May 2008 Issue
How To: Reel in the Best Catch
It may have happened in the 1960s, but Captain John Wukie (below) remembers his first catch like it was yesterday. During a fishing trip along Lake Huron with his uncle, Wukie reeled in two strapping walleye.
Nearly four decades later, his skill at and passion for the sport is still alive and well. Today, Wukie runs Angler’s Edge Fishing Charters with his son, Jacob, and his years spent casting a reel in the Lake Erie Islands has made him a respected resource for those who are ready to discover the thrill of fishing –– but who don’t have a clue where to start.
Here, Captain Wukie provides a quick step-by-step guide to help beginners eager to hit the water and wade through this summer’s fishing season. –– Ashley Harrington
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Baiting The Hook. It isn’t pretty, but it’s necessary for catching the big one. “Hook once through the nose of the worm, then pinch off and discard everything behind the collar,” says Wukie. “Buy plenty of worms. If there are a lot of sheepshead or white perch in the area, you can go through a lot of bait.”
- Location Is Key. No wonder Wukie sets sail from Port Clinton: Tagged as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” you can count on a wealth of fish in this part of Lake Erie. (For additional active fishing locations near you, contact your local bait shop, or visit www. ohiogamefishing.com.)
- Try Different Depths. “Fish usually layer at specific depths, from the surface to the bottom,” says Wukie. He suggests counting your drop time before beginning your retrieve to figure out which depth works best for you.
- Be Patient. It’s tempting to move to a different fishing spot if you aren’t catching anything,but that can be one of your biggest mistakes. Wukie insists that sometimes, you simply have to wait for the fish to bite. “Never leave fish to find fish.”
- Practice Makes Perfect. Learning how to cast a reel properly doesn’t happen overnight. Advises Wukie: “Take the time to do some backyard casting practice.”
Anglers Edge Fishing Charters are available daily from mid-April through mid-November, depending on weather. For more information or to schedule a charter, visit www.anglersedgecharters.com.
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