Lake Erie - Sandbars/Beaches/Restaurants

[LakesideLaw]

So talking in another thread about LE destinations got me thinking we should share any and all spots we like to visit and tips/tricks/things to know. Boat beach access spots and/or sand bar hang outs, water restaurants with dockage, etc... I will start with a couple of my favorite spots:

1. BayPoint SandBar - Bay Point Sandbar – Western Reserve Land Conservancy - must go - barge parties are fun - anchor on the bay side for calmer waters and walk the beach with a drink in hand. Swim on the lake side.
2. Cedar Point Beach - Beach Games & Activities | Relax on the Beach | Cedar Point - hidden gem of a beach - easily accessible by boat
3. Tacklebox - TACKLE BOX II, Fremont - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor - short ride up the Sandusky River (watch for tubers/skiiers in the river - they come fast sometimes) (Easy/Fun WOT River Run) from the Sandusky Bay/Muddy Bay inlet - Fantastic Perch!

 

[Plpbecks]

In addition to @LakesideLaw :
- Kelley’s island north shore near the state park beach, best place to anchor when the lake is calm. Beautiful crystal clear water and a nice sand beach.
- West Bay Inn on the west side of Kelley’s www.westbayki.com free transient dockage, great place to grab a meal and watch sunset.
- Hidden Beach Bar www.hiddenbeachbar.com, nice tiki bar/ restaurant on Marblehead attached to a marina with free transient slips. It’s close to mazurik ramp if you’re trailering your boat.
- @LakesideLaw touched on CP beach, but their marina which is on the south side of the peninsula has transient dockage and two good restaurants. Also worthwhile keeping your boat there for a weekend, doing the park one day and boating the next.

I’m not even going to touch put-in-bay...

 

[rvictor]

On your way to the tackle box stop at Jimmy Bukkets for a cold beverage and live music on the Sandusky river. Great place!

 

[Plpbecks]

We keep meaning to run up to jimmy bukkets. From bay point, how long of a run is it? Is the entrance to the river challenging?

 

[rvictor]

From Bay Point probably a half hour run. Sandusky Bay runs into Muddy Bay then to Sandusky River. Muddy Bay is a little shallow but in early spring they put out channel markers that lead right to the mouth of the river. Once you hit the river stay towards the center, once again some markers mark the shallow areas. It’s a great run. Can take all the way up to Fremont and Tackle Box.

 

[LakesideLaw]

Bukkets! Yes... great place as well. Also, the Cove Bar before you get to the river.

River entrance is pretty well marked. Never had any issues. Watch for some debris after storms floating down the river... worth the trip. And I would agree about 35-40 minute run from Bay Point.

 

[poordealguy]

Stalking this thread - hoping to get out on the lake this summer.

 

[Epsmith19]

Put-In Bay (OH) is amazing Put in Bay 2021: Best of Put in Bay, OH Tourism - Tripadvisor

Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA (where I grew up) can be interesting too. Presque Isle State Park (Erie) - 2021 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go | Tours & Tickets (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

 

[LakesideLaw]

Bumping this up as weather is turning - headed to the Lake tomorrow to get my new dock ready to attach to our breakwall. Put in Bay is great - advise staying overnight if possible - they patrol pretty heavily coming out of the PIB at night.

Speaking of overnighting - anyone find/know of any good canvas shops in NEO or around Lake Erie to create a camper top for the Yamahas? I have the OEM snap-on canvas covers for mine - Bow/Cockpit - so snaps are in place - but was thinking with the bow covered and a good Cockpit camper top with windows and a zipper door I would not even miss a cuddy cabin. If anyone has done this (locally - I know others here have posted camper tops) - referral to a good shop would be appreciated!

First trip out I think will be to hit up the CP Chaussee and grab some wings at Quaker Steak on the water.

 

[Plpbecks]

@LakesideLaw others I’ve known with larger boats in the Sandusky area have had good luck with Firelands canvas in Sandusky, and if you can get on his list, Miller’s custom canvas in Wellington.

I made a full enclosure for my boat a few years back after hearing pricing to have it made, it wasn’t all that difficult. Here’s a pic below, full thread here on some of my design considerations : https://jetboaters.net/threads/diy-full-enclosure-canopy-for-242-limited-s-e-series.24700/

 

[ComingInHot]

We have a 252SE with the 2 piece snap on cover. We are about 1-1/2 hr south of you. I have an appointment in June to have a camper top made at Erb's Tarp shop in Millersburg, OH that will use the existing snaps from our factory cover. Custom made with Sunbrella for $600. It takes about 4 months to get an appointment. They are full Amish and have a great reputation in our area.

 

[LakesideLaw]

Wow... that is a great price - going to reach out to Miller's Custom and Erb's (we go to amish country all the time) see how long for an appointment... Thanks for the recs!