Anglers have been having some luck in the Walnut Access basin and along the wall and at the mouth of Trout and Godfrey runs. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches and her ten year old sister Olivia Chaney with her 6 pound ounce Walleye. They finally find some and then the weather gets bad and scatters them again. The waves arent too bad though seeing they are calling for 2 ft or less all through Monday anyway. If Emerald Shiners are not available, Fathead Minnows will work in a pinch.Anglers have been having some luck along the South Pier as well with both Perch and Crappie. As for the Walleye, they must have found a good hiding place with all the storms we have had this week. US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION INFORMATION: Reporting Requirements for Chartered Fishing Vessels Arriving in U.S. along Lake Erie Shore. A bluegill on light tackle can provide as much fun as a Lake Erie Walleye on a stiff dipsey rod. Please don't forget to pull your lines for the boaters when they enter and exit the channel at Walnut Creek. This makes it easy for the young ones to be involved in the fishing fun. Anglers Advised to Follow 2011 Walleye and Perch Creel Limits: Winter Baits: Small presentations and light line and tippets will remain a key to good catch rates in the clear to lightly stained water we have had. Philip Diehl of Hollidaysburg PA brought in an 11 pound 1 ounce female Steelhead. This is What is Happening at Walnut Creek now. Trolled from Walnut to Trout. Fifteen year old Michael Farrell of Burgettstown, PA brought in a 6 pound 7 ounce Walleye for Junior Award. SaturdaySnow showers likely. Conditions:Seasonal temperatures and little rain have been the story here in Erie. Good day for muddy water. Dipsies, lead core, snap weights all seemed to be the presentations of choice. 6 oz. Deposit will be returned upon return of the key. He was using a Watermelon worm harness and a dipsy. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. The perch fishing has not been very good. It was 27 inches long and had a girth of 14 inches. The weather has been a usual hit and miss for the lake with the storms. This one is of a man who was just so excited about catching one that he held it up to me for the picture and then continued fishing. He caught his at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Power Bait. Current Lake Erie water temperatures off Toledo are 66 degrees, off Cleveland 54 degrees, and off the Port of Erie, 57 degrees. Pictured is a 9 pound 9 ounce colorful male fish. It was his first big fish. They were caught on maggot, minnow and rooster tail, north of the Stop sign hole in Walnut Creek. The Perch fishing seems to be very good. Steelhead fishing Walnut Creek and Trout Run: . They caught it out in the 1st Trench in 74 ft of water on a worm harness. Anglers should park on the opposite side in the larger parking area off Sterritania Road. Regular bass season on Lake Erie Presque Isle Bay and the tribs begins June 14 when the limit goes to 4 fish with a minimum length of 15 inches. Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 53 degrees. Most of the creeks are very low and clear. Bass fishing has been fair to good in the tribs especially in the deeper slow moving pools. Sixteen year old Andy Weitz, twelve year old Michael Weitz, and eleven year old Brett Benson are here with the fish Brett caught. Welcome to the Lake Erie Fishing Reports, a place where fishermen and fans can share their photos and videos of fishing trips on this great body of water with others. Some of the boaters are having a little luck in front of the creeks but it is still a little too early. Well the perch are still not coming on hot and heavy. He was using Lil Cleos. I am told there is also a school out off Trout Run and the clay banks. We haven't had any significant amount of rain to help entice more fish to come in and to dirty up the water a bit. It was 30 inches long with a girth of 16 inches and Nats was 9 lb. We used several variations of "Bare Naked" RR and purple, rainbow trout and shad Renoskys. Steelhead fishing continues to remain good on the west side Erie tributaries with consistently good flows and a good mix of fresh and dropback fish. The shoreline at Trout Run, although not frozen, was scattered with loose drifting ice and slush. The Perch are not coming as we usually see them. Most of the fishing was between 60-76 off the clay banks. The bait and method of the day was drifting minnows with rod in hand. Although ice in most areas is still stable, there was considerable standing water and slush on the Bay and Tribs this past Monday. 