Presque Isle Bay/Lake Erie Fishing

Hi guys. I'm going fishing at Presque Isle Bay for the first time. We're heading up the on May 10th and fishing several days. Since it's our first time, we're looking for any information about fishing the bay and the main lake for that time of the year. We plan on targeting smallmouths, but are not opposed to largemouths and pike. From what I understand the smallmouth come into the bay to spawn.  Can anyone give me information about where to fish in the bay (depths, locations) or what to use? Any tips will help. Also, we are hoping to get out into the main lake but are worried about taking a 17' aluminum bass boat out there, even in calm conditions. Is it possible to take a boat of this size out on the lake? And if so what depths do the smallies hold at this time of the year? Any help is much appreciated.
 
Thanks,
Rich

Google search old fishing articles to find out what works best at different times of year and different depths,water temp,etc. Lots of good stuff from Darl Black,keywords"Erie,smallmouth".With a 17 ft boat I'd only venture out on the main lake in the calmest of conditions and stay with 10 minutes ride of a launch,it can get rough out there real quick.With that size boat your all right anywhere in the bay.