13 replies to this topic

[A-Jay]

I had the distinct fortune of spending last week on Lake Erie with BR member Dwight Hottle.
We fished for smallmouth in the Presque Isle Bay area. This was my first chance to fish these waters and I am definitely looking forward to an oppurtunity to do it again.

Right off the bat, I must thank Sue, (Dwight’s wife) and Dwight of course, for their gracious hospitality. Delicious food and great company after an epic day of fishing made for many great memories, thanks again.

As is often the case, the weather played a large role in where we fished. Fortune was on our side as we were able to get out on the water every day, Saturday thru Friday. That’s not to say we didn’t earn our time on the water. A few days it was blowing over 20kts with waves 2-4 feet but the fish were still fairly cooperative most every trip. We fished in rain, wind and sun and I managed to fry my face up the first sunny day, forgot the sunscreen, so I walked around with the raccoon face for most of the trip.

Dwight offered me two options in reference to the type of fishing we could do: (1) high numbers of smb with a few bigger fish mixed in or ( 2) Fewer fish but with a bigger average size smb and perhaps a better chance for a new PB. As I saw it, there was really no bad choice here and a new PB is always a tantalizing thought. So I chose option (2). I needed a smb over 5-2 for a PB and Dwight seemed more than confident that this was possible. He was right – Twice !

And then there was the fishing. Dwight knows his home waters intimately. It was fun to watch, better to experience and He took me to SCHOOL. I learned a lot. Truth be told, I do not believe I can accurately describe the fishing here. Any attempt on my part to put it into words would actually be insulting – it’s that good. Instead, I will simply pass on the numbers, which may tell the story best.

Each day we fished between 9:30am – 6:30pm.
Each day we had between 15-25 fish.
Most days every 5^th smb was over 5lbs.
For two days every 4^th smb was over 5lbs.
The 5^th day, I took a 5 lb 9 oz smb – a new PB.
The 6^th day, Dwight’s first fish was a 6 lb 1 oz smb – not a PB for Dwight.
The last day, my first fish was a 6lb 4oz smb – Definitely a New PB !

The photo’s below represent some of the better fish taken on this most memorable trip.
Every fish shown is over 5lbs – I dink dropped more 4 & 5lb smb on this trip than I’ve landed in a long time.

And there is no doubt that – Dwight Knows Jerkbaits ! ! !

A-Jay ~ This is the link to the photos . . . .

http://www.bassresou...k-on-lake-erie/

[J Francho]

A+. I love Erie. Upped my personal best there two years ago. My old PB had stood for almost a dozen years.

[Big-O]

That's AWESOME-AWESOME-AWESOME!!! What a fine way to enjoy yourself while fishing with another BR Friend... PB's GALORE The photo's are terrific too, WTG A-Jay and Dwight!

www.ragetail.com

[Dwight Hottle]

Hey A-Jay it was a real pleasure to meet you in person & spend some quality time chasing those smallies. The smile on your face after the last pb was priceless.

[birdy]

Wow, those were unbelievable shots of absolutely magnificent fish!

[Deep Jig]

Have you have the good luck to befriend this gentleman or, and I am hoping against hope, was Dwight your fishing guide?

[Mitch G.]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!........I'm at a loss for words except Congratulations on those beauties!!!

[A-Jay]

Have you have the good luck to befriend this gentleman or, and I am hoping against hope, was Dwight your fishing guide?

Dwight is a friend - not a guide.

A-Jay

[piscicidal]

Great story and fish! I was a smallmouth freak growing up in Minnesota and would kill for one day in the boat with Dwight. A whole week is a true blessing.

Dwight, those poor Erie fish are counting the days until you return to good ol' South Florida!

[mrmacwvu1]

i will be heading up in two weeks. Do you still think the jerkbait bite will be on? I will be fishing more toward the eastern portion of the lake. Not as many smallies but just as big. Thanks in advance.

[A-Jay]

I

i will be heading up in two weeks. Do you still think the jerkbait bite will be on? I will be fishing more toward the eastern portion of the lake. Not as many smallies but just as big. Thanks in advance.

I am not the best source you'll find on BR for Erie info but local knowledge indicates that if the water temps remain in the 50-55 degree range and the water clarity is reasonable - jerkbaits are a good bet.

A-Jay

[mrmacwvu1]

thanks that was what I was thinking. I will have to call my father-in-law and see what the temps are. I just do not have the room to drag all of my tackle with me. He fishes fast anyway so that eliminates tubes and jigs. I will try some swim baits and cranks and jerkbaits. I will have a senko on as well for when he gets a bird nest because he refuses to tighten his drag and tries throwing into twenty mile an hour winds.

[00 mod]

WOW! Sounds like a trip of a lifetime to me! Guide...huh hum FRIEND Dwight.....I need a favor buddy.......


Jeff

[CWB]

What a week! Congrats on the PB's
Hey Dwight-
Can I book my fall trip early?