Page 13 - Mid America Boating - September 2022 issue

your way completely around the harbor ending around Perry’s Monument, and don’t forget to
cast waters around Gibralter Island and Peach Point. Almost equally good action can be found
near the other islands, large and small and various reefs.
A personal favorite is Kelleys Island, and I favor casting from the islands south tip clear to
the little downtown area. Along the mainland, fish are caught on both sides of Catawba Island
and down the shoreline to Marblehead, especially north and south of the lighthouse. And don’t
forget the outer reaches of Sandusky Bay and country down around Ruggles Beach. Hard to go
wrong with October smallmouths, and a great way to spend some lively hours.
Final comment, smallmouth bass are fun and great fighters but they can be mediocre for
eating, and most bass fisherman release their catch and perhaps you should, too. MAB 13 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

maribou jigs, one tied on lines end and another on a short side line about
a foot above, and gently bounce the jigs up and down around pilings, along
riprap shorelines, and channels. That tactic will not only bring smallmouths, but
channel cats, nice perch, bluegill, crappie, and the occasional largemouth.
I’ve camped on Kelleys Island many a time and used a small canoe to work
rock filled waters near the campground. In such thin water, a pearl grey Roost-
ertail spinner, small Rapala, or little crankbaits that imitate crayfish can bring
steady action, often with a bonus of white bass and even channel cats.
As the morning progresses the fish move deeper again, then it’s time to work
water up to 20 feet deep with bottom bumping Lindy rigs holding lip hooked
minnows or soft crayfish. You can still catch them on jigs, but live bait usually
produces best.
Where to catch bronzebacks would fill a book, but there are always places
better than others. The Bass Islands were named for their huge population of
“black bass”, so many that anglers in the late 1800’s fished for them commercially
with hand lines. And one top spot in October is right in Put-In-Bay harbor. Work

Experience Remarkable!

18’ to 50’ slips available
• Open 7 days a week
• Seasonal & Overnight Slips
• Ethanol-free fuel & Diesel

• Jet Ski / PWC Docks
We’re looking for good clean boats
to add to our sales inventory! • Pump Out Service
We Broker Results! • • WiFi & Cable TV
Call: Dave Selz • Security
419-625-6142 • Ship Store
• Swimming Pool

Located on beautiful Sandusky Bay with easy access to Cedar Point, Lake Erie fun and fishing, and the Lake Erie Islands.

701 Water Street • Sandusky, OH 44870 • www.batteryparkmarina.com • 419-625-6142