Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charters

Lake Erie Bass Fishing: The outlook for Smallmouth Bass at Lake Erie for 2014 is good. Although Smallmouth population numbers are still below desired levels, creel surveys indicate a lake-wide increase in the number of Smallmouth Bass. Assessment surveys also show the Smallmouth Bass population is increasing. Last season was a very productive year for our customers aboard the Tommy C boats. Several Smallmouth weighing nearly 5 pounds were boated, and some over 6 pounds were taken as well. I can’t recall a single day when those few anglers who kept fish failed to take a limit. We enjoyed several great days when more than 60 Smallmouth were brought aboard before being released. Overall my best observation was Smallmouth Bass are reproducing well as evidenced by the amount of 6 to 8 inch fish caught and released.

The worst enemy for Smallmouth Bass in Lake Erie is the Round Goby that was introduced several years ago into all of the Great Lakes through the discharge of ballast water from ships. Other enemies quite possibly are Bass anglers themselves even though many now practice catch and release. As fish that make nests at spawning time, Smallmouth Bass deposit their eggs and remain on the nests until fry are hatched. Round Gobies surround these nests picking at the eggs at every opportunity. When spring anglers catch nesting Smallmouth, the waiting Gobies rush in to eat the now unguarded eggs. Even if Bass are released quickly, by the time fish return to their nests the eggs have often been consumed.

Overall I do predict another really good year for Smallmouth Bass anglers. The prime time is late August through September, and the Canadian waters surrounding Pelee Island are absolutely the best areas western Lake Erie has to offer. As of this writing the daily limit per angler for Lake Erie Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted singly or in combination) is 5 fish from the last Saturday in June – April 30. A minimum size limit of 14 inches also applies. Bass are illegal to possess from May 1 – last Friday in June.

Call and book your Lake Erie Smallmouth Fishing Charter today at 614-419-8265

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Please Note: We gladly accept credit or debit cards for your charter reservations without any associated fees. However all final payments charged to MasterCard, Visa and debit cards will be subject to a 2.25% processing fee, due the fees that are charged to us.
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