5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Perch & Walleye Charter on Lake Erie
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day Lake Erie charter targeting walleye and perch speciesBeginner-focused instruction with all equipment and tackle providedLicensed guide teaches trolling and jigging techniques
Looking to get your feet wet with some serious Lake Erie fishing? This 7-hour charter out of Port Clinton is exactly what you need. Captain Drew Bercaw has put together a top-rated beginner-friendly experience that takes all the guesswork out of your first walleye and perch adventure. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to learn the ropes on one of the Great Lakes' most productive fisheries, this trip delivers. We're talking about Lake Erie here – the walleye capital of the world – and you'll be fishing with someone who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Everything's included except your Ohio fishing license, so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early at Port Clinton's marina, where you'll meet Captain Drew and get acquainted with his well-equipped charter boat. This isn't some bare-bones operation – we're talking top-notch gear, clean facilities, and a captain who's been putting clients on fish for years. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention. You'll spend 7 hours targeting the two species that made Lake Erie famous: walleye and yellow perch. Drew knows where the fish are holding based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Some days that means working the deeper drop-offs near the islands, other times you'll be fishing structure closer to shore. The beauty of a full-day trip is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, you've got time to move and find the action. Expect hands-on instruction throughout the day, whether you're learning to feel a walleye bite or mastering the art of perch jigging.
Captain Drew specializes in two proven methods that consistently produce fish on Lake Erie: trolling and jigging. When trolling for walleye, you'll learn how to run crankbaits and crawler harnesses at different speeds and depths until you find what the fish want. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers and planer boards, so you can cover water efficiently and keep multiple lines in the strike zone. Drew will show you how to read the fish finder, recognize good structure, and adjust your presentation based on what you're seeing. For perch fishing, it's all about vertical jigging with live bait or small jigs tipped with emerald shiners or crawlers. You'll anchor up over productive reefs and drop lines straight down, feeling for that telltale perch tap. The key is staying in contact with your bait and setting the hook at the right moment. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, and Drew uses quality equipment that won't let you down when a big walleye makes its run. He'll teach you proper fish handling techniques, help with photos, and make sure everyone in your group gets equal time and attention.
"Captain Drew Bercaw is by far the hardest working and most knowledgeable guide on Lake Erie! He boat and gear is all top notch! I can't recommend him enough. If you are looking to cross a Lake Erie Walleye trip off your bucket list. Drew is your man!" - Kent
American Yellow Perch are Lake Erie's bread and butter species, and for good reason. These aggressive feeders school up in impressive numbers, especially during spring and fall when they move shallow to feed. Perch typically run 8 to 12 inches in Lake Erie, with plenty of jumbo 13-inch-plus fish mixed in. They're notorious for their hard strikes and stubborn fights, often diving straight down when hooked. What makes perch fishing so addictive is the consistency – when you find a school, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. The best perch action usually happens over rocky reefs and drop-offs in 15 to 35 feet of water, where they hunt for crayfish, small baitfish, and aquatic insects. Spring and fall offer the hottest perch bite, but summer fishing can be excellent too, especially early morning and evening. Perch are also fantastic table fare, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing and the reason anglers travel from across the country to fish these waters. These golden beauties average 2 to 4 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 6 pounds or more not uncommon. Walleye are known for their subtle bite – often described as feeling like you snagged a wet sock – which makes them a perfect species for learning to detect light strikes. They're most active during low-light conditions, making early morning and evening the prime times, though Lake Erie's stained water allows for good daytime fishing too. Walleye relate heavily to structure and are constantly on the move following baitfish schools. In spring, they're often found in 10 to 25 feet of water, while summer fishing typically happens deeper over humps, points, and the famous Lake Erie reefs. What makes walleye so special isn't just the fight – though they do make powerful runs – it's their reputation as the best-eating freshwater fish. The meat is firm, white, and mild, making them a customer favorite for shore lunches and dinner tables.
Lake Erie's fishing season waits for no one, and Captain Drew's calendar fills up fast during peak times. This beginner-friendly charter takes the intimidation out of Great Lakes fishing while giving you a real shot at some world-class walleye and perch action. You're getting 7 hours with an experienced guide, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive fishing waters in North America. All you need is a valid Ohio fishing license and the desire to learn. Whether you're
Step aboard our reliable 30-foot Sportcraft pilothouse cruiser and get ready to target Lake Erie's famous walleye and perch. This 2003 cabin cruiser runs smooth on a powerful Mercruiser 8.1L engine, cutting through Erie's waters at up to 28 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The enclosed pilothouse keeps you comfortable during those early morning runs, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools of hungry fish below. Captain Drew knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you trolling and jigging in the most productive zones. With GPS navigation, an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a head onboard, you're set for a full day of serious fishing. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without tangling. Whether the perch are biting shallow or the walleye are holding deep, this boat gets you there in comfort and brings you back with a cooler full of fillets.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Lake Erie's bread-and-butter fish, running 7-10 inches and traveling in big schools. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes love to hang around structure - docks, weed beds, and drop-offs in 15-25 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, but they bite year-round. What makes them special? They're perfect for beginners - aggressive biters that aren't too finicky about technique. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: when you catch one, stay put and work that spot thoroughly. Where there's one perch, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Sander VitreusWalleye are Lake Erie's crown jewel - these golden-green fighters average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds out here. They've got those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light, which is exactly when we target them. Look for them along rocky structure, break lines, and weed edges in 15-35 feet of water. Evening and early morning are prime time when they move shallow to feed. What gets people hooked? They fight hard, they're challenging to locate, and the table fare is absolutely top-notch - mild, flaky, and perfect for a fish fry. Pro tip: slow down your presentation. Walleye want that bait crawling along bottom, not racing by.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Drew Bercaw is by far the hardest working and most knowledgeable guide on Lake Erie! He boat and gear is all top notch! I ...
Lake Erie