Lake Erie Walleye Fishing with Captain Al
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour trolling charter targets walleye on Lake Erie watersCaptain Al provides equipment for trolling plus bass and perch opportunitiesTwoguest capacity requires valid fishing licenses for keeping catches
Captain Al's 6-hour walleye charter on Lake Erie is pure fishing gold. You're looking at one of the Great Lakes' hottest fishing grounds, where walleye bite hard and the action keeps you busy from morning till afternoon. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – Captain Al knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear and know-how to put you on fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the tug of a bent rod, this Lake Erie adventure delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
You'll meet Captain Al ready to roll with a boat that's dialed in for serious walleye action. This is a 6-hour commitment, which gives you plenty of time to work different spots and really get into the rhythm of Lake Erie fishing. The captain's got all the trolling gear you need – rods, reels, tackle, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. If you're the type who likes to jig for walleye, bring your own rod because that's where personal preference really shines. The boat handles just two anglers, so you're not fighting for elbow room or dealing with a crowd. It's you, your fishing buddy, and Captain Al working together to make it happen. Don't forget your fishing license – Ohio requires it if you plan on keeping any fish, and trust me, you'll want to take home some of these beauties.
Lake Erie walleye fishing is all about covering water, and trolling is the name of the game. Captain Al runs his spread with precision – multiple lines at different depths, working the temperature breaks and structure where walleye hang out. You'll be pulling spinners, spoons, and crankbaits through the strike zone while the boat moves at just the right speed. When that rod tip starts dancing, you know you're in business. The beauty of trolling is that it lets you fish a lot of water efficiently, and Lake Erie's got miles of prime walleye habitat. Captain Al reads his electronics like a book, watching for baitfish, temperature changes, and bottom structure that holds fish. Between the GPS waypoints he's marked over the years and his ability to adjust to daily conditions, you're fishing with someone who's put in the time to figure out this massive lake.
Walleye are the stars of this show, and Lake Erie grows them fat and feisty. These golden-sided fighters typically run 2 to 4 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. Spring through fall, walleye roam Lake Erie's western basin in massive schools, feeding heavily on emerald shiners and gizzard shad. What makes walleye so special is their fight – they don't jump like bass, but they pull steady and shake their heads like crazy. Plus, there's no better eating fish in freshwater. The meat is white, flaky, and mild, perfect for a fish fry back home.
Smallmouth bass are the bonus fish that'll test your drag system. Lake Erie smallies are legendary for their size and attitude – these bronze-backed bulldogs average 3 to 5 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They love the rocky structure and current breaks where walleye hang out, so you'll often hook them while trolling. When a smallmouth grabs your lure, get ready for jumps, runs, and the kind of fight that reminds you why bass fishing is so addictive. Peak smallmouth action runs from late spring through early fall.
American yellow perch might be smaller, but they make up for it in numbers and table fare. These striped beauties typically run 8 to 12 inches on Lake Erie, and when you find a school, you can fill your cooler fast. Perch bite best in late summer and fall when they school up tight. They're perfect for kids or anyone who just loves steady action, and like walleye, they're fantastic eating. Many anglers consider yellow perch the best-tasting fish that swims.
Lake Erie walleye fishing with Captain Al gives you everything you need for a top-notch day on the water. Six hours of guided fishing, expert local knowledge, and access to some of the best walleye fishing in North America – that's hard to beat. The two-person limit means you get personalized attention and room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler, learn new techniques, or just spend a day doing what you love, this charter delivers. Captain Al's been putting anglers on fish for years, and his repeat customers tell the whole story. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Lake Erie has earned its reputation as the walleye capital of the world.
Captain Al's 1985 23-foot Chris-Craft Walkaround is your ticket to serious walleye action on Lake Erie. This classic boat has been pulling fish from these waters for decades, powered by a dependable 225HP Johnson that'll get you to the hot spots without missing a beat. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting those Lake Erie giants, and with space for up to 4 anglers, there's room to spread out when the action heats up. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long summer trolling runs. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures you can return to productive spots trip after trip. Whether you're dragging spoons for walleye or working the bottom for smallmouth bass and perch, this sturdy craft handles Lake Erie's choppy conditions like a champ. Don't forget your fishing license if you plan to keep your catch!
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are one of the most reliable fish you'll encounter on Lake Erie, typically running 7-10 inches with that classic golden color and dark vertical stripes. They school up in huge numbers around structure like reeds, docks, and drop-offs, usually in 15-25 feet of water. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially when they move shallow during cooler morning and evening hours. What makes them popular is they're eager biters and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect in the pan. The key to finding them is once you catch one, stay put and work that area thoroughly since they travel in schools of 50-200 fish. Light tackle with small jigs, minnows, or worms will get you into them consistently.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass in Lake Erie are absolute fighters, averaging 2-4 pounds with bronze-colored sides and attitude to spare. They love rocky structure, drop-offs, and boulder fields in 15-35 feet of water, though they'll come shallow in spring and fall. Early morning and late evening are money times, especially during the cooler months when they're most active. What guests love about smallmouths is their incredible fight - pound for pound, they're one of the strongest freshwater fish you'll hook. They jump, run, and never give up easily. The meat is firm and tasty too, with a mild flavor that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you're jigging for walleye around rocky areas, use a tube jig and let it bounce off the rocks - smallmouth can't resist that presentation.
Sander VitreusLake Erie walleye are the crown jewel here, averaging 2-4 pounds with some real giants pushing 8-10 pounds. These golden beauties with their distinctive glassy eyes prefer deeper water during the day, hanging around 20-40 feet near bottom structure like rock piles and break lines. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower to feed, but summer trolling in deeper water produces consistently. What draws anglers back is their incredible table fare - firm, white, flaky meat with zero fishy taste. They're also challenging, requiring patience and the right presentation. My go-to tip for Lake Erie walleye is trolling worm harnesses behind planer boards at 1.8-2.2 mph. The boards let you cover more water and keep lines away from the boat engine noise.
Lake Erie