9 oz. 50-52' of water due north of the Walnut Creek channel and slightly west is the hot area. This was our first trip and it did not disappoint. The Erie Tribs can be a great place for the opener. Web: Contact Form Kids have fun to as these boy helped put 36 eaters in the cooler all on night crawlers drifting in 30 feet of water. Jerameys (right) fish was 7 pounds 3 ounces, 28 inches long with a girth of 15 inches. It was 27 inches long and had a girth of 14 inches. She caught it out a little East of Trout Run in 44 ft of water. The color was Blue and Gold. Find more information at Buy a Pennsylvania Fishing License (fishandboat.com). (of course catching is half the fun). It was 10 pounds 4 ounces, 27 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. Glow ball sizes 10 to 12 in orange, red, chartreuse, and even yellow can work in muddy water. Hunters cannot shoot from a motorized watercraft until the motor is off and all forward movement has stopped. Be sure to stop and visit us, or if there is something you want us to set aside and have ready for your weekend trip, just call or order online. , yet the occasional angler can still be found within the Keystone Select/Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area (lower). Planer boards are almost a must for near shore walleye when trolling. The other one was just shy of * pounds. It was 15 pounds 7 ounces, 32 inches long and had a girth of 21 inches. 705 were here. The perch packs off the light house beach and Walnut creek numbered in the hundreds this past Sunday. It is open to the public so everyone please come. Bartley Malie of Pittsburgh, PA brought in this nice female. They caught them West off Elk Creek in 65 ft of water on a Renowski. His girth was 15 inches. This is his first Steelhead trip and first trip to PA staying for just six days. Ice, Walnut Creek, Net permits and Trout Run: . Pike generally aren't too fussygenerally anything shiny will attract their attention. And the Perch are very evasive. Steelhead action has increased since the water has begun to cool. He caught it out in 18 ft of water west of Elk Creek on a Bango lure. Eight year old Michael (Mikey) Doerflinger, of Slippery Rock, PA brought in a Sheepshead for ANgler Award. It was 28 inches long with a 16 inch girth. It was a very good day on Saturday. He caught them out in 73 ft of water on the Hump between the trenches. WALLEYE: The Walleye are still not cooperating either. Consider Shenango Lake for hybrid stripers. Lightspeed, Thank you for shopping small at the "BEST LITTLE LURE HOUSE IN PA", Strategically located on the Pennsylvania western shore of Lake Erie only minutes from the famous steelhead tributaries and public boat launches and marinas, we are here to help you do one thing -, Red Wing/ Black Bird SABRETOOTH EGG HOOK BRONZE CHEMICALLY SHARP 20/PK. She caught it out in 70 ft of water off Trout Run on a Fire Tiger plug. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. Elk Creek displayed prime conditions almost all of this past weekend. Definitely try to fish with an experienced captain like Mark Rose. Saturday Southwest winds 10-20 knots 1-3 ft waves. Conditions Spring Bass and crappie season is picking up as Bay temperatures slowly rise. It seems like the Walleye fishing is really picking up. Salted tubes on weighted jigs are the very popular with pumpkin seed, chartreuse, purple, and the brown shades being most popular. The boats that are getting them are going out into 42 ft of water straight out of here and off Trout Run. He caught it on the South side of the marina in Walnut Creek on power bait. The exceptionally warm Lake temperatures this year seem to have fish on the move in search of colder more oxygen enriched waters. Saturday Southeast winds / 1-3 ft waves - 50% chance of thunderstorms, Sunday North winds 2-4 ft waves - 50% chance of thunderstorms. Read More, Support: Fishing Status Support We'll clean your fish and even smoke them if you like. Trout Creel Limits for Lake Erie Change September 7thEffective September 7th and running through April 14th, 2010, the daily creel limit for trout and salmon on Lake Erie and the tribs as well as Presque Isle Bay and Peninsula waters changes to three fish per day with a minimum length of 15" only two of which can be lake trout. Walnut Creek Basin:Weather permitting, the docks and launch ramps are scheduled to be removed and the Walnut Creek Marina basin is to be open to fishing on November 3rd at 2:00 pm. Thunderstorms for Sunday thru Wednesday. A good many yellow perch were also caught. Limits have been caught, but keeping the first three on is not always easy with these tackle-busting fighters. Steelhead fishing continues to remain good on the west side Erie tributaries with consistently good flows and