Mitch Geduldig, 10, of Brecksville, Ohio, has been enjoying fishing the boat canal that is behind his family’s new summer place in Port Clinton. On Saturday, the young angler caught and released a dandy 30-inch, 8-pound northern pike. (Photo courtesy of Brad Geduldig)

By Mark Cahlik

I was thinking of making this my last fishing report for the year, but If the yellow perch fishing continues to finally heat up, I may do a few more reports in October for The Beacon. Being among the many charter services on Lake Erie, we’re trying to give you the best information we can on where the yellow perch are biting.

So this week, here we go again!

We have had decent reports of perch but we still aren’t sure that this is going to be the start of something good or not. The Sassy Sal and Tibbels Marina are among the party fishing boats still working hard and both have had great success recently with perch. Sassy Sal has reported limit catches and Tibbels have brought in nice boxes that we have personally seen in the fish cleaning shop.

A lot of private boaters have also been bringing in anywhere from 50 to 70 perch for three guys.

Perch fishing hot spots have ranged from Mouse Island to Green Island to D Can and on down to Clinton Reef. As the waters cool and the bait fish diminish, the perch fishing should continue to improve.

Don’t kill the messenger, though, if the perch fishing does not get better. We are doing the best we can with what information we are getting, and want to give credit where the credit is due.

As for the walleye, we have the same pretty steady report. Those choosing to troll for the walleye are getting limits six miles north of the Cedar Point dumping grounds. They are getting their walleye on Tru-Trip diving planers and spoons set at 55 to 75 feet back. Those anglers that are casting have been getting half to full limits in 10 to 15 feet of water around the major rock piles.

While on the subject of giving credit where credit is due. A huge congratulations goes out to Rickards Bait and Tackle. They announced this year that after 40 years of being in business, they are closing their doors. For any business, 40 years in operation is a huge accomplishment. At their peak, Rickards Bait and Tackle operated two tackle shops. Many charter captains in the area, including myself, will remember founder Howard Catley Sr. He was great man and helped many area captains, including myself, find fishing success.

As the years went on his sons, Rich and Howie, and his daughter, Sherry, and his son-in-law Mike ran the businesses. They always did a tremendous job and built an incredible business, even with the ever-changing challenges of owning a business.

Our hats go off to the Rickards family, and they will always have a place in the Port Clinton fishing industry. They have done a fantastic job over the years.

As always, keep a tight line and, hopefully, at the end of that line are two nice jumbo perch for the cooler.