Group Names Presque Isle Top Fishing and Boating Park.

Presque Isle State Park was named one of the top eight state parks for boating and fishing in America. The Nature's Waterpark Showdown national competition was sponsored by the Recreational and Fishing Foundation and asked its fans to vote for the top parks on Facebook. Voters had 24 parks to choose from in the eight week contest, said a news release. In addition to Presque Isle, the champions were Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma, Itasca State Park in Minnesota, Blue Spring State Park in Florida, El Dorado State Park in Kansas, Cave Lake State Park in Nevada, Fall Creek State Park in Tennessee and Wellington State Park in New Hampshire. For more information, visit Take Me Fishing on Facebook.

In Search of Crappies

In case you have not seen one, Erie PA has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Erie also is home to Presque Isle bay which is home to some very big crappies. Unfortunately, the crappies this year have been as elusive as a 12 point buck. A friend of mine did catch some in the spring but this summer the fish are being difficult to locate. Another problem exists also; the local bait shops are out of emerald shiners which crappie love to feed on. The bait shops are selling fathead minnows but they do not catch nearly as many fish. This week I am going to focus on catching some crappies. Normally, they are found this time of year suspended in the deeper waters of the bay. Therefore, I am going to fish a variety of colored jigs a couple feet under a bobber.

I am also going to fish according to the major and minor solunar periods. If these are right, tonight I should catch the majority of fish between 8:06 to 10:06 p.m. I will be out there fishing unless we get a big thunderstorm which might happen. Interestingly, my nephew went out yesterday with a couple buddies and they did catch some beautiful slabs during the major period. The fish averaged about 12 inches and were turned on for only about an hour. I have an arsenal of jigs that I am going to toss at the fish this week. Hopefully, I get into them and will post pictures of my success. Good luck fishing!

New Sportsman Classified Website

Due to popular requests, I have created an all exclusive Sportsman Classifieds website. Here you can list guns, ammo, fishing, trapping, and camping items. Please check it out and join for free! Sportsman Classifieds-Click Here!

"Ghost Deer" Seen on Camera.

What's up fisherman? I know, this is a fishing blog however I had to pass on this extraordinary buck. Many people go a lifetime without seeing a "ghost deer" but my nephew just last night captured one with his trailcam. The buck is not a huge one but he is pretty nice. I personally would not shoot it because I was a good friend to some Native Americans that consider them sacred. My nephew, on the other hand, is going to pass up deer in hopes of sticking it. So far, my nephew has 8 legal bucks that he can shoot including this one. I will pass on more pictures of this deer if he appears on the trail cam again. Hunting season is approaching so I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time in the great outdoors.

August Fishing Report -Lake Erie and Surrounding

Bluegills and Largemouth bass are still biting well in the bay. Crappies are being caught in the deeper waters of the channel. Perch are still being caught in the hot spots in the Lake. No early steelhead as of yet. In fact, last week the mouth of Elk Creek was as still as a pond. Heavy rains are needed to blow out the tribs and steelhead should begin running within a month or so. Other waters like Pymatuning Reservoir have been very hard to fish from shore due to low water conditions. Try fishing near the spillway from shore where catfish and bass are hitting. Walleye are schooled up in the deeper waters of Pymatuning. Walleye fishing in Lake Erie has been good with the fish showing up in the trenches and off of the mountain. If you want to find plenty of fish, try booking a fishing charter out of Erie. Currently, the perch fishing has been so good that three perch boats go out daily. Good luck fishing and remember the big bass tournament coming to Erie next month.