a good mix of fresh and dropback fish. Strong line and a rod with a stiff back along with minnows, dead or alive and crawlers fished on the bottom are the ticket. It was 27 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. No more than that. Mark Daniel of Edinboro, PA brought in this 10 pound Steelhead for Angler Award. All licenses will be sold through the PALS (Pennsylvania Automated License System) machine now so there will be no paper licenses sold anymore. Elk Creek has been giving up good numbers of fish from the mouth to the boat launch and on south to the waterfall hole. Maurice caught her at the Stop Sign hole in Walnut Creek on a yellow jig. Lately action has been good 52 to 58 feet water depth on the 20 to 17 line. He caught them out in 25 ft of water off Elk Creek on a Bagley Bango lure. And another shot looking north towards the lake. Walnut Creek, Elk Creek, and Lake Erie water condition report Before then, they are sparse and after that they seem to slack off a little. Carolina rigs fished off the bottom will work well too. His color was Watermelon. His color was Blue (with pink dots)/Silver. The site is: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/images/pages/qa/fish/bowfin.htm So if you know of anyone who says to Kill and throw away these fish, give them this site. Twelve year old Tim Kelly of Boston MA, brought in a 4 pound 10 ounce Small Mouth Bass for Junior Angler Award . All the action was found in 20 to 15 foot depth on drifted minnows and tubes of various colors. Lynn Bell of Indiana, Pa brought in this nice 8 pound 6 ounce Steelhead. There are Porta-Jons for your convenience if needed. The ones being caught are all out east off Shades Beach or off the Point. He weighed in at 10 pounds 8 ounces and was 31 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. Long term forecasts indicate warm weather and little rain through the weekend laying the ground work for busy launch ramps all week. 30 Walleye with 5 human in hand rod holders. Trolled trout run for 3 hours, 1 knock off. Boaters are limiting out in as little as a few hours catching doubles and triples of 12-inch-plus perch. Cast two or three times into the same spot. It was 3 lb. At Poor Richard's, Brittany wanted to remind everyone that Mentored Youth Day for Trout is Saturday. It doesn't hurt to watch what the guy catching all the fish is using either (My favorite technique). The weedy areas near shore in the Lagoons, particularly near the canoe livery at Presque Isle is are a good place to try. Late morning it settled down. John Theodore of Baden, PA came in with an 8 pound 11 ounce Walleye. The dredging is done. The greatest concentration of activity is centered within the Oil City pool, extending from the Petroleum Street Bridge downstream through the citys wastewater treatment plant. It not only is expensive but if they break down in the lake, it can be dangerous if the lake gets rough. It was 10 pounds 1 ounce and was 28 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. Perch color was what he used. The Wall:Anglers fishing the wall along the channel entering Lake Erie at the Walnut Creek Access are again advised that boaters have the absolute right of way angler's lines. Nine year old Austin Green caught his in the same place as his brother. Presentation is everything and natural drifts are most important in inducing strikes. Shiners were the ticket. 2/1/2023. Current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 77, off Cleveland is 76 and off Erie, 78 degrees. Tony, Matt and Tia Craig from Ambridge, PA caught these three Steelhead. Perch have schooled heavily in 42 to 45 feet of water off of Walnut Creek and off the Point. Anglers have been having fair to good success from the shore at Walnut, Chestnut Street and the East Avenue launches. Youth Field Days for Erie County, August 9th, 2008: Fifteen year old John Ernst of Erie, PA came in for an Angler Award for this 1 pound 5 ounce Perch. You wont be able to buy them until January 1 though. Lake Erie can be unpredictable this time of year, so pay close attention to the weather. The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association had their Annual Learn To Fish outing on Saturday. Best Pumpkinseed and Bluegill Lakes of Northwestern PA, Three Lure Categories for Ice Fishing Lake Erie Walleye, Winter Opens Non-Ice Fishing Opportunities in Northwestern PA. Walleye have begun to scatter, although there are still good numbers to be caught once they are located. The Lake Trout fishing is starting to pick up. He caught his on a minnow. Eleven year old Autumn Anderson came in with a nice Angler Award sized Walleye. The 2018-year class is projected to be larger than the 