Cold water on lake Erie means big fish stacked up in small areas. This in return brings out the most fisherman you will see all season. There are however hidden dangers that you need to take into account when boating or shore fishing lake Erie during the early spring and late fall.
Your boat needs to be in working order. Batteries need to be fully charged and hold a good charge. Cold weather will drain your batteries faster than in the summer time. Next thing is make sure you have the proper safety equipment in the boat for lake Erie. Good practice is to wear your life jackets at all times when boating in cold weather. Have a good working marine radio, they are submersible and will save your life. Make sure your main motor, kicker, and trolling motor are in good working order before you leave the dock. You don’t want to find out your motor won’t restart in 38 degree water 10 miles from the dock. Take your time getting to your spot, the fish aren’t going anywhere. For you guys fishing from shore the biggest thing will be hypothermia and ice. Make sure you have ample lighting to look for ice on the rocks and wear enough clothing. If you start to loose feeling in your limbs, leave.
Always use the buddy system when venturing out. The best thing would be to have a couple boats going out with you and work the same area. Talk to guys at the docks that will be fishing he same areas as you. Get their cell phone numbers or radio handle. That way if something happens you will have someone to notify in the event you can’t take care of the situation yourself. Same goes for the shore fisherman, make sure someone knows where you are.
As long as you take these necessary precautions you shouldn’t have problem.
Tight lines and go catch some fish.