Todd McDermot has been fishing for smallmouths on Lake Erie for almost 25 years. He believes there's no better bass fishery in the East for numbers or size.

"In early to mid-May, the bronzebacks really start coming in once we get the water to warm up," he said.

"The good thing is, you don't have to fish miles from shore to get into them. We generally stay in the 10- to 15-foot range and work the trolling motor over and around structure."

Even seasoned angler like McDermot may not always find the fish cooperative. When things slow down, he recommends changing lures and locations.

"Some days we'll have great luck with tube jigs. And other days, they won't even budge. Usually, the majority of our action comes from drop-shot rigs, and we rely a lot on live crayfish fished along the bottom as realistically as possible."

McDermot's favorite spot when fishing out of Presque Isle Bay is off shore about 3.5 miles east, where there are some cement pylons about one-half mile from shore. It's not uncommon to see a flotilla of boats in this area. Locals know that the fish stage here for the spawn and beyond.

"The key," McDermot said, "is to work out deeper until you can locate them."

For more information on Presque Isle State Park, contact the marina office (seasonal) at (814) 833-0176, or at (814) 833-8981.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-524-3743 or (814) 454-7191; or try VisitEiriePa.com