WCO Report for Erie County 06/27/2007: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: June 27, 2007

Conditions: Hot and sticky weather conditions combined with glass calm waters on Lake Erie have had area boat launches running at capacity. Lake water temperatures have significantly warmed sending fish to the colder deeper waters. Perch fishing was hot this past Monday with many limits brought in. 90 degree temperatures on Tuesday seemed to slow down the action a bit. Perch have schooled heavily in 42 to 45 feet of water off of Walnut Creek and off the Point. Walleye are still being caught in shallower waters, 35 to 45 feet although many boats are beginning to move out the the trenches. Bass are still aggressively striking in Presque Isle bay and along the lake shore. Current Lake Erie water temperatures as of this writing are 71 degrees off of Toledo, 68 degrees off of Cleveland, and 67 degrees off the Port of Erie.

Boater's Safety Tip of the Week: Make sure more than only one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.

Sea Sickness:
It seems that for every charter that leaves for a day of fishing, one returns to the dock with somebody looking pale and nauseous .. often spoiling a good day of fishing. Sea Sickness affects people in different degrees of intensity with some folks never being bothered only to laugh at their chumming buddies in all their misery. Sea sickness is caused by a constant rocking or swaying motion that affects the small organs in the inner ears. These constant hypnotic like motions will send signals to the brain causing dizziness, headaches and of course nausea. Inactivity on the boat and fixing ones eyes on a close object can intensify the problem. (not to mention downing that morning submarine sandwich with extra peppers)

There are several remedies whose results can be debatable but do work for many folks. Over the counter medications for motion sickness can be helpful. In most cases these should be taken the night or morning before the outing. They are of little help after one becomes sick. Prescription patches are available through your doctor for severe problems.

Stay above deck in the fresh air and try to stay busy to keep the mind occupied. Look at the horizon rather than focusing on the deck taking deep breaths and drinking water as needed. Wristbands, and eating crackers or pretzels are old wives cures that work for many people. One of the oldest cures is ginger most easily taking by drinking ginger ale in small sips. If you are already sick and a long way from shore, try lying on your back on deck with your eyes closed. And remember as a courtesy to the captain, always try to heave overboard and if you do have to lean over the side...wear that PFD!

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the morning...Then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Not as warm with highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy. Lows around 60. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph...Becoming north after midnight.

Friday Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.

Friday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

Saturday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.

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

Sunday Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.

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

Monday Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Monday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.

Tuesday Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s.