5 Hour Private Family Fishing Trip on Lake Erie
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 5hour Lake Erie charter for up to 3 guestsTarget perch, bass, and walleye with provided light tackleMorning departure from Brest Bay Marina with experienced guide
Picture this: you're on the calm morning waters of Lake Erie with your family, watching your kid's face light up when they feel their first solid hit. This 5-hour private charter from Brest Bay Marina is what family fishing memories are made of. Starting at 7:30 AM when the water's glass-smooth and the fish are hungry, you'll have the boat all to yourselves—no crowded decks or strangers hogging the best spots. Just you, up to two other family members, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day kicks off bright and early at Brest Bay Marina, where you'll meet your guide and get the lowdown on what's biting. Lake Erie's morning bite is legendary among locals—the water's cool, there's barely a ripple, and the fish are actively feeding before the day heats up. This isn't some rushed half-day deal either. Five full hours gives you real time to learn the ropes, try different techniques, and actually catch some fish without feeling rushed. The light tackle we use makes it perfect for younger anglers or anyone who's still building their confidence with a rod. Your guide will handle all the heavy lifting—rigging lines, netting fish, and making sure everyone stays safe while having a blast.
Lake Erie fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll likely start with light spinning gear and work our way through different presentations depending on what the fish want that day. Early morning often means working the shallower flats with jigs and minnows for perch, then moving to deeper structure as the sun climbs higher. For walleye, we might troll crawler harnesses along the drop-offs or cast crankbaits near rocky points. Bass fishing here is fantastic too—smallmouth love the rocky areas, and we'll throw everything from tubes to drop shots to get them fired up. Don't worry if you've never used some of these techniques before. Part of what makes this trip special is learning new ways to fool fish, and your guide will walk you through each setup step by step.
Lake Erie serves up an amazing variety of fish, and each species brings its own personality to the fight. White bass are absolute dynamite on light tackle—they school up in huge numbers and when you find them, it's game on. These silver bullets hit hard and fight like fish twice their size, making them perfect for kids or anyone who wants non-stop action. Walleye are the lake's claim to fame, and for good reason. These golden beauties are smart, tasty, and put up a solid scrap. They love structure and cover, so expect to work around rocky areas and weed lines where they ambush baitfish. Smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll tangle with in fresh water. Lake Erie's smallies are thick-bodied and aggressive, especially around rocky points and drop-offs where they hunt crawfish and minnows. American yellow perch might be smaller, but they're perfect for getting younger anglers hooked on fishing—they bite readily, taste fantastic, and there's usually plenty of them around.
White bass run in massive schools during spring and early summer, making them a customer favorite for action-packed trips. These fish average 1-2 pounds but make up for size with attitude—when one hits, there's usually a dozen more right behind it. The best part about targeting white bass is they're not finicky eaters. Simple jigs tipped with minnows or small spoons will get their attention fast. Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall when these golden fish move shallow to feed. They're notorious for being picky, but that makes landing one even more satisfying. Most Lake Erie walleye run 2-4 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. They're also hands-down the best eating fish in the lake, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Smallmouth bass are year-round fighters that really shine in summer when they're actively chasing baitfish around rocky structure. These bronze-backed bruisers average 2-3 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, making spectacular jumps and putting serious bend in your rod. Yellow perch are the perfect starter fish—they bite consistently, don't require fancy techniques, and kids love their colorful yellow and green stripes. Prime perch fishing happens in spring and fall when they school up in shallow bays.
This top-rated family fishing experience fills up fast, especially during prime season when the bite is hot and the weather's perfect. Five hours of private fishing time, expert local guidance, and the chance to target multiple species in one of the Great Lakes' most productive fisheries—that's value you won't find just anywhere. Whether you're introducing someone to fishing for the first time or looking to make new memories with seasoned anglers, Lake Erie delivers the goods. The early morning start means you'll beat the boat traffic and have the best fishing conditions of the day. Plus, you'll still have most of your afternoon free to grab lunch and talk about the ones that didn't get away. Ready to get your lines wet? These world-class Lake Erie fishing trips book up quick, so don't wait around—your family fishing adventure is just a click away.
Step aboard the Lund 2075 Tyee Magnum, your floating command center for chasing walleye, perch, and bass across Lake Erie's productive waters. This 20-foot aluminum workhorse combines serious fishing capability with family-friendly comfort, making it perfect for introducing kids to angling or enjoying a relaxed morning on the lake. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into fishing spots without spooking the fish, while the GPS keeps you on productive structure and the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. Built tough with a flexible layout, there's plenty of room for three anglers to cast, reel, and celebrate catches together. Whether you're working the shallows for bass or targeting deeper walleye haunts, this boat handles Lake Erie's conditions with confidence while keeping everyone comfortable during your 5-hour adventure.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Lake Erie's most reliable fish and perfect for family trips. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes typically measure 8-10 inches and school in large numbers around weed beds and structure. They bite year-round but spring and fall are peak times when they move into shallower water. Kids love them because they're eager biters and not too hard to land, while parents appreciate their sweet, mild taste - some of the best eating in the lake. Perch travel in schools of dozens, so when you find one, you'll usually catch several more. They're not big fighters but make up for it in numbers and flavor. Here's the trick: use a two-hook perch rig with small minnows or worms, and once you start catching, don't move - work that spot thoroughly before the school moves on.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the bulldogs of Lake Erie - pound for pound the strongest fighters you'll encounter out here. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 12-16 inches and love the rocky structure along our shorelines and islands. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable, though summer mornings can be productive too. What guests love most is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and put smiles on faces. The clear waters of Erie make them a bit spooky, so light line and natural presentations work best. They're decent eating but most folks release them to fight another day. Pro tip: when fishing around rocks, try a tube jig or soft plastic crayfish - bounce it right along the bottom and hold on tight when they hit.
Sander VitreusWalleye are Lake Erie's golden trophy fish, known for their distinctive glowing eyes and exceptional table fare. These 15-20 inch fish hang around rocky reefs and drop-offs during the day, then move shallow at dusk to feed. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially in that magic hour before dark when they become aggressive hunters. Their mild, flaky white meat makes them a favorite with families - no fishy taste that kids complain about. They're not the strongest fighters, but their wariness makes them challenging to hook. The key here on Erie is fishing right on bottom with live minnows or crawlers near structure. Once you feel that subtle tap-tap bite, give them a second to take it before setting the hook - they're notorious for just mouthing the bait at first.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy silver fighters that travel in schools around Lake Erie's open waters. These 10-12 inch fish love rocky areas and drop-offs, especially during spring when they move shallow to spawn. You'll find them most active in early morning or evening hours when they chase baitfish near the surface. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. They hit small jigs, spinners, and live minnows hard and put up a surprising fight for their size. The meat is white, flaky, and excellent eating when prepared fresh. My tip: when you see birds diving or baitfish jumping, get your lures in there quick - white bass are likely feeding underneath and you can catch several before they move on.
Lake Erie