The WNY Heroes Day fishing crew of military veterans, led by the experienced Captain Tom Miranda, right, of Pole Dancer Sportfishing, celebrated a successful day at the Dunkirk Clarion gazebo last weekend. They were honored with a limit catch of walleyes they caught at a depth of 60 feet right in front of the harbor. Photo courtesy of Pole Dancer Sportsfishing

As we celebrate the birth of our great nation, we also honor the freedom to cast a line, ride the waves, and enjoy the natural beauty that America gives us each day.

When the Eastern Lake Erie walleye bite turns on, like it is right now, there are never-ending, line-stretching moments that anglers lucky enough to be here will never forget. In my 60-plus years of fishing for walleye on Lake Erie, it has never been better. No kidding. From Buffalo to Barcelona, the walleye are hungry, and they seem to like a spinner/worm better than a stickbait or spoon, but all baits and lures are working; it’s just that the live meat is more efficient right now. The joy of reeling in these hungry walleye, one after another, is an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it.

William Schwartz of “WillsWorldOutdoors” (visit YouTube) says, “I’m shocked there are any walleyes left!” Fishing from Buffalo this week, Schwartz shared, “We had multiple doubles and triples on at the same time, with six and 7-pound fish. We had a few tangles too. Fun stuff.” Schwartz has been using his favorite 3D spinner-worm harnesses and has been hammering the fish in depths of 40-49 feet outside Seneca Shoal. Continuing, he says, “Every color we put out got bit, but purple-blue seemed a little better than the rest. We were in the same location as the other 89 boats (estimated number). We all caught fish and had an amazing day, catching our 18 fish limit in short order.” Visit the video learning lessons provided by this young man on YouTube to learn much more.

Certified USCG Master Captain Tom Miranda of Pole Dancer Sportfishing LLC agrees. “I highly recommend the fishing on Lake Erie from the PA border to Buffalo, as it is exceptional at the moment. Anglers are not only achieving their daily limits, but also doing so in a remarkably short period of time.” Fishing from Sunset Bay, Miranda adds, “Various fishing techniques are working up and down the lake, including trolling with stick baits, worm harnesses, bottom bouncing, and more, in 30 to 70 feet deep. If you have access to a boat and have not yet taken advantage of the fishing opportunities this year, I suggest you do so soon. For those without a boat, I have availability for guided fishing trips next week.” Contact Captain Miranda at 716-531-6683.

Last Friday during the WNY Heroes Day event at the Clarion Hotel Gazebo on Dunkirk Harbor, I had the honor and pleasure to fish with Captain Jim Steel and first-mate Rich Fliss aboard Dream Catcher Sportfishing charter service. The Dream Catcher boat is a 31-1/2 foot Tiara that is 12 feet wide with twin 454s that deliver 700 horsepower of forward thrust. To say the least, the vessel is very comfortable, featuring a full cockpit, private restroom, and all the modern gear and expertise required to locate fish wherever they may be. While I was aboard – there were five of us in total, we ran four side-planer lines, two downrigger lines, and four dipsey-diver lines. The fish were presented with a smorgasbord of options at multiple depths to identify their location. For a vessel of this size, rates are reasonable, starting at $500 for one to four persons for four hours and $600 for six hours. To go in complete comfort no matter the weather, contact Captain Steel at 716-983-7867, send an email to dreamcatchersportfishing@gmail.com, or visit them on Facebook. We caught walleye, steelhead, and lake trout, and enjoyed the outing. It was a fun time and a learning process for me–so many ways to catch fish with Captain Steel.

To all the walleye anglers out on Lake Erie’s Eastern Basin – may your lines stay tight, your coolers full, and your freedom ring louder than a drag-screaming big catch of the day. Let’s raise a salute to liberty, laughter, and limits of walleye. God bless America.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

July 12-13: Walleye Duel in Dunkirk, Dunkirk Pavilion – new location, $500 entry; 3-fish bag/ 2-days; Captain’s Mtg on July 11; Mark Mohr: 716-998-9871.