Resolute Walleye Fishermen Cherish Lake Erie April
The last remnants of thunder and rain pass eastward as four friends from Arizona, Illinois, and South Dakota prepare for a delightful fish camp dinner at their favorite Saunders Cottage near South Bass Island State Park. Tonight’s midweek celebration is part of a 30-year tradition of April walleye fishing on Lake Erie. The bountiful meal features fresh walleye bites, fried shrimp, walleye cakes, grilled lamb chops, and side dishes. Each one of the friends contributes to preparation and serves one dish after the other like in the best form of fine restaurants. Tasty beverages accompany the meal while the men engage in thoughtful conversation and reflection about their annual visit.
Bruce Nolan from Webster, South Dakota; Jim Carrow from Belvedere, Illinois; Jeff DeVries from Wickenburg, Arizona; and Brian Savage of Arlington Heights, Illinois, have a long history of camaraderie and adventure, but their annual trip to South Bass Island is one which they describe as their “happy place.” Jeff points out, “One is hard-pressed to go anywhere in America and catch 20-30 walleye on any given day.” The Lake Erie limit is six walleye per person.
These men are the real deal, with Bruce’s years of experience going back to his roots in Minnesota and the Professional Walleye Trail Tournament held in 1992. “Back then I brought a 17.5-footer with a 115 horsepower motor,” says Bruce. The other three have a combined 57 years of Put-in-Bay walleye fishing. Bruce explains, “Sport fishing boats have come a long way. Today we use a Ranger 621 with 150 horsepower and four Lowrance monitors.” Laughter unfolds as Brian is quick to add, “The experience is always great, but prepare for windy days.” To which Jeff adds, “And make sure you have good cabin mates!”
Sudden environmental surprises happen on Lake Erie. In April 2023 the men found themselves in the midst of a spontaneous electrical storm. Brian heard a strange clicking sound coming from the gunwale and discovered one-inch sparks emanating from the end of the graphite fishing poles. This year a Camp Perry firing range safety patrol with a red flag advised they promptly leave the range–something they never experienced in previous years. Currently, Camp Perry is home to the 213th Ordnance Company (Missile Support, Corps), the 372d Missile Maintenance Company (DS) Detachment 1, the 200th RED HORSE Civil Engineering Squadron (Ohio Air National Guard), U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 309, and the Ohio Naval Militia.
Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and Port accompany after-dinner talk. Things turn to what the island community could improve for spring fishers. The foremost concerns are about parking for the trucks and boat trailers and the lack of bagged ice. The Township or Village should provide a temporary parking zone during the walleye season rather than prohibit parking and assessing a high fine. After all, fishermen contribute mightily to the local economy!
The bottom line: a week at Saunders Cottages, which remain true to themselves for over thirty years; observing island settings and history on rainy or extremely windy days; not minding that businesses are closed; and catching walleye with good company make for “great days of fishing on a Great Lake!”
