Lake Erie Bass Islands Early Season Smallies

[HoggBoss]

  Late last year my boss bought a boat for the hell of it.  He keeps it at a marina in Port Clinton near the Bass Islands.  He told me he'd take me out fishing whenver I wanted to go.  He's not a big fisherman, and when he does go, I think he's either perchin' or drifting for eyes.  So I told him when we go, we're goin' smallie fishin'!  1st problem:  I have very little (lets just say NONE) experience Lake Erie fishing much less at the Islands (I'm from NE Oh).  2nd:  I'm a LMB fisherman, and also have near zero experience chasing smallies.

  So here's my questions..

When should we go for the fatties?  Based on that, where around the islands?  How deep of water?  Presentations?

  I did pick up a couple of the culprit goby kits.  I'm assuming many of the same things that work for LMB will work out there too, but thought it might not hurt to pick your guys' brains a bit. 

Thanks!

[bear7625]

We have always tried to plan a trip around the first 2 weeks of June, but I know guys that swear the last 2 weeks of May is better. I love the Bass Islands because of the structure and that relates more to my type of fishing. The islands are great because you can always find protection from the wind. Erie can get pretty rough! There are some very nice guys in Port Clinton who can provide you with more info.

[jenga]

I have never fished for smallies near bass Islands but I fish Lk. St. Clair all the time.  I have also fished Lk. Erie but in PA.  I don't know when you can fish for bass in Ohio but I would go when you see the water temps in the mid 50's the smallies will be in their spawning stage and should be easy to get into.  I like to throw LC pointers, xraps, tubes, cranks and spinnerbaits.  One of those lures should catch you fish during that time.  Hope you have fun.

Good Luck,

Jenga