Local Sports

Dunkirk’s shore-fishing magic: no boat required

There are times when Lake Erie fishing gets so good that even the most seasoned boat anglers -- the folks with big rigs, fancy electronics and enough tackle to stock a bait shop -- have to shake their heads and wonder if they’re dreaming.

There are also days when Lake Erie reminds us that you don’t necessarily need a boat to get in on the fun.

Just ask 14-year-old Ellie Bellis.

Ellie was fishing with her mom and dad from Dunkirk’s Central Avenue drive-on pier early last weekend when her rod suddenly came alive. The youngster hooked something with enough attitude to attract a small gathering of spectators.

When the battle finally ended and the fish came to hand, there was a little surprise waiting for everybody.

It was a 24-inch walleye! Caught from shore. In the middle of summer. In the middle of the day. Now that’s a true fishing story to share!

There are probably a few explanations for why a walleye of that size wandered within casting distance of the pier. Lake Erie doesn’t always follow the script. Cool mornings, shifting winds, changing currents and subtle changes in water temperature can move bait and predators around in ways that aren’t always obvious to us standing on shore.

Maybe that big walleye was simply looking for lunch.

Whatever brought it there, Ellie was ready.

Her catch is also a terrific reminder of what a wonderful fishing resource exists right in Dunkirk Harbor. The Central Avenue drive-on pier offers something that every community should treasure -- easy access to some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country without requiring an angler to own a boat.

That’s especially important for kids and young families.

A youngster can show up with a fishing rod, make a cast and, on the right day, hook a fish she’ll be talking about, possibly, for the rest of her life. Ellie was using a simple age-old bait standard - a worm. Her mom, Kristen Bellis, said, "My husband Phil woke us up early Saturday morning to take our girls fishing. We decided to go to the pier because Ellie had luck a few days prior, catching a nice freshwater drum (sheepshead) in the same area. We were down there about a half-hour when we saw her pole going. We were all getting small bites. My husband yelled to me to get the net." I said, "It's probably a little sunfish, but as soon as I saw the water swirl, I ran to the car for the net."

Kristen Bellis added, "My husband and I fish often and to catch a fish like this walleye -- it was awesome seeing our daughter get this trophy as she is just getting into the sport. A super proud moment for us all."

The story gets even better. Dunkirk also has a wheelchair-lift service that can help anglers with disabilities get aboard the boat of their choice. That’s the kind of no-fee, free accessibility that deserves to be celebrated and promoted. See Captain Adam Bagley with Handi-Captain Universal Boat Boarding Services located at the northeast corner of the pier. Simply call 716-366-1774 7AM-7PM for assistance with the handicap lift.

Lest we forget a tip of the old fishing cap is also in order for the fisheries management folks at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Their work managing and protecting Lake Erie’s fishery helps make these remarkable angling opportunities possible, and their efforts deserve plenty of credit.

Don’t think that walleye, sunfish and sheepshead are the only shore fishing show in "Dunkirk Town."

As autumn approaches and the lake cools, steelhead will once again make their way into the harbor and provide shore anglers with another exciting fishery -- one that can continue right through winter.

For now, though, let’s keep our minds on summer.

Rock bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, freshwater drum and the occasional largemouth bass are all possibilities around the harbor. There’s a fish-cleaning station, rest rooms, ice for the cooler, and plenty of nearby places to grab something to eat or drink after a few hours beside the water.

Pretty hard to beat.

Every once in a while, thanks to moms and dads that care, somebody like Ellie Bellis comes along and proves the old fishing rule all over again: You never know what might be on the other end of the line. The big ones aren't always offshore

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Sept. 2: 3D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, 15 targets, free instruction 4-6 p.m.; Info: call Jerry Gorski, 716-698-3008.

Sept. 3: 3D Archery & Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., members $5, non-members $8, dinner $8; West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls; Info: (716) 652-4650.

Sept. 3: 3D Archery, 20 targets Bear Lake Rod and Gun, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, open to public, 4391 Stockton-Cassadaga Road, Stockton; 716-397-9717.

Sept. 5: NYSDEC Hunter Ed, Harmony Conservation Club, Panama, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., taught by Charles W. Dole, register: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/389/registrations/new, or call 585-226-5463.