Lake Erie or Lake Michigan - The Hull Truth

Fish Fast · 02-09-2008, 09:43 AM

Hoping not tostart a debate, but looking for help in deciding which Lake to dock the boat on this upcoming season.

Fishing with family and friends many who are newbie’s. As to myself I'm used to salt in my water[img]../jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif[/img]

With kids in the picture, quantity and bottom fishing outweighs size. Went up to Marblehead for a week in 07 (July) and Walleye fished. Without being too knowledgeable we were able to catch enough to keep everybody happy.

Live in Fort Wayne and have a 95 Seacat SL5C. The boat is trailerable, but it is large enough that docking would help get it used more often. Considering St. Joseph’s for Lake Michigan and Port Clinton for Lake Erie. Also considering splitting the season amongst the two locations.

Welcome your thoughts, guidance and experience
THANKS

Brad1 · 02-09-2008, 10:05 AM

I have no familiarity with Lake Michigan (though that's where my former boat is being used). But I know where your coming from as far as having kids along with you and wanting to make sure everyone enjoys the experience. There's alot to do in the Port Clinton area. Cedar Point is near by. One thing I used to like to do is fish in the morning, go to bass island and tie up for lunch. Go back out and fish.

I may be keeping my boat at Geneva-on-the-Lake Ohio this year for the same reason. ALot of things for the family to do. Personally, I'd rather fish out of Conneaut, Ohio. But there's less to do there aside from fishing.

Another option to consider is keeping your boat at a boat storage facility. That's what I do. My boat is 3/10s of a mile from where I launch at Erie. Only costs $250 per season and I don't have to bottom paint. Saves me having to trailer it back and forth.

draggenballs · 02-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Port Clinton, you kids will have much more fun catching walleye and perch. I fish both lakes regularly and for fast action that the kids can get into with out much trouble you cant beat lake Erie. Just trailer the boat over to Manistee or Ludington for the month of august and you will get all the salmon fishing you can handle. Then its back to Erie for the perch and fall walleye. Best of both worlds.

greylion · 02-09-2008, 12:27 PM

I love Lake Michigan and live in the Chicago suburbs, so I fish there, but for variety and numbers of fish I'd pick Lake Erie over Michigan. I agree that if you can trailer your boat over to St. Joe's for part of the time then do it. I don't know how far you are from either but if the travel time is similar, Erie.

j9f · 02-09-2008, 02:12 PM

I live on Lake Erie in Michigan. I enjoy my time on Lake Michigan also. So I dock at home from April through about July 4th then dock on Lake Michigan until around labor day. Its the best of both worlds. Maybe you could find some places that run monthly dock rentals and try both for a season to decide which you prefer. I wouldn't want to give up either.

Jt344 · 02-09-2008, 04:57 PM

I'd say Erie for the quantity of fish and ease of fishing. But if you want something a little similar to saltwater fishing, your best bet is Lake Michigan for salmon. We do as others have suggested, Erie for the 1st half of summer and then Lake Michigan for the 2nd half. Most marina's offer daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal rates so you can keep the boat wet once it gets to your port of choice.

nate44 · 02-18-2008, 07:09 PM

I GOT A DOCK AT "BATTERY PARK" IN SANDUSKY OHIO..$1150 FOR A 24FT WITH WATER AND ELECTRIC. THE HAVE A NICE BIG POOL FOR THE KIDS, DAMONS RESTAURANT, AND CEDAR POINT A BLOCK AWAY.
GOOD FISHING FOR PERCH AND WALLEYE. YOU ALSO HAVE KELLEYS ISLAND AND ONLY 30 MINUTES FROM PELEE ISLAND.

NATE

honda cat · 02-22-2008, 06:50 AM

I FISH BOTH PORTS MY SELF
LAKE ERIE HAS MORE TO OFFER FOR THE FAMILY FOR SURE
lake Michigan is my home for salmon fishing its not near as easy and requires a bunch more gear and know how to be productive like some one said resembles salt water fishing some what
lake Michigan you have a chance to have a 20 lb + king rip off 800 ft of screaming drag, don't happen every day but when it does OH BOY ! you know what I am talking about
for the family lake Erie
for the sport lake Michigan
your are lucky to have a trailer able boat you can do both as I do

cossack · 03-06-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Brad1 - 2/9/2008 9:05 AM

I have no familiarity with Lake Michigan (though that's where my former boat is being used). But I know where your coming from as far as having kids along with you and wanting to make sure everyone enjoys the experience. There's alot to do in the Port Clinton area. Cedar Point is near by. One thing I used to like to do is fish in the morning, go to bass island and tie up for lunch. Go back out and fish.

I may be keeping my boat at Geneva-on-the-Lake Ohio this year for the same reason. ALot of things for the family to do. Personally, I'd rather fish out of Conneaut, Ohio. But there's less to do there aside from fishing.

Another option to consider is keeping your boat at a boat storage facility. That's what I do. My boat is 3/10s of a mile from where I launch at Erie. Only costs $250 per season and I don't have to bottom paint. Saves me having to trailer it back and forth.

Brad, if you don't mind me asking, where are getting away with only paying $250 to store your boat? I live in Madison and would jump at that to not have to trailer my boat.

grabnmcbutt · 03-09-2008, 09:12 PM

I live in the middle of the state but work a few miles from Erie - I keep my boat in Holland on Lake Michigan - I'd drive all the way from Erie to Holland just to be on lake michigan. The beauty of Lake michigan in Summer is second to none! fishing is awesome and when your tired of fishing just beach your boat along one of the many dunes and kick back!

reefhunter2 · 04-10-2008, 04:59 AM

That's a tough one. But since you live in the Fort, I'd pick Erie for the family. Lake Michigan, the last time I fished there (2003) didn't have any appreciable walleye or smallmouth bass.