Fishing report for the week of June 23, 2008: , ,
Fishing Report Posted: June 23, 2008

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[ Lake Erie & Tributaries Fishing Report ]

Posted by Capt. Walt Ermansons on June 23, 2008 at 20:30:58:

Going very well ! Aboard "The Trophy" we have settled into a very nice consistent pattern of limit catches on most days now. The Walleyes are finally moving off shore and "The Trophy" has been in hot pursuit ! The fish still appear to be running in the top 30 ft. of the water column which makes them easier to catch with the shallower running Jet Divers. I really believe we are only days away from having to switch over to the wire fishing line and deeper running crank bait program. No big deal. We will do what it takes to put fish in the box. I will also go where ever I have to go as well, unlike many of the charters that are now hanging around close to the harbor because of fuel prices.

The last few days we've been out as far as 10 miles. Even though we will be out even further in the coming months, the pain at the pump is already setting in big time. By the time we run out 10 miles or so, troll all day and run back 10 miles, the daily fuel expense is very trouble some. I still wonder how we will be able to afford to run out the 20 miles or so that we normally do in July and August before we ever even wet a line. We have not adjusted our rates in the last several years to compensate for what is happing at the marine gas docks. I certainly would have this season if I would have known how the prices were going to soar this summer. I am still very dependent on everyone's understanding and generous tips to try and off set this terrible situation. So far everyone has been taking good care of me at the end of the day. I can't thank you enough .

The Walleyes are still only hitting very well in the early morning. The first few hours of daylight has been awesome and then it dies off dramatically. Maybe after the fish drop down to the 50 - 60 foot range they will cooperate a bit better all day but until then, we absolutely have to be off the dock by 5:00 a.m. Especially now since we have even more travel time involved before we even start to set lines. The choice is yours. Show up late and go for a boat ride or show up at day break as I strongly suggest and get in on the blazing hot action that happens just as the sun is coming up. It's my favorite time of day. You have not lived until you've seen a lake Erie sun rise over the water with Walleyes hanging all over the place in total chaotic bliss !

I am reminding everyone that the draw bridge is closed for the summer for vehicular traffic and you must come in by way of route 11 as all my directions clearly spell out. The river dredging project which has been ongoing for the past 3 years is now completed. The last few weeks have been a real pain but now we can now enjoy the deep water that the project has left behind. Most of you will remember how shallow it was behind my boat. We now have 20 foot of water under us and it is right up to the wall. Amazing ! I have seen a lot of changes in the past 22 years of full time chartering out of Ashtabula harbor. This is probably the greatest change I've ever witnessed. Well, let's hope for calm seas and great fishing the rest of the summer. I just love it when I get to say everyday, "just another day on The Trophy!"

Capt Walt





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