marina. TheQueen was screaming as the water came in, and grandad bailed. The were yelling for me to straddle parallel to the waves rather than tack, but I'm sure we would have turned over. The wave crests were about one boat-width apart. I could not hold my hands from shaking for hours afterwards. The fear is still with me from that experience. And that is probably a good thing based on the advice you guys have given.
All these posts are worth their weight in gold to me. And I want to take up the offers for some on-the-water training. Very gracious offers. I am not sure how to plan it, or when to do it right now. Things are scheduled for me into mid-October, right when buck fever starts. The Sunday morning of the Hawg Fest is an ideal chance since I'll be there, but I have to miss out on that chance because I am attending the Perch trip with some guests. Also, must rig for the marine radio (hint to someone looking to upgrade). Thank you for the help and hopefully I'll get another chance for some training with some of you.
All these posts are worth their weight in gold to me. And I want to take up the offers for some on-the-water training. Very gracious offers. I am not sure how to plan it, or when to do it right now. Things are scheduled for me into mid-October, right when buck fever starts. The Sunday morning of the Hawg Fest is an ideal chance since I'll be there, but I have to miss out on that chance because I am attending the Perch trip with some guests. Also, must rig for the marine radio (hint to someone looking to upgrade). Thank you for the help and hopefully I'll get another chance for some training with some of you.
I had a 16' Smokercraft Deep V for a few years. Launched out of Turtle Creek quite a few times but "never" went out in it with anything forcasted over 3'ers. Was out there a couple times when the 4'ers showed up and we limped back gently. I moved up to a Tyee 1850 and I feel much better in the water but I still wont go out if they are forcasting anything over 1-3's.
In the central basin, things are more gently (usually). The rollers arent as bad to handle but it can blow up there too just as quick.
In any boat, the four things I feel you "always" need (regardless of boat size) is experience, a ship to shore radio, a gps and "common sense". There are no fish ohio's worth risking a life!
Bub
In the central basin, things are more gently (usually). The rollers arent as bad to handle but it can blow up there too just as quick.
In any boat, the four things I feel you "always" need (regardless of boat size) is experience, a ship to shore radio, a gps and "common sense". There are no fish ohio's worth risking a life!
Bub
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