Tubes, gobies, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits are among the essentials anglers will need onboard when the EverStart Series Northeast Division makes its second stop at Lake Erie July 27-30.
It might not be a bad idea to bring along a wind sock, as well. The extra drag could come in handy if the weather gets nasty.
“The wind will be a big factor in this tournament, just like every other tournament on Erie,” said Everstart Series veteran Steve Clapper of Lima, Ohio. “High winds will limit us on where we’ll be able to fish, and that could result in reduced weights. But if we are able to run, and get back, I expect we will see some big sacks at weigh in.”
Key patterns: Look for pods of smallmouths stacked around underwater humps and breaklines in 20 to 35 feet of water. Clapper suggests drifting or drop-shotting with tubes and gobies to catch them. There also could be a shallow water bite around rip raft and concrete break waters using spinnerbaits and jerkbaits.
Clapper’s call (under optimum conditions): 34-35 pounds to make the top 10; 40 pounds to win it.