Northern Open 3..Lake Erie

[polywad6963]

Before anyone decides to laugh at this, I am in the Navy and taking leave to fish this tournanent as a non-boater. The location is Sandusky, and was wondering what equiptment would be wise to take along? I am planning on 4 rods ( 6'6 M Johnny Morris Combo), (6'9 St. Croix MOJO for dropshot) and undecided about the other two rods. I am stationed in Washington State, and bass fishing here is kinda limited. I appreciate all the help.

[TW_Staff]

I have fished several tournaments on Lake Erie. The 6'6" M rod is a great rod for jerking baiting. If you happen to fish shallow rock piles or reefs, I would recommend throwing the Lucky Craft Pointer 100 (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=LCPT)in the Chartreuse Shad pattern. More than likely you will be drop shoting deeper fish for this particular tournament. Gulp gobies (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=BGGY) and worms (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=BGNC#) dominate this water but don't forget about the Jackal Cross Tail Shad (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=JCTS) that Kota used to win Erie Last year. A 7' M action rod is a standard rod for working tube baits. Hopping a green Dank tube (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=PBDT) or just plain dragging it are effective techniques. If your pro puts you on fish, these baits will produce. The great thing about Erie is being in the back of the boat isn't that big of a disadvantage.

TW Staff

[polywad6963]

I really appreciate the response. I should be taking some leave this sumer for a couple a days (HOPEFULLY) so I can take the 2 hr drive and fish a little bit in the tournament waters. I will look into the baits you have mentioned, and will probably order the 3in minnows in the small size. I am stocking up in alot of crawfish color cranks and will get a couple of the cranks you recommended from you.