BY MARK CAHLIK

Despite the up-and-down weather of April, the fishing conditions remained fantastic heading into the merry month of May. The walleye bite is getting more aggressive as the water temperatures begin to warm, with some trophy post- spawn walleye being caught. We happened to get a nice big one over the past week that was 31.5 inches long and weighed just shy of 11 pounds.

Casters are still primarily using lead-head hair jigs with stinger hooks while out in pursuit of walleye with the reefs off of Davis Besse and the drop-offs around the islands being perfect spots to catch a few walleye. Gull Reef and American Eagle Reef have both been producing

walleye, as well. Worm harnesses will start to click soon as fishing conditions continue to improve.

Anglers who were choosing to troll for their walleye had a great week. Hot spots while trolling have been F and G cans off of Port Clinton and also between Middle and Ballast Islands in 35 feet of water. The best trolling speeds to use now are 1.7 to 1.8 miles per hour.

This week’s report is pretty much short and to the point, but check out next week’s Beacon Fishing Report and we will update the fishing information. So, until then, get out there and have some fun, be courteous of other boaters and as always, keep a tight line!