Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching to get out on the big water and fill your cooler with some tasty Lake Erie fish, boy do I have the trip for you. This 8-hour morning charter is the real deal, targeting two of Erie's most prized catches: walleye and yellow perch. We'll be hitting the lake from mid-September to early October, which is prime time for both species. The best part? Our seasoned captain will make the call on the day to chase whatever's biting best, so you're in for a day of non-stop action.
Alright, here's how it shakes out. We'll be meeting bright and early at 5:30 AM - I know, I know, but trust me, the early bird gets the fish on Erie. This flexible charter is all about maximizing your chances at a stellar catch. Some days the walleye are on fire, other days the perch are schooled up thick. Our captain's got his finger on the pulse of the lake, so he'll point us in the right direction. We've got room for four anglers, so grab your buddies or make it a family affair. And don't sweat the gear - we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew will make sure you're in the game.
The Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio at more than 17,000 acres.
Let's talk fishing, shall we? For walleye, we'll likely be trolling with crawler harnesses or crankbaits. We might run some planer boards to spread out our presentation and cover more water. If the perch are the ticket, we'll be dropping lines straight down with perch spreaders baited up with emerald shiners or nightcrawlers. Either way, you'll be hands-on, setting hooks and reeling in fish. Our crew will show you the ropes, from how to work the gear to the best techniques for fighting these Lake Erie bruisers. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like feeling that telltale thump on your line and knowing you've got a good one on!
Listen, I've been guiding on Erie for years, and I still get pumped every time we head out. There's just something special about this lake. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Or maybe it's the anticipation of that first bite, knowing that any cast could bring in a trophy walleye or a jumbo perch. But I'll tell you what really keeps folks coming back - it's the memories. The laughs shared over missed fish, the high-fives when someone lands a big one, and the stories that get bigger every time they're told. That's what fishing on Erie is all about.
Now, let's talk about our target species. First up, the walleye. These bad boys are the crown jewels of Lake Erie fishing. They're hard-fighting, great-eating fish that can grow to impressive sizes. We're talking about fish that can push 10 pounds or more! Walleye tend to school up in the fall, following baitfish, so when you find them, it can be non-stop action. They've got a mouthful of teeth and eyes that shine like gold in the light - hence their nickname, "glass eyes".
Then there's the yellow perch. Don't let their size fool you - these little guys pack a punch both on the line and on the plate. Erie is famous for its "jumbo" perch, fish that can reach a pound or more. They school up tight, so when you find them, it's often a fish-a-cast situation. There's nothing quite like pulling up a double or triple on a perch spread. And let me tell you, a fresh perch fry is about as good as fishing gets.
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on Erie by now, check your pulse! This trip is the real deal - a chance to target two of the lake's most sought-after species with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're dreaming of that cooler full of perch or that photo with a wall-hanger walleye, we've got you covered. The fall bite on Erie is something special, and spots on these charters fill up fast. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's make some memories and put some fish in the boat!
Yellow perch are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing. These golden-colored fish typically run 7-10 inches, but can reach up to 15 inches. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Look for them around weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structures in 15-30 feet of water. Fall is prime time, as perch fatten up before winter. Anglers love targeting these tasty panfish for their light tackle action and excellent table fare. To boost your chances, try a simple perch rig with a spreader and two hooks baited with minnows or worms. Keep your presentation close to the bottom, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook quick – perch are notorious bait stealers!
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These elusive predators average 2-5 pounds but can top 10 pounds. They're most active in low light, using their reflective eyes to hunt. During fall, look for walleye suspended over deep water or near rocky points. They follow baitfish, so finding schools of shad or shiners often leads to walleye. Anglers prize them for their hard fights and excellent eating. Trolling with crankbaits or nightcrawler harnesses is effective, but don't overlook jigging in deeper water. A local trick: try purple or blue lures on overcast days – they stand out in Erie's often murky water. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. When you hook up with a big 'eye, you'll know why they call Erie the Walleye Capital of the World.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Chevrolet Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 230