WCO Report and Photo for Erie County 07/28/2010: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: July 28, 2010

Brought to you by FishLakeErie.com


[FishLakeErie.com] [ PA Fish Reports ] [ News/Articles ] [ More WCO Reports & Photos ] [ Recent WCO ]

Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on July 28, 2010 at 22:20:32:

One Pound Nine Ounce Citation Perch

July 28th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:

Wind and wave conditions have been marginally cooperative this past week. The recent rains had clouded things up a bit near shore and slowed down the action a bit. Anglers are still bringing in the perch and walleye, but in lessor numbers. The season is by no means over. Forecasts for the weekend are fair to good at this time and things should be back to normal. The hot and humid conditions Erie has been experiencing have generally pushed fish to the colder depths.
The Perch are moving around somewhat but are still staying schooled up. Look for the "boat packs" north of Walnut Creek and off the Point. Drift for the perch until you locate them and then settle in for your limit.

Bass fishing in Presque Isle Bay is still good but slowed somewhat. Anglers are picking up bass and rock bass along the North and South Piers.

Current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 77, off Cleveland is 76 and off Erie, 78 degrees.

2010 Summer Slam Tournament (formerly the Pro Am Tournament) The Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing Association will be holding their 2010 Summer Slam Tournament on August 7th and 8th. For more information, rules and registration go to 2010 Summer Slam

Unseasonable Summer is Cause for Caution:
This past week we saw a number of anglers venturing out on Lake Erie under very dark skies, lightening, and high wave conditions. Some of the storms in our area over the last few weeks have been severe bringing funnel clouds and a few tornado touch downs. So often we see anglers trailer their boats from out of town only to be disappointed to see rough conditions and dark skies. Anyone with any experience navigating Lake Erie can attest to the fact that wind and wave predictions should most often be used as only a guide. The smart boaters will either wait it out and realize that the fish will be there another day, however there are always those individuals that take the attitude that "I came all this way, I'm going fishing no matter what". Getting caught in a storm on Lake Erie can be a frightening, not to mention extremely dangerous experience and every boater should plan ahead for rough weather. Consider the following suggestions from Boating Made Simple:

Threats of Lightening:
1) A thunderstorm more than a mile away from your vessel can produce lightning that can strike your boat. In fact, the National Weather Service reports that lightening can be generated as far as 10 miles away from a storm. The service recommends that mariners use the "30-30 Rule" when visibility of the storm is still good: Once you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving shelter. Within that time there could still be a threat of a lightning strike ... even if it is sunny and the sky is clear.

2) Should you spot a threatening cloud ... even at a distance ... stop all contact with the water. Discontinue all water activities such as fishing or swimming. (Beware: Graphite fishing rods and aluminum landing nets are excellent conductors.)

3) Lower or remove radio antennas and other metal rod objects (unless they are part of a lightning protection system).

4) Disconnect and don't touch any electronic equipment, including the radio.

5) Stay in the center of the cabin or as low in the boat as possible to avoid becoming a human lightning rod. For the same reason, do not put each hand on any items connected to the electrical system at the same time.

Navigating in High Wind and Waves:
1) Maneuver so the boat takes the initial and heaviest winds on the bow, not abeam. (The smaller the boat, the more important it is to head into the wind.)

2) Waves should be approached at a 45-degree angle. This will help keep the propeller underwater and reduce pounding.

3) In moderate seas, slow your speed so you can ride atop and over a wave. Avoid driving the bow into a wave or riding to the top of the wave and falling off the back, which could bury the bow.

4) Remember ... the heavier the seas, the slower your boat speed to minimize strain on the vessel and maximize steering control.

5) Continue to keep the bilge free of water to prevent the rolling effects of sloshing water below.

Boater's Safety Tip of the Week:
Know the wind and wave forecasts before hitting the water. Carry a marine or portable weather radio to monitor weather conditions at all times and keep an eye on the sky.

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Showers and thunderstorms likely. Muggy. Lows in the lower 70s. West winds 10 to 15 mph...becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday...Partly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning... Then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Not as warm with highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Thursday Night...Clear. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph...becoming northeast after midnight.

Friday...Sunny in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Friday Night...Partly cloudy in the evening...then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows around 60.

Saturday...Partly sunny. Highs around 80.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

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

Sunday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.

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

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

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




[FishLakeErie.com] [ PA Fish Reports ] [ News/Articles ] [ More WCO Reports & Photos ] [ Recent WCO ]


(71.116.25.25)