Lake Erie Walleye Charter with Captain Al
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour Lake Erie charter targets walleye with Captain AlTrolling gear provided, guests may bring jigging rodsSpecies include walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, and crappie
Looking for a solid day of fishing on one of the Great Lakes' best walleye waters? Captain Al's 6-hour morning charter on Lake Erie delivers exactly what you're hoping for. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet—you'll have plenty of time to work the productive zones where walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie call home. With room for just two anglers, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with dinner.
Captain Al knows Lake Erie like the back of his hand, and he's got the boat rigged perfectly for a productive morning bite. You'll start early when the fish are most active, working the structures and drop-offs where walleye stage throughout the season. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility—if you're new to the game or just want to focus on catching fish, Captain Al provides all the trolling gear you'll need. Prefer to work a jig? Bring your own rod and he'll put you on fish where jigging shines. The lake's got plenty of variety, so you might find yourself switching techniques as conditions and fish behavior dictate. Don't forget that valid fishing license for everyone who plans to keep their catch—Ohio's got specific regulations, and Captain Al runs a clean operation that respects the resource.
Captain Al's approach centers around two proven methods that consistently put fish in the boat on Lake Erie. Trolling lets you cover water efficiently, especially when walleye are scattered or relating to baitfish schools in open water. You'll likely be pulling crawler harnesses, crankbaits, or spoons at varying speeds and depths until you dial in what the fish want that particular day. The captain's electronics help locate schools and structure, while his planer boards spread your lines to cover more territory without spooking fish directly under the boat. When conditions favor a more hands-on approach, jigging becomes the name of the game. Working jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers along drop-offs and rocky areas can trigger aggressive strikes from walleye and smallmouth that might otherwise ignore a trolled presentation. The technique requires more active participation, but many anglers prefer the direct connection and instant feedback when a fish inhales your bait.
Walleye remain the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, and for good reason—these golden beauties average 2-4 pounds with plenty of bigger fish mixed in throughout the season. Spring and fall typically produce the most consistent action as walleye move shallow to spawn and later to feed heavily before winter. They're structure-oriented fish that relate to drop-offs, reefs, and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish. What makes walleye so appealing isn't just their fighting ability, but their incredible table fare—firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat whether you're frying fillets or baking whole fish. American Yellow Perch add consistent action to any Lake Erie trip, especially during late summer and early fall when schools tighten up and feed aggressively. These smaller fish rarely exceed a pound, but they make up for size with numbers and excellent eating quality. Perch often suspend over deeper water or relate to weed edges, and once you locate a school, fast action usually follows. Smallmouth Bass bring the fight that gets your adrenaline pumping—pound for pound, they're some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll encounter. Lake Erie's smallmouth average 2-3 pounds but can push 4-5 pounds or more, and they'll test your drag with powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They prefer rocky areas, shoals, and drop-offs where they hunt crayfish and small baitfish, making them perfect targets when jigging near structure.
Captain Al's morning charter gives you the best shot at Lake Erie's legendary fishing without the crowds that build later in the day. Six hours provides enough time to adapt to conditions, try different techniques, and put together a mixed bag that showcases what this world-class fishery offers. The two-angler limit means you won't be fighting for rod space or competing for the captain's attention—this is personalized fishing at its finest. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to Great Lakes fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to experience Lake Erie's renowned walleye bite, this charter delivers the goods. Book early, especially during peak season when dates fill quickly, and come ready for a day that reminds you why Lake Erie consistently ranks among North America's top fishing destinations.
Captain Al's 1985 Chris-Craft Walkaround is your ticket to some serious Lake Erie fishing action. This classic 23-footer packs a punch with its reliable 225HP Johnson engine, perfect for covering water while trolling for those prized Walleye. The sturdy walkaround design gives you plenty of room to work your lines and land fish without feeling cramped. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to keep you on the productive spots, fish finder to locate schools below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're trolling with the captain's gear or bringing your own rod for some jigging action, this setup handles it all. Built to handle Lake Erie's conditions, this Chris-Craft has been putting anglers on fish for decades. The spacious deck layout works great for up to 4 people, giving everyone room to fish comfortably while chasing Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Crappie. Captain Al knows these waters inside and out, so you'll be fishing the right spots at the right time. Just remember to bring valid fishing licenses for everyone who plans to keep their catch.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are schooling fish that typically run 7-10 inches, making them perfect for lighter tackle and great table fare. You'll find them around weed beds, docks, and rocky structure in 10-25 feet of water. They're golden with dark vertical stripes and travel in large schools - when you find one, there's usually dozens more nearby. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to feed. What makes them fun is the steady action once you locate a school, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the lake. Pro tip: when you hook into one, work the area thoroughly with small jigs or live minnows - the rest of the school is likely right there waiting.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pure fighters that'll test your drag system. These bronze-backed scrappy fish average 2-3 pounds but can push 4+ pounds in Erie's clear waters. Look for them around rocky points, boulder fields, and drop-offs in 8-30 feet of water. They're most active spring through fall, especially on those calm mornings and evenings. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and aerial fights - they'll jump and run like no other bass. The cooler water keeps them active longer into summer than their largemouth cousins. Here's a local secret: when the bite gets tough, downsize your presentation. A small tube jig on light line often outfishes bigger baits when they're being finicky.
Sander VitreusLake Erie walleye are the bread and butter of our trips, running 2-5 pounds with some pushing 8+ pounds. These golden beauties have large silvery eyes that help them feed in low light, which is why dawn and dusk fishing is so productive. They hang around drop-offs, rock piles, and weed edges in 15-40 feet of water during the day. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but those early morning and evening bites are when they really turn on. Guests love them for their steady fight and incredible taste - firm, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: slow your trolling speed way down when marking fish but not getting bites. Sometimes that subtle speed change makes all the difference.
Lake Erie