The spring approach to Long Point Bay

With warmer weather on tap, Lake Erie’s Long Point Bay will soon be bustling with anglers and tourists. The promise of a good catch is enough to draw anglers from throughout the province.

Long Point Bay, located on the north shore of Lake Erie, is considered by many to be one of the most important wetlands for wildlife and fish in Ontario. The bay has a sand bottom and is divided into two parts: the inner bay and outer bay.

The promise of a good catch is enough to draw anglers from throughout the province.

Perch and pike seasons are open year-round with one exception – the eastern part of the inner bay becomes a fish sanctuary for the better part of May and June, so be sure to double-check the regulations.

Long Point water
The water is exceptionally clear and warms quickly, producing a variety of weedbeds that give the fish coverage. I’ve always found that when you come across a healthy weedbed, chances are there will be fish in the area.

The outer bay has a similar structure but with deeper weedbeds.

It’s worth keeping your eyes open for schools of baitfish scattering about, and pay close attention to the birds in the area. They like to feed on baitfish, which tend to attract the larger fish. The outer bay has a similar structure but with deeper weedbeds.

Bluffs Bar is a hot spot for early-season pike. It’s basically a sandbar with a deep edge to the west side. I’ve caught many pike trolling large-body baits there.

Why bring only one set-up? Include extra rods rigged for each species and change things up throughout the day.

Getting in gear
Before you arrive, consider what equipment you will need. Why bring only one set up? Include extra rods rigged for each species and change things up throughout the day.

A six-foot spinning rod and reel combination with four- to six-pound test fluorocarbon line works best. If you are fishing with children, consider a smaller rod for them. I like the ‘Ugly Stik’ by Shakespeare for my kids. Cabela’s Whuppin stick and Berkley Lightening Rod are also good. A drop shot with quarter-ounce weight or slip float presentation often works best for perch.

Chartreuse and shad colours work best with gold or silver willow leaf blades.

When trying to locate early-season pike, try to find clear water with sporadic weed patches. Burning spinner baits over top of the weeds can be very productive. Using a six-and-a-half to seven-foot casting rod with a bait-casting reel is my preference for pike.

Colour combo
Chatter and spinner baits both work very well for pike. Chartreuse and shad colours work best with gold or silver willow leaf blades.

The objective is to make your bait resemble a smaller baitfish while blending it in with water movement, and using the light to trigger strikes. When choosing spinner baits pay close attention to whether it has a closed or opened eye. Closed eyes can be used with a leader and opened eyes have to be tied directly to the line.

The tip of Long Point has claimed more than 400 ships over the years and some even refer to it as the Erie Quadrangle.

Be safe
Even on a beautiful sunny day, Lake Erie can blow up in a hurry. The tip of Long Point has claimed more than 400 ships over the years and some even refer to it as the Erie Quadrangle. With that in mind, always check weather reports before venturing out. If you notice a drop in temperature or dark clouds with the wind picking up, it’s a good idea to get off the water.