2014-year class and will provide increased numbers of fish in upcoming years.Central basin anglers should expect the best fishing to be in eastern waters from Fairport Harbor to Conneaut, where the 2012- and 2014-year classes will provide numerous large fish. The month of June, Bass trips found many Northern Pike on the line smashing those golden shiners from Poor Richards bait shop. James Popp from Pittsburgh, PA received an Angler Award for his 8 pound 4 ounce Walleye. It was 26 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. Nine year old Brent Sutula of Erie came in to get an Angler Award for his 1 pound 3 ounce Perch. Looks like the boats will be able to fish Friday through Monday according the NOAA's animated weather page http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=e&ext=wv&type=F&hr=48, I am hoping to come up and fish Friday through Monday George.yates@comcast.net - www.fisherofmen.net, Tuesday fishing north of Elk in 61-71 FOW. Although many fish have been in the tribs for a while, there have been many reports of fresh steelhead being caught. Look for places that offer fish haven from the faster currents but still near faster water that will carry food. I have heard some good reports of Perch off of Conneaut. Heavier lines can often be used to battle tougher currents and larger fish when the tribs are stained or muddy colored. The boats also have to hug the East wall because of the sandbar in the center of the channel. Walleye catches have been very good with a number of limits brought in. West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert: Conditions: Perch and Walleye fishing are really picking up. West County trib conditions as of this writing were clear with good flow. It was caught the same place on the same thing. Walleye who was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. throttle cable broke on small engine and hydralics on large failed. It may be time to look forward to spring steelhead season, the regular State Trout opener and spring crappie fishing. Battling those large sheephead and the many perch caught keep them busy. David Schuffert of New Kensington, PA caught this 8 lb -9 oz Walleye. It was 8 pounds 12 ounces and was 30 inches long with a 16 inch girth. One day will have limits coming in and the next day they will be gone with only a few per boat. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. As is typically for the early part of the season, the best walleye action has been in shallower water, 20-35 feet west of Walnut Creek to the Ohio line. The weather is also allowing for good perch and burbot fishing along the Bayfront and along the North and South piers entering Lake Erie. range have been caught with 2 and 3 LB. Shiners are still in good supply at local bait shops. If you know someone who loves the lake or the sunsets you can have them immortalized by getting them a paver personalized just for them. Always have a forceps or needle nose pliers on hand while sucker fishing, since their rubbery lips are tough and it's hard to get a deeply imbedded hook out without harming the fish. There have been a few unconfirmed reports of steelhead caught along the shoreline at Trout Run in the early dawn hours. Area temperatures have dropped considerably from the unusually warm weather we have enjoyed and are more in line of the norm for this time of year. His color was Watermelon. It can be dangerous for the boaters if they get line wrapped on their props. Fifteen year old John Stiglitz came in with a nice 9 lb. Toris was 1 pound ounce, 12 inches long with a girth of 9 inches. The fishing is good down this way if you can catch them coming or trying to make it back out to the lake. The Trout Run nursery waters are loaded with fish and are often a good indication as to the number of fish running in the tribs. She caught it out in 74 ft of water off Elk Creek using a Thunder stick. He caught it out in 80 ft of water north of the Point on a Reef Runner. Fighting a large walleye from the bottom on light tackle is awesome. Gobies like minnows too! 30ft back. Brad Parmerter of Millcreek caught this 10 pound 5 ounce Walleye. red/black, red/yellow, black. Boat storage is available for your convenience. a person shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from. Anglers have had success targeting steelhead through the ice at the Walnut Creek Basin and in the channel just outside the basin. Plugs, stick baits, and crawler harnesses have all been working well off of planer boards or just flat lining in the shallower water. Twelve year old Hannah Ward (Camerons sister) brought in a 12 ounce Perch in for her Junior Award. Also I have had a couple people ask me about the Bowfin. The mild