WCO Report for Erie County 07/22/2009: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: July 21, 2009

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on July 21, 2009 at 21:57:23:

July 22nd, 2009

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Walleye fishing on the lake continues to improve although the fish are still scattered. Once located, the fishing can be good with many of the charter captains reporting limits but having to work for them. Locating them is the tough part. Fair to good reports are still coming in from shallow water between Trout and Godfrey Runs. Reef Runner lures and crawler harnesses trolled slowly on small dipseys are still hooking them. Chartreuse and watermelon colors are always good to start. It's been said many times that fish will bite anything as long as it's chartreuse. Planer boards are a plus in the shallow water to keep the lines away from the boats. In line planer boards and flat lining with weight as needed will work as well.
Reports are fair in deeper water, although the walleye have often been suspended. Locating fish in the deeper water requires a good electronic fish finder or an awful lot of luck. My money would be on the finder. Deeper diving dipseys trolled anywhere from 75 to 150 feet back in 60 to 65 feet of water would be a good start once the fish are located.

Perch fishing is still strong with fish being caught at a variety of depths. Due North and slightly West of Walnut Creek is still a hot area. Perch are being caught anywhere from 45' to 57' of water West to the Ohio line. Perch fishing has also been fair North of the Northeast Marina in 50' to 55' of water and off the point at Presque Isle.

With the summer weather finally hitting the area, now is a good time to target pan fish in and around Presque Isle Bay. Presque Isle Bay is a great place fill the cooler with slab gills and sunfish. Other good local "Gill spots" include areas along the South side of Presque Isle Bay, Edinboro Lake, and the State Line ponds just South of I-90 at the Ohio line. Bluegill will eat anything they can get into their mouths. Worms and crickets are anglers favorite baits, but bluegill will take, small poppers, flies, small spinners and jigs. At times they will even hit cheese baits and corn. Bluegill are gregarious, so when you catch one, there are usually more in the same place. A frying pan full of fresh filleted bluegills and sunfish are mouthwatering table fare.

Current Lake Erie water temperature is 71 degrees off the Port of Erie.

Retrieving a Downed Skier or Tuber:
Falling down in the water while water-skiing is a common occurrence, especially for beginners. If a skier has fallen or made a water landing, pick them up as soon as possible, since floating skiers are difficult for other boats to see.

While waiting to be picked up, the skier should hold up a ski to increase their chances of being recognized in the water. A person that has fallen off a tube should try to keep a hand in the air. The boat operator reduces speed immediately while the observer maintains visual contact with the skier and directs the operator. Return to pick up the fallen skier with the boat at reduced speed and headed into the wind or current, whichever is stronger.

Always turn off engine when approaching the skier. The observer is to watch for the skier's signal to indicate the skier is all right. If the signal is not seen, the operator must assume the skier is injured and needs immediate assistance. If the skier is injured but is able to grasp and hold a line, maneuver the boat upwind and close to the injured person. Turn off the engine, throw the injured skier a line and gently haul them in. If they cannot grasp and hold a line, follow the same procedure, but let the boat drift towards them without power.

Sea Sickness:
It seems that for every charter that leaves for a day of fishing, one returns to the dock with somebody looking pale and nauseous .. often spoiling a good day of fishing. Sea Sickness affects people in different degrees of intensity with some folks never being bothered only to laugh at their chumming buddies in all their misery. Sea sickness is caused by a constant rocking or swaying motion that affects the small organs in the inner ears. These constant hypnotic like motions will send signals to the brain causing dizziness, headaches and of course nausea. Inactivity on the boat and fixing ones eyes on a close object can intensify the problem. (not to mention downing that morning submarine sandwich with extra peppers)

There are several remedies whose results can be debatable but do work for many folks. Over the counter medications for motion sickness can be helpful. In most cases these should be taken the night or morning before the outing. They are of little help after one becomes sick. Prescription patches are available through your doctor for severe problems.

Stay above deck in the fresh air and try to stay busy to keep the mind occupied. Look at the horizon rather than focusing on the deck taking deep breaths and drinking water as needed. Wristbands, and eating crackers or pretzels are old wives cures that work for many people. One of the oldest cures is ginger most easily taking by drinking ginger ale in small sips. If you are already sick and a long way from shore, try lying on your back on deck with your eyes closed. And remember as a courtesy to the captain, always try to heave overboard.

Local Weather;

Wednesday Night...Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday...Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning...then a chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday...Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

Friday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.

Saturday...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

Tuesday...A chance of rain showers and thunderstorms.




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