Great Lakes - First timer

I live in South Centeral Pa., about 6 ~ 8 hour drive from Lake Erie. I have never been on any of the GL's. I would like to try something new this year and tow the boat (19' with an 8' beam and a 150 Hp. Verado.) to Erie this summer for an extended weekend. Can anyone with experience of Erie give me a few (don't need to be your best) spots where a first timer might have a chance to hook up. Not sure when I would like to go, but I do know it would be a holiday weekend. Am leaning towards the next holiday (Memeroral Day) weekend. Thanks in advance.
Jim

Can anyone with experience of Erie give me a few (don't need to be your best) spots where a first timer might have a chance to hook up.

Hmmmm, you ARE talking about fishing......right?!?!?:rofl::grin:

Hmmmm, you ARE talking about fishing......right?!?!?:rofl::grin:

that was my first thought...hook up with what? care to tell us what you're REALLY after? Holiday weekends would increase your chances for one, but with lake being crowded, the other maybe not so good?

IF you're considering the central basin.....

Presque Isle has a lot to offer and is pretty busy on holidays. Fishing around Memorial day will present opportunities for smallmouth bass, some perch, and the local walleye populations. There are many public beaches and lodging options in the area as well. The bay is usually useable if its a windy day, as the lake can kick up and get pretty snotty in a hurry. Going west, there are smaller access areas , Walnut creek, Conneaut Ohio, Geneva State park.... Depends on what type of area and speed you're looking for.

Bringing family?
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle/presqueisle_mini.pdf
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle.aspx
http://www.conneautportauthority.com/
http://www.visitgenevaonthelake.com/

Thanks Classic25, The wife and I just want to spend some time checking out the lake, and maybe I could get a little fishing in. I heard there are some nice smallies in erie. wouldn't mind getting a nice one for the garage wall.

Stars - are you talking about this weekend?

No I was looking at possibly the last weekend of May.

IF you're considering the central basin.....

Presque Isle has a lot to offer and is pretty busy on holidays. Fishing around Memorial day will present opportunities for smallmouth bass, some perch, and the local walleye populations. There are many public beaches and lodging options in the area as well. The bay is usually useable if its a windy day, as the lake can kick up and get pretty snotty in a hurry. Going west, there are smaller access areas , Walnut creek, Conneaut Ohio, Geneva State park.... Depends on what type of area and speed you're looking for.

Bringing family?
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle/presqueisle_mini.pdf
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle.aspx
http://www.conneautportauthority.com/
http://www.visitgenevaonthelake.com/


2X

Classic has given you great points, and from your location, definitely the best choice. I'd only add that another reason is if you want to splash your feet in the water a bit, it's going to be the only place you can do it and come away without blue toes . . . as long as you stay INSIDE the peninsula (is that a peninsula surrounding the port?).

;)

Where from Jim? Our slip is at bay harbor marina inside the bay, lots of fishing and nice beaches for relaxing.

I live in a small town in the mountians on the Pa. side of the Mason Dixon line. Between Chambersburg, Pa. and Hagerstown Md.

Greencastle area? Coming that far I sure hope you get good weather, are you planning to dock the boat or trailer in and out?

That would depend on the place that we reserve to stay at. I would pefer to leave the boat on the water, so the misses can take the truck and go flea marketing(not my cup of tea) and I can go fishing. I have sent e-mails to a couple of places that are pet friendly in the Geneva area. Havn't heard anything back yet. You are correct on the Greencastle area. I live in the mountians about 20 miles west of Greencastle by Whitetail Ski Resort.

Got our cabin locked in. We will be staying at the Cozy Cottages in Geneva on the lake from May 27TH thru May 31ST. The wife and I are looking forward to a nice stay, and some nice fishin'. I want to thank Classic 25 for taking the time to call me on the phone and give me a few pointers. If anyone would like to contribute, information to that area, please feel free. My first question: What is the most popular line size on the lake for eyes and sm. mouth? I have 25 Lb already spooled for stripers, thats probably overkill, so I was thinking more into the 15Lb range. ANYONE???????
Thanks in advance;
Jim

best bet for that time of year will be from the 00 n line and in.. not sure how fancy and how much money u plan on investing on walleye but for out east i run 30lb braid 20lb fluro leaders if the fish are deeper but if not ill run 12 mono the rest of the year. i mostly run harnesses or stickbaits.. the small mouth should be easy just fish the rocks outside of geneva 15 lb range should be fine for that.. ill be in obx that weekend or id come up and show ya the lake but if u need any other info just ask or i can pm u my number and ill give u a report like the week before u come up..

Wow this kind of service is somthing to be grateful for. If the majority of the people in that area are like the assistance I get here, our stay is going to be fantastic.
Leadcore, I was in Cape Hatteras 2 weekends ago for BF tuna. I had a great time there. I hope your stay will be also good. Any and all reports are helpful, My phone Number is 717-360-1148, call anytime.
Thanks;
Jim

Got our cabin locked in. We will be staying at the Cozy Cottages in Geneva on the lake from May 27TH thru May 31ST. The wife and I are looking forward to a nice stay, and some nice fishin'. I want to thank Classic 25 for taking the time to call me on the phone and give me a few pointers. If anyone would like to contribute, information to that area, please feel free. My first question: What is the most popular line size on the lake for eyes and sm. mouth? I have 25 Lb already spooled for stripers, thats probably overkill, so I was thinking more into the 15Lb range. ANYONE???????
Thanks in advance;
Jim

Stars,
Smallmouth; run 8-12 lb mono or small diameter braid (your mono will breakoff on the mussels, not the fish).

Smallie bait is the same as everywhere: pumpkin tubes, cranks, live bait. I'll tell you the single-most successful bait I use either casting or slow trolling: Rebel makes 3 sizes of natural color crawfish. Get the #2 size; run it at or near the bottom (max dive on the bait is 17'). You will kill 'em; guaranteed.

Thanks Daze, I have all that wrote down, I will be trying that.
Jim