Ottawa Outdoors - The Beacon | Port Clinton News, Marblehead News, Oak Harbor News, Lake Erie Islands News

Captain Juls’ Fishing Report

The Beacon is happy to announce the addition of Captain Julia “Juls” Davis to the reporting team. She will be writing a weekly fishing report to help you maximize your time on the water and help you put more fish in your boat.

Capt. Juls is originally from Wisconsin and moved to the Port Clinton area in the spring of 2001 to pursue her passion for fishing. After her relocation, Juls hit the road for eight months out of the year, to fish professionally against the "Big Boys" of walleye fishing. For 8 ½ years she was the only full time female professional walleye tournament angler in the country.

Lake Erie again named one of Bassmaster Magazine’s Best Bass Lakes

The second annual list ranking the country’s best bass lakes has been released by Bassmaster Magazine. Michigan’s Lake St. Clair took the No. 1 spot, while Falcon Lake, which was last year’s No.1, fell to seventh.

“It is truly amazing how much a fishery can change in the span of 12 months,” said Bassmaster Magazine Editor James Hall. “Most bass anglers, including me, figured Falcon would be ranked number one for the next decade. However, the fishing there has been tough because of drought and fishing pressure. And based on the metrics we use to create the list, then rank the lakes, Lake St. Clair deserved the title of best bass lake in America.”

Birders and birds converge at Magee Marsh

The Biggest Week in American Birding is living up to its name. Birds and birders have arrived, many from Central and South America. They have converged with resident birds and birders, and with first-timers and locals who are just learning about the sport that is enjoyed by 20% of all Americans. The Canadian birder contingent is also represented, perhaps to welcome and escort tiny, colorful warblers as they head north from here for the summer.

Guide Elmer Escoto of Honduras said, “It is paradise here. I left one paradise for another.”

Skipper Bud’s Fishing Derby will be at Walleye Festival

The Skipper Bud’s Kids Fishing Derby at the Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, from 12-1:30 p,m. This free family-oriented event will be held at Derby Pond.

All children ages 12 and under are invited to participate. Trophies for each age group will be awarded in each of the following categories: longest, shortest, most fish caught and most unique. Trophies will be presented in the Entertainment Tent at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Mary Gardner receives Liberty Bell Award

Mary Gardner, longtime Ottawa County Courthouse employee with both the Clerk of Courts and the Auditor's office, was the recipient of the Liberty Bell award given annual by the Bar Association of Ottawa County. It is given to a local resident who is not an attorney who promotes the meaning and the importance of the law in daily life. Photo by John Schaffner