conditions have affected the usualfishing patterns around the area. The marina is just getting a slight skimming of ice on just a little of it. He caught it at Elk Creek using Brass head Flys. Robert Rosky of Pittsburg, Pa brought in two for Award. Altogether he caught five fish and he is going to get this one mounted. The hot and humid conditions Erie has been experiencing have generally pushed fish to the colder depths. Presque Isle Bay has been good in any area where there is cover. Caught only 40 by 10:30am. Worms and crickets are anglers favorite baits, but bluegill will take small poppers, flies, small spinners and jigs. Blue was the color for them. Bass fishing continues to be good. It took a while but I believe they are finally here. Dont forget the marina will be open on November 8, at 2 PM for fishing TENTATIVELY. Home About Us Bait Tackle Fish Cleaning Fish Smoking Boat Storage Links. The ice has been thick enough on Presque Isle Bay to withstand the spring temperatures late last week and was crowded with ice huts this past weekend. Patient anglers can cash in with a little skill and finesse. To rough and the clock has wound down. Then we went and anchored in 60-61ft of water off Elk (9.5 miles northwest of launch). The lake is supposed to be pretty rough for the next couple days so there are not and probably wont be any boats going out. Thirteen year old Jacob Kowchek of Burgettstown, PA brought in an 8 pound ounce Walleye. If the hook has pierced the skin and the point and barb are exposed it is simply a matter of cutting the barbed end and eye off with a pair of nippers or needle nosed pliers and pulling it out. Captain Mac RemacleM&M Fishing charters (WWW.mmfishingcharters.com)412-715-5624412-816-1552. Lake like glass. Fishing Is Good Finally 07/30/2010: , WCO Report and Photo for Erie County 07/28/2010: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report Photos for Erie County 02/04/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 02/04/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 01/28/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 01/20/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report Photos for Erie County 01/14/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 01/14/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 01/07/2009: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report Photo for Erie County 12/31/2008: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 12/31/2008: Erie area Erie, PA, WCO Report for Erie County 12/17/2008: Erie area Erie, PA. Last "Whats Happening" Report for 2008 12/14/2008: , WCO Report for Erie County 12/10/2008: Erie area Erie, PA. This one was caught off Trout Run in very muddy water. He was out in 53 ft of water East of Walnut Creek. There are good numbers of fish in the tribs. Lots of people here for the opening The North wall is where most of the fishing people were set up. They were all caught on Orange Stick bait. Additionally, the conditions in one part of the lake, say off Walnut Creek Access, could be substantially different than the conditions off another part, like the North East Marina. The question all weekend was "where are the perch?" Please be advised that trailer inspections and traffic patterns/signs at Walnut Creek Access will be enforced. On the bright side, ice out typically means the beginning of an abundance of slab crappie in and around Presque Isle Bay. Cody caught her on a Little Cleo. I was told by a regular (Bruce) that the North winds are good for catching the fish. Conditions: Walleye fishing has slowed a bit depending on who you talk to however the perch limits are out there for the taking. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. Cleveland weather for the next couple days:Friday West winds 5-15 knots 2 ft or less. The walleye do fight when the speed is slow. They were using worm harnesses and their color was Chartreuse. Think about getting one for a Birthday or an Anniversary gift for your loved ones. He caught it fishing into the lake from the beach at Walnut Creek. Michelle Richardson and daughter Lindsay of Belle Vernon, PA came in for their Angler Award for Walleye. They didnt make Angler Award but the both together weighed 15 pounds. Color was Pink. Paul Durci of Sarver, PA brought in this nice sized male Steelhead. PFBC has removed many to reduce the number in the past but they load up quickly do to the reduced pool size from the hurricane. thanks to all the fishermen who shared info. The color for him was copper. But we all know that can change, so if need be you can call our office here at Walnut Creek for the weather and lake conditions during office hours. More and more anglers are learning