Pennsylvania - Lake Erie
In Pennsylvania, the big lake is famed for its incredible smallmouth fishing. Presque Isle Bay near Erie (the city) has 3,800 acres of protected water, no small matter as a stiff breeze can really kick up the waters elsewhere along the exposed shoreline. The bay warms faster than the main lake, too, which means the bass are typically postspawn in June, schooling up and chasing baitfish. Topwaters will do the trick if you see surface action, but the two essential lures are soft-plastic tube jigs and twister-tail grubs, both fished on leadheads sized to match the depth. Presque Isle State Park offers boat launching and easy shoreline access. Park office, 814-833-7424; dcnr.state.pa.us/StateParks/parks/presqueisle.aspx

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Guide's Tips
Species: Walleye
Guide: Jim Baney; murphcharters.com; 412-629-0639
Rig Specifics: Medium-sized downrigger rod with 30-pound Fireline, using worms for bait.
Quick Tip: Unless you have time to troll all day, the best thing to do is use your fish finder to find the thermocline. If you locate the walleyes, they'll take the bait.
Where to Fish: The trenches close to the Ohio line.