Where are they and how do I catch them? Presque Isle Bay is still producing good catches of perch and panfish. If you talk to 10 different people fishing Presque Isle Bay right now, 5 will be walking off the ice with their limit and 5 will be wondering why they caught nothing. We are often asked how and where are they getting them. Those that have done well more often than not, have just stuck to the basics of fishing. 1) Find the fish. If you do not have a locater (a portable locater can be invaluable) , go where the other guys are. If you have not hooked anything within a half hour or so...its time to move to another spot. 2) Noise scares fish, always has...always will. The initial noise of an auger or "setting up the hut" may initially scare the fish away..but curiosity and good bait will bring them back. From there on give them the silent treatment. 3) Keep the bait fresh. If using live shiners....keep them alive and lively as much as possible. 4) Use as light weight of line as possible..in most cases, 2 lb. is plenty for panfish. 5) Keep the guides or eyes on your rod free of ice to minimize line wear. A thin smear of petroleum jelly each guide will often do the trick. 6) Fish metabolism slows dramatically in frigid water (yours would too). This means using the smallest of lures and very slow presentations. Use very short, slow jigging strokes and long pauses in between. 7) Fish most often strike between jigging strokes and very often the strike is quite subtle. Paying close attention will produce more fish. 8) Bottled fish attractants can be helpful on artificial baits. 9) If your minnow supply gets low, fish eyes from your catch make excellent bait. 10) Keep your bait near the bottom. Caution: A tugboat was scheduled to enter the channel and remove a barge at the Erie Sand a Gravel dock area this week. It is unclear as to specifically when this will occur. Wednesday or Thursday was the last word. As such, caution should be used and watching the channel occasionally would be wise. Vessels of this size can affect ice stability all across the entire bay. Even with all the winter activity on the Bay there is still plenty of room for all to enjoy the ice and coopertation has been good. Those using ATVs, ice boaters, and wind skiers on the Presque Isle Bay are asked to use courtesy around anglers and keep a safe distance. Wear your PFD or float jacket, and use care and caution at all times...Thank you Randy Leighton Deputy Water Conservation Officer, PA. Fish and Boat Commission West Erie County Rglerie@aol.com
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