6-Hour Prime AM Fishing Trip — Port Clinton, OH
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Blue and Channel Catfish on Sandusky Bay or Lake ErieCaptain Scott provides all necessary fishing equipment for the tripSixhour charter accommodates up to six guests yearround
If you're looking to get serious about catfish in northern Ohio, Captain Scott's got you covered. This 6-hour morning charter puts you right in the heart of some of the best catfish waters around — either Sandusky Bay or Lake Erie, depending on where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting blue and channel catfish with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or join a friendly group. Scott provides all the tackle and gear you need, but make sure you've got your fishing license sorted before you step on board.
Captain Scott runs year-round trips, which is pretty sweet since catfish bite in all seasons if you know where to find them. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different spots and really dial in on what the fish want that day. You'll launch early to take advantage of those prime morning hours when catfish are actively feeding. Scott's got all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait dialed in for the conditions — whether you're working structure in Sandusky Bay or hitting deeper water on Lake Erie. The setup changes based on the season and what the fish are doing, but you can count on using bottom rigs and the kind of stinky baits that make catfish go crazy. Don't worry if you're new to catfishing — Scott will get you set up and show you the ropes.
Catfishing around Port Clinton means working a mix of environments. In Sandusky Bay, you'll often be fishing structure like submerged timber, rocky areas, and drop-offs where catfish cruise looking for an easy meal. Lake Erie offers deeper water opportunities, especially along the shipping channels and near river mouths where baitfish concentrate. Scott typically runs drift rigs or anchors up on productive spots, depending on wind and current. The tackle is straightforward but effective — circle hooks, sliding sinkers, and fresh cut bait or prepared stink baits that catfish can't resist. You might be working 15-30 feet of water in the bay or going deeper on the big lake. The key is staying mobile and letting the fish tell you what they want. Scott reads the water and adjusts throughout the trip to keep you on fish.
Channel catfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll give you a solid battle on medium-heavy tackle. In Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie, channels typically run anywhere from 2-8 pounds, with some bigger fish pushing into double digits. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Channels love structure and are always prowling for crayfish, minnows, and anything else that smells good. What makes them so fun to catch is their tenacity — they'll run hard when hooked and don't give up easy. The meat is excellent too, with a sweet, mild flavor that's perfect for the dinner table.
Blue catfish are the real prize fish on this trip. These are the heavyweights of the catfish world, and Lake Erie holds some impressive specimens. Blues can grow massive — we're talking fish that can hit 20, 30, even 40+ pounds if you get lucky. They prefer deeper, cleaner water compared to their channel catfish cousins, which is why Lake Erie is such a prime spot for them. Blues are powerful fighters that will test your drag and your patience. They're not as common as channels, but when you hook into a big blue, you'll know it immediately. These fish are also excellent eating, with firm, white meat that's prized by anglers who know quality fish.
Captain Scott's 6-hour catfish trips offer serious value for anglers who want to target these hard-fighting fish in some of Ohio's best waters. With all gear provided and a captain who's dialed in on local patterns, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Whether you're a catfish veteran or just getting started, Scott will put you on fish and help you improve your technique. The year-round availability means you can scratch that fishing itch even when other species aren't cooperating. Just remember to grab your fishing license and come ready for a great day on the water. These trips fill up, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your spot.
Your fishing platform for this Lake Erie adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to get you on the water comfortably and keep you there all day. The boat features a reliable fish finder to help Captain Scott locate those elusive Blue and Channel Catfish hiding in Sandusky Bay's depths. GPS navigation ensures smooth trips between fishing spots, while the onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour journey. The vessel includes a private toilet for convenience and wheelchair accessibility, so everyone can join the action. Built to handle Lake Erie's conditions year-round, this motorboat accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to move around while fighting fish. Whether you're dropping lines in the bay's productive channels or heading out to Lake Erie's deeper waters, this boat has everything needed for a successful day chasing catfish.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavyweights of the catfish world, averaging 25-40 pounds with giants pushing 80+ pounds possible. They're aggressive hunters that'll take both live and cut bait, making them a blast to target. You'll find them in Lake Erie's deeper channels and drop-offs, plus they handle the brackish areas where the bay meets the lake better than most fish. They feed year-round but really get active in warmer water. What sets them apart is their attitude - they're opportunistic predators that'll crash baitfish schools and scavenge underneath feeding stripers. The fights are powerful and long, plus the meat quality is top-notch. My go-to technique is fresh cut herring on a three-way rig, letting it hit bottom in 15-25 feet of water. Give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are solid fighters that'll keep you busy once hooked. These whiskered beauties typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, though 20+ pounders show up regularly. You'll find them cruising both Sandusky Bay's muddy bottoms and Lake Erie's deeper structures year-round, but they really turn on during warmer months. What makes them special is their incredible sense of taste - they've got taste buds covering their entire body, so they'll hunt down bait even in murky water. The fight is honest and steady, plus they make excellent table fare. Here's a local trick: use fresh cut shad or skipjack on the bottom with a slip sinker rig. Let it sit still - these fish are opportunistic and prefer bait that's not moving around. Just watch those sharp pectoral fins when handling them.
Port Clinton, OH