Late Summer vs. Fall for PIB / Erie Smallies - When to Come?

Looking for a few recommendations. We're planning a week's vacation at a cottage near PIB - September or October. Main purpose is to fish for small mouth bass by boat, mostly near shore out of PIB. Just wanted to see if anyone would recommend one month over the other. Anytime between mid-September to mid October. Although I'll have more boat availability in September.
 
I have never fished in the fall on Erie so I'm interested in starting. I also have researched and been advised that wind/water conditions are typically a bit rougher in the fall. That could limit fishing time from small boat and bass boats. Also read in several articles that small mouth come into more shallow water on the main lake in early fall, so that's tempting. I'm limited to near shore, mostly PIB up to 12 Miles Creek.
 
I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you!