New Poster - Have Questions

Greetings, all.

My name is Jim and I live in northcentral Pa, above Rt. 80, but below Williamsport.

I'm interested in coming over your way (Erie) to do some fishing this summer.  It probably won't be just me.  Could be another couple guys.  No more than four of us tops.  I think we're looking at a "arrive one day, stay over, fish next day, go home same day" trips.

I'm interested in Perch and Walleye mostly.  Smallies are great too, but I do catch and release here where I live, and it would...feel kind of weird to go someplace and keep them.  I don't know if that makes sense or not.

So, what I need is this:  All the advice and recommendations you can give to a first-timer.  For instance:
   * Where's a good CHEAP motel to stay?  All I really need is a clean bed.  We won't be bringing a boat.  One guy around here recommended the Green Roof Inn.  Another guy (an older gent) said something about there being "...a motel I can't remember the name of - it's on 219 across from something named after Governor Ridge..." (I realize that's not enormously helpful, but that's what he told me.)
   * What's a good tackle and bait shop?
   * Who's a good charter or party boat to talk to?

I do admit - From reading I've already done, I'm getting interested in fishing the creeks for steelhead.  I use a 10 foot crappie pole here on the River with 8 pound test.  Will that work for steelhead fishing?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jim

I have been on the edward john several times and can give them a great reccomendation. As far as walleyes go to get a charter for 4 guys your looking at somewhere between 100 dollars to 160 dollars PER PERSON, thats why I do all my walleye fishing in my local river. But your 10 ft. crappie pole will work good for steelhead but you shoul switch out the 8lb. test for like 4 or 6 pound.

a couple of buddies of mine (3) stayed at the green roof before they said it did the job and was enough room for them in 1 room and i don't think it was that pricy from what they said.  I like B.A.C. bait store theres one by PI and one on route 5

ya i use 6 usually but iv even seen people use 2 lb 

The Tom Ridge center is on 832, no 219 in Erie. The El Patio would be pretty much across from it. It'll do in a pinch. Nothing fancy, but basically clean, and centrally located.

also piece of advice, don't go out drinking the night before. I do the same trips, but mostly end up drinking the night before.  To quote the film Old School...."Once it hits your lips, it's so good!"

The Choo Choo lounge at the el patio has seen a couple of my disasters if you catch my drift...