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Perch Fishing Charter

PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:02 pm
by JackSprat
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I took a perch fishing charter on Lake Erie for the first time. It was a great day and our captain found a productive fishing location. I spent my time asking questions and taking plenty of pictures and video clips.

Below is the text that appears in my story/blog. You are invited to watch several videos and see more images. Just go to: http://storytrax.com/node/773.

At times, Lake Erie can be more lake than the average angler can handle so catching fish requires the best possible fish finding equipment and fishing tackle, a "big lake" boat, the proper bait or lure, the most accurate and current information especially weather and a good measure of personal know how. The final tab can be a bit pricy. Relax, you have options.

When it comes to Lake Erie perch fishing, the good news is you can have it all without breaking the bank because the Edward John Charter Boat delivers everything you need, positions the boat above the fish and the rest is up to you.

Want to plan a trip - here's the drill!

The boat is docked at Dobbins Landing along Erie's Bayfront. Plenty of free parking is located nearby - just drop your gear and fishing buddies at the curb and then park the car. Don't be tempted to use one of the parking meters adjacent to the dock. You don't have enough quarters or luck to keep from getting towed. Try to arrive and be ready to go 30-minutes before departure.

You can take the trip from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. or the 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Most anglers want to catch fish early and then head for shore before the day's heat kicks in. The late afternoon and evening trip can be "fishy" too and you have the added benefit of the famous Lake Erie Sunsets. I like to go in the mornings and avoid a possible late afternoon summer thunderstorm, but both are great options.

Pack the necessities - fishing license, sun screen, insect repellent, hat, windbreaker, sun glasses, comfortable footwear and clothes - I like light pants rather than shorts. The sun on the water can be intense and insects seem to take a liking to my "lily white" legs. Take a cooler with snacks and beverages - there is plenty of room on board to store your gear. Pray it does not rain, but take the rain gear unless you are sure that the weather forecast is accurate. Take a camera - I never leave home without it.

You can bring your own fishing gear if you like, but if you and the other members of you party arrive at the dock with a license, comfortable clothes, a sincere interest in catching perch and nothing more - the crew of the Edward John has everything you need - rods and reel to rent ($3,) plenty of free bait, snacks, and beverages for sale and a helpful crew who suffer when people are fishless so they will provide plenty of free advice.

A light breakfast snack bar or bowl of cereal is okay especially if you are taking any sea sickness pills, but don't eat the eggs and sausage special before your trip. The waves are gentle, but some people are affected by the rocking boat.

If you plan to "party" all night, a perch fishing trip will not make your head and stomach feel better. Stay on land so the rest of us won’t have to see you turning inside out!

The boat holds 40 people, has plenty of room at the fishing railing that goes completely around the boat and a comfortable bench to rest and enjoy a snack or beverage. There is a "head" [restroom] on board - one size fits all and it is larger than the ones on most commercial airlines!

Kids are welcome, but use some common sense. If your little one drives you half-nuts when the two of you are in a confined space, a seven hour fishing trip will send you over the edge; not to mention the fun you can share with the other anglers on board. I believe that if they are in grade school and have a healthy respect [fear] of their elders, they will have fun and so will you. No casting necessary, bait the hook with an emerald shiner and open the bail and let it fall to the bottom. Ta Da!

When I took a morning trip recently, I learned that what they advertise is exactly what they deliver.

The weekday group that climbed on board that day were two guys from Grove City who were playing hooky from yard work chores, an professional engineer from Erie who had a "use it or lose it" vacation day, two local guys who had the day off, a guy named Bob who loves polka music and was born with a fishing rod in his hand, Captain Laureen, Captain Chuck and me.