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Guides > Captain James Whitaker

JW Sportfishing

Vermilion OH

JW Sportfishing
JW Sportfishing
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Excellent

(10 reviews)

5

Your Captain

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James Whitaker

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JW Sportfishing Fishing Territory

JW Sportfishing

star 5 10 reviews

locationVermilion OH


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James Whitaker

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James Whitaker, Captain at JW Sportfishing

Discover the fun of Lake Erie fishing charters with JW Sportfishing! Captain James is ready to guide you on unforgettable Lake Erie fishing trips, drawing on years of local expertise to make your walleye charter fishing Lake Erie adventure a success.


Depending on the season, you might reel in Walleye and a variety of other fish during your Lake Erie walleye trolling excursion. Whether you're trolling fishing or trying a specialized technique, your Lake Erie fishing adventure promises excitement and success.


Lake Erie fishing trips with JW Sportfishing are perfect for all ages, making them a great family outing. Don't forget to ask about child-sized life vests if you need one. Bringing snacks is always a good idea to keep everyone happy and energized during your Lake Erie fishing charters!


Step aboard a 21’ North River aluminum fishing boat, comfortably accommodating up to 5 passengers for your Lake Erie fishing trips. Captain James provides all the necessary equipment, including rods, reels, and lures, ensuring your walleye charter fishing Lake Erie is well-equipped. Live bait is also available—be sure to check if you’ll be catching it yourself.


Before your Lake Erie fishing adventure, ensure everyone in your group has a local fishing license. This information is usually accessible online or through the captain. Some fish species may require special tags or be off-limits, so it's essential to be informed about Lake Erie fishing regulations.


Remember to bring essentials like a hat, sunglasses, bottled water, and non-spray sunscreen for your Lake Erie fishing charters. If you'd like to bring additional drinks, just ask. Moderate alcohol consumption is allowed, but avoid hard liquor and glass bottles during your Lake Erie fishing trips.


For more details or to book your walleye charter fishing trip on Lake Erie with JW Sportfishing, feel free to reach out to Captain James. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide additional information about the trip. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, JW Sportfishing offers a fantastic opportunity to catch walleye on Lake Erie. Enjoy a personalized trolling experience designed to meet your needs and preferences. Your perfect Lake Erie walleye trolling adventure awaits!

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Upcoming Availability

February 2026
March 2026

Expertise & Attributes

fishing

fishing

Good with Large GroupsGood with Large GroupsGood with New AnglersGood with New AnglersGood with FamiliesGood with FamiliesGood with KidsGood with KidsNature / Wildlife ViewsNature / Wildlife ViewsSaltwater FishingSaltwater Fishing

Fishing Techniques

Trolling Fishing

What's Included

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Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

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Alcohol

Alcohol

This guide offers trips that serve alcohol.

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

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What's Included

Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Show More

Alcohol

Alcohol

This guide offers trips that serve alcohol.

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Show More

Trips Available with JW Sportfishing

Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake ErieTop-Rated
Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake ErieInstant Booking
Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake ErieFishing - Inshore
Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake Erie

North River 21' Seahawk21'North River Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake Erie

This 6-hour Walleye trip is built for action. Launching from Vermilion, OH, Captain James will guide you to prime spots on Lake Erie where the best walleye bite is. This trip focuses less on teaching and more on maximizing catch potential and filling three cooler with advanced tactics like trolling, drifting, and lure selection at play. Aboard the 21' Seahawk, you’ll fish until you reach your limit or complete the trip, whichever comes first. 

Morning Trip

Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake ErieMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake Erie6 Hours
Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip on Lake Erie6:00 AM
$500

Pick Your Date

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1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter TripTop-Rated
1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter TripInstant Booking
1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter TripFishing - Inshore
1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter Trip

North River 21' Seahawk21'North River Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter Trip

Limited time,  no problem.  Enjoy 4 hours of fishing or your limit.  Perfect time frame for smaller groups or your just looking to test the waters. Don't miss this opportunity for an unforgettable fishing adventures on the water! Book now to secure your spot and enjoy the thrill of morning fishing adventures! Centrally located in Vermilion, OH. Launch location will be set by Captain upon booking

Morning Trip

1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter TripMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter Trip4 Hours
1/2 Day walley trip |Up to 4Hours a.m. Charter Trip6:00 AM
$400

Pick Your Date

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Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake ErieTop-Rated
Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake ErieInstant Booking
Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake ErieFishing - Inshore
Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake Erie

North River 21' Seahawk21'North River Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake Erie

This 6-hour walleye fishing trip on Lake Erie is the perfect way to get started in the sport. Captain James will walk you through the basics of tackle setup, casting, reeling, and fish handling in a relaxed, supportive setting. With Vermilion, OH as the central meeting point, you’ll head out aboard a 21' Seahawk and enjoy hands-on guidance while learning how to target walleye. All equipment is included, and trips are capped at 5 guests for personalized attention. Whether it’s your first time holding a rod or you’re looking to brush up on skills, this trip is designed to make fishing approachable, educational, and fun.

