July 27, 2026 - 10:26:51
Surface fishing for largemouth and snakeheads in Garrisons Lake, Massey Mills and Silver Lake continued to build in July and traditionally provides some good topwater fishing in August according to Steve over at Smith Bait and Tackle in Leipsic. With August in sight lakes and ponds in the Diamond State were in better shape because of all the rain that visited the area. Steve also mentioned the perch and crappie fishing that starts up in August especially if the waters start to cool down early.
July 27, 2026 - 10:26:45
At Smith Bait Steve reported that slot stripers were still available around the Augustine Wall on a variety of baits including peeler crab, shrimp, bloodworms and bucktails with stripes of squid. As the water warms in August, this may change. The Woodland Beach fishing pier had excellent fishing for croaker and that should continue through August. Depending on how much rain we get, the croaker could be joined by bluefish. The Bowers Beach Jetty saw croaker and flounder and that too should continue through August.
July 20, 2026 - 10:28:04
Fishing was slow this past week according to Steve over at Smith Bait and Tackle in Leipsic. Between the storms, heat and the gas prices many anglers saw the option of an air conditioned house as a better choice most days. The only decent fishing the shop got reports on was the good panfishing in Records Pond in the lower part of the state.
July 20, 2026 - 10:27:57
At Smith Bait Steve said the Augustine Wall was the hot spot for slot stripers with peeler crab the top bait. Jigs and rattletrap lures also produce the desired results. Down at the Bowers Beach Jetty a few flounder have been caught on jigs sweetened with strips of squid or Gulp! Small stripers are taken on peeler and croaker are caught on Fishbites. The tidal rivers hold white perch and croaker. Bloodworms, peeler crab, shrimp, bloodworms and Fishbites all work on both.
