Full Day Yellow Perch Charter - Port Clinton
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenhour Lake Erie perch charter accommodates six guests maximumAll equipment, tackle, and live bait provided for convenienceMidJuly through October seasonal fishing with proven techniques
Looking for a solid day of perch fishing on Lake Erie? This full-day charter out of Port Clinton puts you right in the heart of some of the best yellow perch waters in the Great Lakes. From mid-July through October, when the perch are schooled up and feeding heavy, we'll spend seven hours working the proven spots where these tasty panfish hang out. At $625 for up to six anglers, it's a great way to get the whole crew on fish without breaking the bank. We handle all the gear and bait - you just need to show up ready to fish.
We kick off early at 6:00 AM, which is prime time for perch fishing on Erie. The morning bite is usually when these fish are most active, and getting out there before the crowds gives us first crack at the best spots. This trip runs about seven hours, giving us plenty of time to work different areas and find where the perch are biting best that day. The beauty of perch fishing is it's perfect for mixed groups - kids, grandparents, first-timers, and seasoned anglers all have a blast. These fish bite consistently once you find them, so there's plenty of action to keep everyone engaged. You'll keep everything legal you catch, and trust me, fresh Lake Erie perch makes for some of the best eating you'll find anywhere. Just bring your valid Ohio fishing license, some snacks and drinks for the day, and dress for the weather since we'll be out there regardless of conditions.
We fish perch with light spinning tackle that makes every fish feel like a good one. The rods are sensitive enough to feel those subtle perch bites, but with enough backbone to handle the occasional bonus walleye or white perch that shows up. We provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle - mainly small jigs, hooks, and sinkers in the sizes that work best for Erie perch. Live bait is a huge part of the program here, usually minnows or crawlers depending on what the fish want that day. We'll also have an assortment of small jigs and spinners that work well when the perch are aggressive. The technique is pretty straightforward - we'll anchor up on structure where the perch school, drop down to the bottom, and work our baits just off the lake floor. I'll show everyone how to detect those light bites and set the hook properly. The spots we fish are typically in 25 to 45 feet of water over rocky bottom, dropoffs, and other structure that holds baitfish and attracts feeding perch.
American Yellow Perch are what we're targeting, and for good reason - they're some of the most cooperative and delicious fish swimming in Lake Erie. These fish typically run 8 to 12 inches here, with plenty of keepers in that sweet spot around 10 inches. They school heavily from mid-July through October, which is when we run these trips. The cooler water temperatures of fall really turn them on, and they'll feed aggressively as they bulk up for winter. What makes perch fishing so addictive is how they bite - once you find a school, you can often catch them one after another until they move on. They're curious fish and not too line-shy, so they'll usually investigate anything that looks like food. The best part is how they taste - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect in the pan. Kids especially love perch fishing because the action is steady and the fish aren't too big to handle. You'll also learn to identify the difference between male and female perch, with the females generally running larger and having deeper bodies. During peak season, it's not unusual to see limits of perch come over the rail, making this one of the most productive fishing trips you can book on Lake Erie.
This full-day perch charter delivers exactly what Great Lakes fishing is all about - consistent action, great eating fish, and a relaxed day on one of the world's best fisheries. Whether you're planning a family outing, a guys' trip, or just want to stock the freezer with some premium fish, this trip checks all the boxes. The seven-hour format gives us real time to work the fish and make sure everyone gets their share of the action. With all gear, bait, and tackle included, plus the experience to put you on fish, it's tough to beat the value. Port Clinton puts us right in the heart of the Western Basin perch grounds, and we've got the local knowledge to make the most of your time on the water. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. The perch season runs from mid-July through October, with September and early October typically being the hottest months. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - these full-day trips book up fast once word gets out that the perch are biting.
Jump aboard this well-equipped 27' Sportcraft and head out onto Lake Erie for some serious yellow perch action. This offshore fishing boat packs a powerful 320 HP MerCruiser engine that'll get you to the productive perch grounds quickly and safely. The boat comes loaded with everything you need – GPS to find the hotspots, fishfinder to locate schools of perch beneath the surface, and marine radio for safety. You'll fish in comfort with an onboard toilet and icebox to keep your drinks cold during those hot summer days on the water. The spacious layout gives all six anglers plenty of room to work without getting tangled lines. Perfect for families or groups looking to fill the cooler with tasty Lake Erie perch using light tackle and proven techniques that work season after season.
Port Clinton, OH