Big channel catfish have been a bonus this year. Sandusky Bay is a hot spot while shore or boat fishing.

BY MARK CAHLIK

I know we have all been complaining about the weather as of late but it looks like its starting to turn for the better. After the blow we had earlier this week the weekend has picked up again.

Fishing has gotten stronger along the Canadian line on the Ohio side. The best spots have been west of North Bass Island and north of Rattlesnake about three miles for both casters and trollers.

Good news is that the Canadian fishing has been exceptional. If you head for the border, make sure you get your license online.

Trollers are still running Tru-Trip diving planers and spoons about 45 to 55 back. That has been a winning combination. Yeck spoons are still performing, as well as Stinger Spoons.

Drift-and-cast fishermen are doing very well using casting harnesses or weight-forward spinners tipped with nightcrawlers. They have been catching midranged fish by starting a lure at the lake bottom with a 25 count.

The catfish has still been going very strong, with big catches coming in to the fish shop to be cleaned. Catfish anglers are using a variety of bait right now from nightcrawlers to emerald shiners and shrimp. The preferred bait has still been shrimp.

The best catfish spot has been the old Bay Bridge access right before you actually get onto the bridge on the right hand side.