Keeping it close to home

There’s no denying that fishing requires at least a little bit of what is fast becoming one of America’s most precious commodities — gasoline — and anglers are asking themselves just how much they can afford to invest in fueling their cars, trucks and boat motors.

Anglers’ gas costs depend on how much horsepower they hang off the back of their boats and the distance they must drive to get to their favorite fishing holes.

A short trip to Lake Milton towing a boat with a 9.9-hp outboard and spending the day trolling for walleye will almost certainly burn $20 worth of gas. Tow your Lake Erie boat to Ashtabula and run around on the big water for a day and you’re looking at somewhere close to $100.

A recent AnglerSurvey.com poll conducted by Southwick Associates shows 32 percent of anglers say high gas prices would affect their fishing plans, compared to the 22 percent who said that in 2007. Some 22 percent of those surveyed said higher fuel prices will not affect their fishing activities this year, compared to 35 percent in 2007.

So as gas prices make headlines — and deplete our wallets — anglers must decide if their weekend excursions are worth the investment.

I’m one of those trying to cut back on how much gasoline I buy for fishing. I’ve not made a tow longer than one hour so far in 2008, and that means I’m fishing just a little closer to home. It also means I’ve not been to Lake Erie yet this year, and that’s making me sad.

Youngstown-area anglers are very fortunate to have good water close to home. Berlin, Milton, West Branch, Mosquito and Shenango reservoirs offer fine fishing for walleyes, muskies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappies and catfish. And all are reachable with a few gallons of gasoline.

Nevertheless, a lot of anglers are forced to cut back on their gas guzzling. The same can be said for those who enjoy pleasure boating. I have noticed a decline in boat traffic on several area waterways.

During a recent visit to the Ohio River in East Liverpool, where sunny weekends formerly brought out large numbers of boaters who like to cruise the long runs between the locks and dams, I saw relatively few boats. And the lines of trucks and trailers at the launch ramps at most of our area reservoirs are a bit shorter than in years past.

With pleasure boat traffic reduced, it would seem to be a great time to enjoy fishing in peaceful, less-crowded conditions. Close-to-home lakes are still a great bargain for gas-conscious anglers.

Governor wets a line

Gov. Ted Strickland took a break from his duties as Ohio’s chief executive to enjoy walleye fishing on Lake Erie out of Port Clinton on Monday and managed to hook up with some nice fish.

Strickland, along with the news media and state officials, used the occasion to focus attention on Lake Erie’s as one of the Midwest’s premier tourism destinations. A fleet of 18 charter boats hosted the visiting dignitaries, and they caught 100 Erie ’eyes.

“Every time I visit these waters, I am left in awe of the amazing resource that we Ohioans have at our doorstep,” Strickland said.

As a result of the successful 2003 spawning season, Ohio anglers are enjoying some of the best walleye fishing in recent years. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife reports those 2003 hatches are now averaging 20 inches.

The 2007 hatch also was successful, meaning the future continues to look bright for Lake Erie walleyes.

jwwollitz@aol.com