WCO Report for Erie County 5/31/2006: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: May 30, 206

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on May 30, 206 at 22:00:56:

May 31st, 2006

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

The holiday weekend welcomed the unofficial start of the Erie boating season with near record warm temperatures and calm lake conditions. Catch reports varied from no luck to above average. Anglers were having some success for perch in 30' of water west of Walnut Creek and in 60 feet of water off the Point at Presque Isle. Anglers fishing the west end of Presque Isle Bay have reported good catches of spawned out perch as well. Walleye catches were sporadic although the water is still a bit on the cool side for this time of year. Reports from the Western basin area and in particular the Kelly's island area indicate a strong start to this years walleye season. With the normal West to east migration, we should be in for some good fishing soon. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good to excellent in and around Presque Isle Bay and along the Lake Erie Shoreline in 25 to 30 feet of water. The Lake Erie water temperature of Toledo is 62 degrees, off Cleveland, 57 degrees and off Erie 57 degrees.

Bridge at the Manchester Hole Under Construction:
The Walnut Creek Marina will only be accessible from Manchester Road From May 31 thru June 22 due to bridge repairs on Dutch Road.

Walnut Creek Channel Advisory:
STAY BACK 20 FEET FROM WEST BANK (ROCK) WALL
In order for the PFBC to protect the stability of the west bank (rock) wall, dredging operations will no longer be performed within 20 feet of the west bank (rock) wall. Therefore, all boats are required to maintain a distance of a minimum of 20 feet from the west bank (rock) wall. Be advised that if you navigate within 20 feet of the wall, your boat will suffer serious damage. Boaters exiting the channel to the lake have the right of way.

Boaters must sound their horn as warning for anglers to pull up their lines. Failure to reel in fishing lines when a boat is entering or leaving the marina will be strictly enforced this year as boaters will not have the ability to enter or leave the marina on the far west side.

Another Fish For Free Day:
Sunday June 4th is another fish for free day in the Commonwealth. Anglers and "want to be anglers" will be permitted to fish without purchasing a license. All rules and regulations regarding seasons, sizes, and creel limits will still apply

Safe Boating Tip of the Week:
Boats 16 feet and longer using lake Erie are required by law to have serviceable VFD's (visual distress signals) on board. VFD's are typically good for a period 3 years from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is labeled both on the package and on each individual VFD on all USCG approved devices. Expired VFD's are considered unserviceable.

Know Your Fire Extinguisher Before It's Needed:
As a boat owner, how well do you know you fire extinguisher? There is no question that in an emergency you'll have no better friend than a well-maintained, well-located U.S. fire extinguisher that meets Coast Guard regulations. Like any friend however, neglect it and your extinguisher may not be there for you when you need it most.

Staying on the best of terms with your fire extinguisher doesn't take a lot of effort. The most common type of fire extinguisher found on most family boats is the dry powder extinguisher. These extinguishers typically have an easy to read pressure gauge that you should check on a monthly basis.

When you check the pressure gauge also give the entire bottle a good look. Plastic nozzles can be easily damaged and may not function properly if they are blocked.

It is also recommended to give your dry powder extinguisher a thorough shaking at least twice a year because "the powder charge can settle and become compacted during long periods of disuse."

If you shake your extinguisher twice a year, then when you shake it for the tenth time it should be the last. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that non-rechargeable, powder-type extinguishers be routinely replaced after five years, even though they have not been used and appear to be in good shape."

For those boat owners with carbon dioxide or Halon type extinguishers, checking and shaking is not the way to go. These gaseous type extinguishers require periodic inspection and certification by trained and licensed service providers. "The tank must be weighed to ensure that it is still full. Those that have lost more than 10 percent of their charge must be recharged in order to be effective. Weighing should be a part of a semi-annual inspection.

Your fire extinguisher is required to be USCG approved for marine use and at least one extinguisher should be securely mounted within arms reach of the operator. Extinguishers are required on all boats with internal combustion engines with enclosed compartents for portable fuel tanks and boats with permanently mounted fuel tanks.

No matter what type of fire extinguishers you have aboard your boat, a little regularly scheduled TLC will go a long way to ensuring a long lasting friendship for you and your extinguisher. Ref. ICBM Inc.

Local Weather:
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Thursday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the lower 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening...Then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.

Saturday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.

Sunday
Mostly sunny in the morning...Then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.

Monday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.




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