that winter can often bring some of the best steelhead action of the season along with a more quiet angling experience especially along the upper stretches of the tribs. Just follow all the rules and regulations and have a very happy and productive time fishing. Report: Went up to fish a couple hours before dark. It was 12 inches and had a girth of 8 inches. Jim Leftwich of Duquesne, PA brought in his 8 pound 9 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. Nine year old Tom, ten year old Nick and seven year old Luke Soboleski came in these Walleye for Angler Award. Anglers have been picking up perch along the south sideof the Bay as well as off the North and South piers. Minnows, small pieces of skein, and egg sacks have been hot along the wall at Walnut. Copyright 2023 Poor Richards As it revealed it self-WALLEYE! Lots of steelies being weighed at "Poor Richards.". I havent had many reports of any being caught during the day. making their way upstream from the Allegheny River. We opened the Marina today at 2 PM for fishing. He caught it up in the creek just south of the channel at Walnut Creek on a white jig tipped with minnow. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it on the North channel wall of Walnut Creek on a quarter ounce KO Wobbler. The Lake water temperature is 44 degrees. It remains the same too. The color was White. There is parking along the main road at the top of the hill. Al Banaszak (Big Al) and Barry Kovatch (Kojak) came in on Big Als BAHA CRUISERS boat with a couple nice sized Walleye. Contact: Christie Ferrier - 814-474-2577 or email: cbfbeach@mac.com. He was using a White Imp. She caught it on the North end of Walnut Creek channel wall on a Cleo. It was caught on a minnow. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 76 degrees. Phillip Kenneth Howard of Burgettstown, PA brought in a 10 pound-5 ounce fish for Angler Award. Anglers fishing the Fairview Gravel pit pond are reminded that this is Fish and Boat Commission property. Today (Saturday) the guys were coming in limited but the water picked up and just about everyone got blown off the water. The one was 28 inches long and had a 16 inch girth and the other one was 30 inches long and had a 15 inch girth. His bait was Golden Shiners. Saturday is calling for 30% Thunderstorms and Sunday is sunny. He caught the first fish but it took him a while to bring it in. They were fishing in 56 ft of water a little West of Walnut Creek. Lukes fish was 7 lb 10 oz, 27 inches long and 16 inch girth. Justin Penn, 13 years old, of Freeport, Pa brought in a nice 8 pound 11 ounce Walleye that was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. The color was Red for his power bait. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. A few boats were spotted this past weekend on Presque Isle bay targeting post ice crappie and pan fish. I will try to get some stream pictures for next week. Low and clear conditions combined with very cold weather made for some lethargic steelhead over the weekend. So, you will see a bit of an updated and new look. They were using Emerald shiners. He caught his on a silver spoon. with good numbers schooling up at similar depths North of the point at Presque Isle. Read Lake Erie - Canada fishing reports from January 2023. He caught it in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek using a Green Flash, Reef Runner. Mostly 3-4 ft waves. Downriggers 40-50. I want to personally thank the men who pulled the boys from the water after their canoe capsized on Wednesday. The water has been fluctuating between 67 ft and 53 ft of water for the past two weeks. Tom Kuhar of Niles, OH brought this nice Angler Award sized Steelhead in. Perch are being pretty evasive right now. They were being caught in 50-60 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and also a little area in front of Trout Run in 40 ft of water. August 11th, 2010 Conditions:Hot, sticky weather has surrounded the Erie are with more of the same over the next week. They were just drifting in 36 ft of water off Trout Run when they caught most of them. Tom Lustig from pittsburgh, pa.brought his son and 2 neighbor boys fishing for the evening. As of this writing the most productive perch fishing has been in 52 to 54 feet of waters off the Presque Isle condos and the point. It was a action packed trip with a 9.73 lb walleye being the largest. A short cold spell may put fishing on the tribs at a halt for a short time. We do have the radar in the office building and that helps except when the internet goes down. All in all we had some great small mouth drift fishing action aboard the "SeaWolf" all day. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches.