Island Cruises: Lake Erie Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour island dockage at PutInBay or Kelleys IslandAccommodates up to six guests with EyeCatcher CharterIncludes mainland departure and return via Anchor's Away Marina
Looking for a solid day on Lake Erie with your crew? Eye-Catcher Charter's Island Cruises give you the perfect mix of fishing action and island vibes at Put-In-Bay or Kelleys Island. This top-rated charter runs up to 6 anglers for a full day of fishing around some of the lake's best structure, with 4 hours docked at your chosen island to grab lunch, stretch your legs, and maybe hit a tackle shop. You'll launch from Anchor's Away Marina and return there at day's end, making it super convenient for anyone driving in from the mainland. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks – trust me, you'll work up an appetite pulling in walleye and perch all morning.
Your Island Cruises trip kicks off early at Anchor's Away Marina, where Captain and crew get you rigged and ready for Lake Erie's renowned fishing grounds. The beauty of this charter is you're not stuck in one spot all day – we fish the productive waters around either Put-In-Bay or Kelleys Island, hitting drop-offs, reefs, and structure that hold fish year-round. The first part of your day focuses on serious fishing, working the areas where walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass like to hang out. Around midday, we dock at your chosen island for 4 hours of downtime. Grab a bite at one of the local restaurants, explore the shops, or just chill on the dock and swap fishing stories with other anglers. It's a customer favorite setup because you get the best of both worlds – productive fishing time and that laid-back island atmosphere Lake Erie is famous for.
Lake Erie fishing around the islands means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Early morning, we typically start with planer boards and bottom bouncers, covering water efficiently while targeting walleye suspended over deeper structure. The rocky reefs and drop-offs near both islands hold baitfish, so we'll work crawler harnesses and crankbaits at various depths until we dial in the bite. When the perch are schooled up tight, we switch to lighter tackle and vertical jigging with minnows or small jigs – nothing beats the steady tug of a Lake Erie jumbo perch. For smallmouth action, especially around the rocky shorelines, we'll throw tubes, grubs, and small crankbaits on spinning gear. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license. The boat's electronics help locate schools and structure, but local knowledge of these island waters really makes the difference in putting you on fish consistently.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, and the waters around Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island consistently produce quality fish. These golden beauties typically run 2-4 pounds in this area, with occasional giants pushing 6-8 pounds that'll make your day. Spring and fall offer the hottest walleye action, when they're feeding heavily in preparation for spawning or winter. What makes walleye special here is their fight in the clear, cold water – they'll make strong runs and test your drag. Plus, there's nothing like a fresh walleye fillet cooked up after a day on the lake.
Yellow perch around the islands are absolute world-class, often called "jumbos" for good reason. Lake Erie perch regularly hit 10-12 inches and pack serious weight, making them some of the best eating fish you'll find anywhere. They school up tight around structure and once you find them, the action can be non-stop. Late summer and early fall are prime time for perch fishing, when they're fattened up and feeding aggressively. The fight might not be as dramatic as walleye, but the steady bite and excellent table fare make perch a trending target for families and serious anglers alike.
Smallmouth bass add serious excitement to any Lake Erie trip, especially around the rocky areas near both islands. These bronze-backed fighters typically run 2-4 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making acrobatic jumps and strong runs that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Summer months offer the best smallmouth action when they're active in shallow water around rocks and structure. What makes Lake Erie smallmouth special is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit lures hard and put on a real show when hooked. Even if you're primarily targeting walleye or perch, don't be surprised when a smallie crashes the party.
Island Cruises with Eye-Catcher Charter delivers exactly what Lake Erie fishing should be – productive angling combined with that classic island experience that keeps families and fishing buddies coming back season after season. Whether you choose Put-In-Bay's lively atmosphere or Kelleys Island's more relaxed vibe, you're getting access to some of the lake's best fishing grounds with the bonus of exploring these historic islands. The 4-hour island stop gives everyone time to recharge while the fish settle down for an afternoon bite. With space for 6 anglers and departure from convenient Anchor's Away Marina, this trip works perfect for family outings, bachelor parties, or just a group of friends wanting to experience Lake Erie fishing at its finest. Don't wait until the season gets booked solid – these island cruises fill up fast once word gets around the docks about the quality fishing and good times.
Cast off from Anchor's Away Marina aboard this well-equipped 6-person motorboat, perfect for island hopping between Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island while chasing walleye and perch in Lake Erie's productive waters. Your floating basecamp comes loaded with everything needed for a comfortable day on the water - full kitchen for cleaning your catch, onboard shower and toilet, plus TV and multimedia system for those slower fishing periods. The radar keeps you safe when fog rolls in, while the ice box keeps your bait fresh and your catch cold. Wheelchair accessible design means everyone can join the fishing fun. With 4 hours of dockage included, you'll have plenty of time to explore the islands, grab lunch, or find that perfect fishing spot. Just bring your gear, snacks, and drinks for a full day of Lake Erie fishing adventure.
Marblehead, OH