Fishing Pib Out Of A Small Bass Boat??

[scramjet86]

Trying to plan a trip to Presque Isle Bay in a couple of weeks and a friend of mine wants to take his 17.5' aluminum bass boat. The boat is brand new with a 60 hp outboard. Should there be any concerns with taking this boat out into the bay? We would not be out in the main lake, however we may fish some in the channel. Of course we would have all nescessary safety equipment and take precautions, including keeping a good eye on the sky for changing weather. We are from out of state and I don't want to make the trip just to be beat to death all day or worse. We've fished the lake before out of a 21 foot fiberglass "big bass" boat, but nothing this small or aluminum. Any thoughts? Also, any smallmouth showing up yet? Thanks in advance.

[Marty]

I know nothing about PIB. But my partner has a 17.5' aluminum boat with a 50 HP and we've fished a variety of waters, some large lakes included. He also fishes tournaments (not with me) and I know he's been out during some rough conditions. I just found this out about PIB:

"Its 5.8-square-mile (15 km²) embayment is about 4.6 miles (7.4 km) in length, about 1.8 mi (2.9 km) across at its widest point, and an average depth of about 20 feet (6.1 m)."

I see no reason for concern about using this boat there. Just use common sense, as should always be done.

[flyhatch]

You should be fine.

The fish will be there.

Dont forget your flare gun

[Dwight Hottle]

You should be fine . Check the wind forcast before you leave. West winds rough up the bay pretty good since it is situated west to east from the head of the bay to the opening into the lake.

[S Hovanec]

There are some days when the bay is worse than the lake...I can think of a few SW blows where they bay was white-capping and I fished the lake just fine. To be completely honest, I haven't fished the bay in years......absolutely HATE it!

[scramjet86]

Thanks for all of your input guys. I think we're gonna try it and just use a little common sense. I would love to fish the main lake some but unfortunately I don't have a lot of time to spend figuring it out. I can see how the bay would get frustrating for locals as there's a lot of traffic and disturbances going on. I can put up with this to consistently catch good smallmouth, however. It's a unique fishery that we don't get to experience here at home. Again, I appreciate all the help. If anyone has anything else to add feel free to do so.

[S Hovanec]

You don't need to spend a lot of time to figure out the main lake that time of year. head out the channel and go right towards the smokestacks. start throwing jerkbaits or tubes in 6'-14'. You'll find them in no time. You'll get numbers in the bay and an occasional lunker, but the bay can't hold a candle to the quality of fish from the main lake.

[scramjet86]

You've intrigued me. I like catching fish like anyone else, but I'd much prefer quality over quantity. We've done good in the bay in the past catching quality sized fish and catching them often, but a 4.5 to 5 pounder would lock the board on big fish. I know Erie has some better fish. I may very well try to fish some of the main lake if the water is calm. We've got some good smallmouth fishing in Virginia, particularly in South Holston lake and rivers like the New and James. My jerkbait fishing for smallmouth is limited mostly to throwing husky jerks, xraps, and bomber long a's in the river. Nothing like a big smallie crushing a jerbait. Do you try to mark fish or baitfish on your electronics, or do you look for structure, points, flats???? Thanks again all your alls help; again any info is appreciated.

[bassnleo]

Here's the deal......smallies come to the area in front of Hammermill (smoke stacks) and to the bay to spawn. That area of the main lake is often flat when the bay is rockin (especially on a West, Southwest, South, wind). There are some humps and structure spots but generally you are fishing flats near spawning areas. Get out in front of Hammermill and cover water with jerkbaits, tubes, drop shot. You will catch fish. Frankly, at times it gets stupid easy when the pre-spawners are eating and a 50 + fish day is possible. You will also mix in a few that are 5lbs or over.

The channel wall can be good also but at times it gets rockin in there depending on the wind direction and boat traffic.

Hit the area that I and S Hovanec mention, you won't be dissapointed.

[scramjet86]

Thanks a lot for your help guys. It's nice to talk to fishermen that don't care to share information and help a stranger. I'll take your alls advice and try Hammermill as well as the bay and channel. I've fished the bay and channel before, so I'm looking forward to trying some new water. I'm sure I'll have a great time regardless. Thanks again, and good luck to everyone out on the water.

[reo]

I will be there 5/11 through 5/13. Fingers crossed for good weather