times two

After the 4 day blow of last week, the fishing over the first part of the fourth of july weekend was challenging, but it really lit up yesterday! We did 17 fish by 12:30; most in the 4-5 lb range. Pretty much a little bit of everything with some on 10 color, slide divers, jet divers and the riggers. Zman chattersticks were good again...3" in red or green; 5" in green and off the rigs the WD's (Dreamweavers) were good in mojo, racecar and alibi. Looks like a great summer of walleye fishing! John

Spent Mon-Thurs waiting for Lake Erie to calm down. Had hoped to be fishing almost every day this week, but......... July 2nd was tough fishing. Not surprising considering the 4 day blow, and the hangover effect of the full moon. Last week was a very late bite, and this too carried over. We did get some big fish, though, boxing 2 over 8; and another over 9lbs. Mixed bag of chattersticks on the 10 color and slide divers; and WD (Dreamweavers) off the riggers. The red chatterstick has been really good of late....

Chris... you were not alone. A.m. bite was tough in the Dunkirk area both days. And both days, from what I've heard, it really lit up after noon. Not unusual with the full moon to have that late bite. We've been parked since Sunday waiting for the winds to let up...not looking good for Thurs either, but the weekend looks promising!

We're running Covector 30d's with 30lb Power Pro. In order to get the level up, you need to get backing on as Jimski said. I use 30lb Gamma flouro on the business end. John

I'm on "E". We were right out in front, and also went a touch east. I'd say we never got west of Point Gratiot, and never east of the Purina Tower. Talked to a guy tonight that did 9 fish today, pretty much same general area, on harnesses. I've really kind of moved away from using them much of the time, especially if the worms at Walmart are running small ! Planning on heading out tomorrow afternoon, and probably Saturday. I'll post if we do any good. John

Thanks. I did like how the boards track, so I guess I just play around with not having as many clippers on the tow line. If I went back to the offshores, that would solve that problem, but I do like the clippers better. Always something! Ray...bite has started....if this holds true to the norm, we should be looking at a smoking hot july and august! John

Anyone running Paul's planners? I have a set that I ran for the first time the other day. Using the braid as supplied, and they track awesome. I minor glitch, and looking to see what others may have done. On my tow line, I have about 20 clipper releases. On the big boards/tow line, we never really noticed that the tow line was affected by the weight of the releases, but with the braid, it seemed to be. My mast is 6ft, and is up on the bow. So to alleviate the issue, we used a pinch pad release to "hold" 14 up at the mast. Took care of the issue, but on a busy board day, I don't want to have to keep going up front to let more releases go. Anyone have a tip? John

FINALLY got the boat in the slip on Friday. Had heard some good reports, so I headed out solo to try my luck for the first time this year. Ended up with 4, running Zman Chattersticks off big slide divers. Black/silver, 3" Didn't fish Saturday but heard it was pretty steady out of Dunkirk, and smoking hot west of Barcelona. Headed out today with a couple of friends. Didn't get going until after 7:30: and off at noon. Light NE winds, and on/off light rain. Sounded like most guys were in the 4-5 fish range, slower than the last few days. Did talk to one friend in double digits. Ended up with 4 again and a bunch of junkers (problem with fishing inside). 60-65 fow, pretty much right out in front. Zman chattersticks again the lure; off the slides at 125 on "3"; and we also took several shots, and landed 1 off a 5 color down the chute with a 5" John

Ray: I was up in Canada on my annual trip last week (SPANKED the pike), and then spent 3 days hoping Lake Erie would lay down over the weekend so I could get my boat in. Now aiming for Friday am! Anyway, from what I'm told, the big warm up bumped the temps up, and that there were good numbers of walleye in the 55-65 fow range not far from the harbor. I also heard from a reliable source that the walleye from the western end are already on the move! Hoping, weather permitting, to give it a shot Fri pm with my son, and over the weekend with the "Two" crew.....I'll post if we do anything worthy..... John

Thanks Mark. My thought was to have a second radio/second antenna to have the ability to monitor 2 channels if I wanted too. I have a 23' with the antenna mounted on one side of the hardtop....but I'm obviously leary about mounting a second on the other side due to distance. Shakespeare rep told me today all I need was 3 feet (but said obviously more is better). Just hate to go out and spend the $200 and find out it doesn't do it. Guess I'll ponder this a bit more..... John

Looking at the possibility of adding a second VHF. Wondering about how close I can mount 2 antenna's without having interference issues. If I keep the 2nd one in a similar location to the first antenna, I've probably got about 3.5-4 ft. Is that enough? John

Not sure what your price range is, etc....and I have no affiliation with the listing, but go to walleye.com; under boats for sale there is a 7000lb tandem trailer for sale for $3K. John

Rustyhook: I'm only up to the Oak for a short bit in August...most of my time is here on eastern Lake Erie. When we have been there, it's been good for us, but I bet there are lots of guys on this board that could give you more detail. As far as 4C's goes, they have nice places...but choose your time early, the tend to fill up at certain times of the season. John

Gene: We've stayed with 4 c's the last 5 years or so when we go up in August. No complaints at all,plus walking distance to the Black North! John

I have a 23 Striper that I've had for the 2 seasons, and I did fish on a friends 21 a few times before that. Overall...very happy with her. If you want to discuss, I'd be happy to via email or phone. John

Couple more questions...single screw? Engine(s) hours? Thanks. John

East wind today got things moving....lots of water from my window in Dunkirk.

Still available? I'd be in for 2.... John

Do you know what kind they are? John

Nalod: Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I've only stayed there a handful of times, but we had no issue..... (I'm not affiliated in any way )) John

I know of a mid 80's 34 Sea Ray that is CLEAN.... let me know.... John

Try We Wan Chu cottages. West side of the lake north of Long Point. John

Tim: You, Joe and the rest of the LOTSA gang do a great job! Thanks for your efforts, and we'll see you on Sunday. John

Not to jump this thread at all....but I too know someone looking....thanks. John

I live right on the lake in Dunkirk. Up until about 2 weeks ago you could see open water on windy days, and I was up on Chautauqua ridge and you could see pockets of what appeared to be open water way out. But now it's pretty much all white. John