WCO Report for Erie County 06/30/2004: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: June 29, 2004

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on June 29, 2004 at 21:40:51:

WEST ERIE COUNTY, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:
Perch fishing continues to be good although the schools are beginning to move somewhat. 45 to 50 feet of water due North of Walnut Creek is the currently the hot area. Action has slowed slightly but this may simply be due to to recent rough lake conditions. Good Perch action typically will last all summer and well into the fall months. Shiners are plentiful although many anglers will use fathead minnows. The fat heads will not trigger as many strikes however, they are much easier to keep alive in the bait bucket.

Bass fishing has been terrific with many anglers convinced this has been the best season in years. Presque Isle Bay has been good in any area where there is cover. Hot spots include Horseshoe pond around the Perry Monument, the North and South Piers, and the East and West Piers along the channel entering Mariana Lake. Tube baits and other soft plastics, jerk baits, and live shiners, leeches, and crawlers have all been working well. One of the best baits for bass are live crayfish available at some bait shops. Remember, the current limit for bass on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay is 4 fish with a minimum size limit of 15"

Walleye action seems to have picked up somewhat but it still seems to be evident by reported catches that the walleye numbers in the lake are down. Boaters have been picking up eyes in shallower water, 25 to 45 feet. Spoons and crawler harnesses are still the ticket.

The Stateline ponds along Interstate 90 at the Ohio line have had very little fishing pressure lately. This can be a good place to try your luck for crappie, perch, and sunfish. The ponds also hold a fair number of bass. The Stateline ponds are relatively shallow and are a good place to use a canoe or small car top boats. There are no launch ramps and most of the area is primitive.

Current Lake Erie off shore water temperature as of this writing is 68 degrees

This Weeks Boating Safety Reminder:
All boats must show required running lights between sunset and sunrise and also during periods of restricted visibility while underway. Check your Boater's Handbook for details and requirements for your particular boat.

All boats must display anchor lights when they are anchored between sunset and sunrise on any boatable Commonwealth waters (except in special anchorage areas). An anchor light is considered an all around white light with 360 degree visibility.

Sunrise and Sunset tables are printed in your Boaters Handbook.

Maintaining Your Bilge Pump and Bilge Area:
The insurance industry points to faulty bilge pumps as the number one cause of boats sinking. Many sunken boats are the result of the bilge pump not working at the owners slip. The following guidelines will help you keep the bilge pump in great shape:

1) Inspect the bilge pump regularly, about once a month.

2) Check the bilge pump action by lifting the float manually to ensure that the pump kicks on automatically.

3) Make sure no debris blocks the pivot arm from rising and falling.

4) Look for corrosion and rust, particularly on wires and connections.

5) Check for loose wires and replace or resplice corroded wires. Make sure the wires are positioned above the high
water mark.

6) Take note of the amount of water in the bilge. If it is excessive, check the source and address the problem.

7) Make sure any fittings below the waterline are double-clamped and free of leaks.

8) Bilge pumps should have power at all times. Make sure that yours is wired directly to the battery (or the main
battery switch).

9) Check the condition and voltage of the fuse to ensure it meets manufacturer specifications to avoid blowouts.

10) Always have a spare fuse on hand.

11) For continual bilge maintenance and odor control, pour about a half-cup of a quality bilge cleaner into the bilge weekly over the course of the boating season. This will prevent debris buildup and avoid bilge pump malfunctions.

Local Weather:
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 10 mph.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms late in the day. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Thursday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s.
Friday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday night
Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Independence day
Mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Sunday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
Monday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s.
Monday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 80. Chance of rain 30 percent.




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