Morning Trip

Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake ErieMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake Erie6 Hours
Full Day Fishing Trip on Lake Erie6:00 AM
$500

Pick Your Date

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Vehicle

North River 21' Seahawk

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

5

Boat Length:

21 ft

Manufacturer Name:

North River

Model Year:

2016

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Mercury

# of Engines:

1

Horsepower Per Engine:

250

Maximum Cruising Speed:

50

Features: Bait Tank Ice-Box Multimedia System Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS

JW Sportfishing North River Boat

Experience fishing on a 21’ North River aluminum skiff, built in 2016 and powered by a 250HP Mercury engine. This boat, ideal for Lake Erie fishing, accommodates up to 5 passengers and reaches a max cruising speed of 50 knots. Perfect for skiffs and flats boat adventures.

Boat

JW Sportfishing North River Boat image 0

North River 21' Seahawk

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

5

Boat Length:

21 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about JW Sportfishing

Reports and Expert Articles

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Rainy Day Walleye Hunt: Lake Erie Fall Fishing with JW Sportfishing

One for the books today! Fall fishing on Lake Erie out of Vermilion, OH with JW Sportfishing kicked off bright and early. Mike and their crew of four joined me for what promised to be a solid day on the water. The clouds rolled in as we set out, bringing some rain with them, but that wasn't about to dampen our spirits. Lake Erie in October can be a bit unpredictable, but that's all part of the adventure with JW Sportfishing. Once the stage was set, we got down to business. Our game plan involved a mix of trolling, casting, and bottom fishing - covering all our bases to maximize our chances. We worked the inshore waters, keeping an eye out for any signs of activity. The cloudy skies and rain actually can work in our favor sometimes, changing up the fish's behavior and often triggering some good bites. While we didn't land any trophies on this run, every cast and minute on the water was worth it. The crew stayed positive throughout, and we wrapped up the trip with great time and smiles all around! If you're thinking about getting out on Lake Erie for some world-class walleye action, now's the time to start planning. Fall can be an excellent season for targeting these prized fish, and JW Sportfishing is your go-to guide service in Vermilion, OH. Our "Fishing Charter On Lake Erie |Up to 6 Hours a.m. Charter Trip" is perfect for anglers looking to experience the best of Lake Erie fishing. We've got room for up to six people, so bring your friends or family for a memorable day on the water. As a local guide, I can tell you that Lake Erie's walleye fishery is second to none. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, our team at JW Sportfishing has the knowledge and expertise to put you on the fish. We use a variety of techniques including trolling, casting, and bottom fishing to adapt to the conditions and increase your chances of success. Don't miss out on the opportunity to "Reel In With The Top Walleye Fishing In Lake Erie With JW Sportfishing!" The fall bite is heating up, and we're booking up fast. Give us a call to reserve your spot and experience the thrill of Lake Erie fishing for yourself. Remember, even when the fish are playing hard to get, the experience of being out on these waters is always rewarding. We're ready to make your next fishing adventure one to remember!

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Fishing Report In Lake Erie

Spent the morning with 504 Sportfishing Lake Erie Charter , he had a cancelation so we went out and played with the live scope. So much fun catching these big fish on a spinning rod!

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walleye frenzy

SW corner of lorain dump. Flicker minnows 11s 110-120 back, 60/60 and 50/50 2oz were the best leads. Dipsys 60/75/95 spoons and ripplin redfins

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lorain walleye

started off in the same area we fished yesterday. Wind shift pushed a lot of smaller fish in which kept us busy today. Made a couple mike run to the west and found some bigger fish. 31.5/08 was our best area. Flicker minnows 11 ruled the day again 60-100 back.

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walleye/Steelhead report

fished the 31.5/06 area today. Flicker minnow 11s pulled a nice grade of fish. 100-120 back and 30/30 2oz were our best leads. Then we puked lines and headed north, landed on the 38 line and made 1 pass to see if we could locate some steelhead, only pulled one but that bite is just starting and will only improve. DIPSY 3 setting 100 back pulled the silver.

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Benefit Charter

Fishing was steady today, sorted through a lot of 16in fish looking for better quality. Finished with a heavy cooler and a really nice grade if 20+ inch fish. Best bite was around the 32 line between the 14&16. Dipsy worm harness pulled all our big fish today 60/75/90 back.

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Lake Erie Fishing Report

Anther awesome day on the water with the kid. Sorted through a bunch of fish to keep anything over 18 inches. If you've ever thought about a motor cover, I highly recommend one. Thanks to Tuff Skinz this verado is protected.

Ratings & Reviews Summary

5.00
out of 5
Based on 10 ratings
100%
recommended
recommended
Based on 10 recommendations
5
10
4
3
2
1
W
Whiskey

February 8, 2026

James works hard to put you on great fishing, his equipment is top notch. Great experience all around!!

M
Mike

February 8, 2026

James is the best captain, kids loved the trip!

W
W

February 8, 2026

Highly recommend. Have always had a great time and caught a ton of fish.

J
John

February 8, 2026

Highly Recommend! Captain James is perhaps the most passionate sportsman I know. He pays attention to the details and spends the time to research in order to ensure he's done everything possible to set you up for a successful trip. Aside from his passion, intelligence and skill, the man has a heart of gold. Easy to talk to, you'll know he cares and just a fun guy in general! Already looking forward to the next time I get to spend with him.

S
Stanley

February 8, 2026

Excellent time. Great fishing experience. We got our limit on Walleye. James is an excellent Captain. Very personal, friendly, and knowledgeable! I will do it again.

T
Tina

February 8, 2026

James did a great job of getting our fish! It was a rough day of fishing for everyone on the water. Highly recommend!

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