MAY
Smallmouths: Lake Erie
Lake Erie, it could be argued, is the world capital not only of walleyes but of smallmouths as well. Buckeye State anglers are fortunate to have access this fishery expected to yield plenty of 2- to 4-pound bass from the 1993, 1994, 1998 and 1999 year-classes now dominating the fishery. The Bass Islands and the reefs surrounding these islands in the western basin are tough to beat when smallies are the target.

Muskellunge: Clear Fork Reservoir
Our first muskie destination has been one of Ohio's most consistent muskie fisheries for years. Every year, central Ohio's Clear Fork Reservoir ranks first or second in the state when it comes to both the total number of fish caught and the number of muskies registered with the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club, whose minimums admit only fish measuring over 50 inches. Club members annually boat approximately 50 qualifiers!

Find major weedbeds in deeper water, and then try casting big crankbaits. Otherwise, troll around islands and other structure. Trolling also works well during the summer.

JUNE
Bluegills: Lake La Su An
The Lake La Su An Wildlife Area lies in the extreme northwestern corner of Ohio. Several ponds specifically managed for bass and bluegills dot the landscape. Every year more than 12,000 bluegills are harvested from the area's ponds.

If you're after big bluegills, this is the place to be this summer. Almost all of the harvested fish are larger than 6 inches. More than one-third of the fish harvested measure 8 to 11 inches. Lakes La Su An, Jerry, Clem and Lou are all productive for redears and pumpkinseeds over 8 inches.

The area is specifically managed for quality fishing, so reservations are required. Call (419) 459-4676 for more info or to make reservations.

Largemouths: Oxbow Lake
One of our sleeper hotspots. Loaded with 10- to 17-inch bass, northwestern Ohio's Oxbow Lake is a great bass destination. To help preserve the bass fishery, an 18-inch minimum-length limit on black bass is in effect. Additionally, a 9.9-hp limit makes this a great getaway when other lakes begin filling up with pleasure boaters and water-skiers.

JULY
Saugeyes: Pleasant Hill Lake
This central Ohio fishery showed up on our list as the No. 3 hotspot for January. During winter, the tailwater fishery attracts saugeye seekers. This month, try fishing in the 850-acre impoundment in 10 to 15 feet of water. For best results, plan an evening fishing trip.

Pleasant Hill saugeyes average 14 inches, but there are plenty of bigger fish -- some up to 23 inches! There's no horsepower limit on the lake.

Channel Catfish: Findlay Reservoir No. 2
What would summer be without a great catfishing destination? Findlay Reservoir No. 2, which is also excellent for yellow perch and crappies, is the first of our one-two punch for summertime channel cats. Expect good numbers of 12- to 28-inch fish with some channel cats topping an amazing 28 pounds!

Good action can also be found on Reservoir No. 1, which produces good numbers of 18- to 26-inch channel cats.

AUGUST
Largemouths: Tycoon Lake
This quiet southeastern Ohio lake continues to make its mark with Ohio bass fishermen. Encompassing just 210 acres, Gallia County's Tycoon Lake is one of just a handful of Buckeye State lakes with an 18-inch minimum-size limit on black bass. The 18-inch minimum is only used at lakes that exhibit the potential to grow big bass.

In 1997, a survey indicated good numbers of 15-inch fish. This survey, along with several other factors, led biologists to institute the 18-inch minimum in 2001. Today, there is a strong population of bass measuring 10 to 15 inches.

The northwestern portion of the lake has been a hotspot over the last few years.

Channel Catfish: Bressler Reservoir
The second channel cat hotspot in our lineup for this summer is Bressler Reservoir. Also in northwestern Ohio, this upground reservoir covers 610 acres in Allen County. Channel cats average 16 to 25 inches, with 20- pounders sometimes taken. Additionally, there is a good population of bullheads averaging 9 to 12 inches.

Fishing balloon rigs is a favorite tactic among local channel cat anglers.