Full Day Family Perch & Walleye Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday Lake Erie charter targets walleye, perch, and bassFamilyfriendly trip accommodates kids and beginner anglers comfortablyAll fishing equipment, bait, and ice provided by charter
Lake Erie's western basin delivers some of the best freshwater fishing in the Midwest, and this 7-hour charter from Port Clinton puts you right in the heart of the action. Captain Bercaw runs a family-friendly operation that's perfect for introducing kids to fishing or helping experienced anglers dial in their technique on some of Ohio's most productive waters. With morning and afternoon slots available, you can pick the time that works best for your crew and get ready to fill the cooler with dinner.
This charter keeps things relaxed while staying focused on finding fish. You'll head out from Port Clinton's harbor with all your gear provided – rods, reels, bait, and ice are included, so you just need to show up with your fishing license and enthusiasm. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, which means everyone gets plenty of room to fish without crowding each other. Morning trips run from 6 AM to 1 PM, catching the early bite when fish are most active, while afternoon charters from 2 PM to 9 PM let you sleep in and still experience that productive evening feeding period. Captain Bercaw adjusts tactics based on what's biting – some days that means targeting walleye in deeper water, other times it's finding perch schools in the shallows, or chasing smallmouth bass around structure.
Lake Erie fishing means adapting to conditions, and this charter uses proven techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. For walleye, you'll likely be trolling with planer boards and diving plugs, covering water efficiently while keeping baits in the strike zone. The captain uses GPS and fish finder technology to locate schools and structure, but the real skill comes in reading the water and adjusting speed, depth, and lure selection throughout the day. When targeting perch, expect to anchor up over productive spots and drop bottom rigs with multiple hooks – this is where kids really shine since the action can be fast and steady. Smallmouth bass fishing involves working rocky areas and drop-offs with jigs or live bait, requiring a bit more finesse but delivering some of the hardest fights you'll find in freshwater.
American Yellow Perch are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, especially during late summer and fall when they school up in massive numbers. These fish typically run 8-12 inches with the occasional jumbo pushing 14 inches, and they're absolutely fantastic eating. Perch bite aggressively on worms, emerald shiners, or small jigs, making them perfect for beginners and kids. The action can be fast enough to keep everyone busy, with multiple fish hooked at once when you find a good school. Peak perch fishing runs from August through October when cooler water temperatures trigger their feeding frenzy before winter.
Walleye are Lake Erie's crown jewel, and the western basin consistently produces some of the biggest fish in the system. These golden fighters average 2-4 pounds but can easily reach 6-8 pounds or more. They're notorious for their light bite, requiring sensitivity and quick hook sets, but once hooked they make strong runs and head-shaking fights. Spring and fall offer the most consistent walleye action, though summer fishing can be excellent early morning and evening. The meat is firm, white, and considered among the best-tasting freshwater fish – many anglers consider walleye the ultimate table fare.
Smallmouth Bass in Lake Erie grow fat and strong, with fish regularly exceeding 3 pounds and occasional 5-pounders that'll test your drag system. These bronze-backed fighters are known for their aerial displays and bulldogging runs, making them a favorite among sport anglers. They relate to rocky structure, drop-offs, and weed lines throughout the warmer months. While smallmouth bite best from late spring through early fall, the summer months offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding in shallow to medium depths.
Port Clinton sits right in Lake Erie's most productive fishing zone, and Captain Bercaw's family-friendly approach makes this charter perfect for creating lasting memories on the water. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, planning a multi-generational family outing, or just want to enjoy a relaxed day targeting some of the Great Lakes' best eating fish, this 7-hour trip delivers consistent action without the pressure. The provided gear means less hassle for you, and having ice on board keeps your catch fresh for the trip home. Remember to grab your Ohio fishing license before departure – everyone 16 and older needs one. With both morning and afternoon options available, you can choose the schedule that fits your group and get ready for a day of quality fishing on one of America's premier fisheries.
Hit the waters of Lake Erie aboard our reliable 30-foot Sportcraft pilothouse cruiser, perfectly equipped for a full day of perch and walleye fishing. This 2003 cabin cruiser combines comfort with serious fishing capability, powered by a robust 370HP Mercruiser engine that'll get you to the hot spots quickly. The enclosed pilothouse keeps families comfortable while still letting everyone stay close to the action. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the GPS ensures we hit all the productive areas around Port Clinton. With an onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a private toilet for convenience, this boat handles everything a family fishing day demands. The multimedia system keeps younger anglers entertained during travel time between fishing spots. Whether you're targeting yellow perch in the shallows or chasing walleye in deeper water, this setup gives families the perfect platform for creating lasting fishing memories on one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are perfect for families and first-timers because they're eager biters and travel in schools - when you find one, you'll usually find dozens more. These golden fish with dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches and about a pound, though we occasionally see some pushing 14 inches. They love hanging around structure like reeds, docks, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time, but they bite year-round here on Lake Erie. Kids love them because they fight just enough to be fun without being overwhelming, plus they taste fantastic - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when the action slows, try downsizing to smaller jigs or switching to live minnows near the bottom.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the scrappiest fighters you'll find on Lake Erie, pound-for-pound they'll give you more fight than anything else out there. These bronze-colored fish with dark vertical bars typically run 12-16 inches and 2-3 pounds, but the bigger ones can hit 18+ inches and really bend the rod. They love rocky areas, reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey, usually in 8-30 feet of water depending on the season. Late spring through early fall are peak times when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw the hook, making every catch feel earned. The eating is good too, with firm white meat that grills up nice. Key tip: when they're being picky, try downsizing your lures and fishing slower around rocky structure.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie and what many folks come here specifically to target. These olive-green fish with the distinctive glassy eyes typically run 14-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, though we regularly see some pushing 6-8 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky reefs, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-35 feet of water. Best fishing happens from late spring through fall, especially during low-light periods like early morning and evening when they move shallow to feed. Guests love them because they're challenging enough to keep things interesting but not impossible to catch, plus they're hands-down the best eating fish in the lake - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Local secret: try trolling crawler harnesses just off the bottom along the temperature breaks.
Lake Erie