Lake Erie Family Walleye & Perch Charter
Captain Bob Hughey knows how to get families hooked on Lake Erie fishing. His 4-hour private charters aboard Myrmidon Fishin' Ful Charters are built around one simple idea: everyone catches fish, everyone has fun, and parents get to watch their kids light up when that rod tip starts dancing. Running from late April through early November, these morning trips launch at 7:30 AM when the fish are most active and the lake is at its calmest. At $590 for up to six people, you're getting a seasoned captain, all the gear, and access to some of the best walleye and perch waters in the Great Lakes.
What to Expect on the Water
Bob's got this family fishing thing down to a science. He starts every trip by getting everyone comfortable with their rods and explaining how to feel for that telltale walleye tap or the more aggressive perch bite. The boat stays close enough to shore that nervous parents can relax, but far enough out to hit the productive structure where these fish hang out. You'll spend most of your time drifting over rocky reefs and drop-offs, working different depths until you locate the schools. Captain Bob reads the electronics like a book and knows exactly when to move spots if the action slows down. The best part? He's got endless patience with kids who need help setting the hook or reeling in their catch, and he's always ready with tips to keep the adults learning new techniques too.
Proven Techniques & Tackle
This isn't complicated fishing, which makes it perfect for families. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods loaded with 10-12 pound test, perfect for handling both species without overwhelming younger anglers. The go-to setup is a three-way rig with a sinker to keep your bait near bottom, where both walleye and perch spend most of their time feeding. Bob provides everything from crawler harnesses tipped with nightcrawlers to small jigs dressed with minnows or soft plastics. When the perch are schooled up tight, you might find yourself dropping simple hook-and-sinker rigs with pieces of worm right into the middle of them. The captain switches tactics based on what's working that day, but he always keeps it simple enough that everyone on board can stay in the game.
Target Species You'll Hook
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie, and for good reason. These golden beauties typically run 14-18 inches during family season, with plenty of keepers hitting the 2-3 pound range. They're most active during dawn and dusk, which is why those early morning departures pay off big time. Walleye have this subtle bite that feels like someone gently lifting your sinker off the bottom, and kids love the challenge of learning to detect it. What makes them special is their incredible eating quality – sweet, flaky white meat that converts even the pickiest eaters into fish fans. Peak season runs from May through October, with late summer and early fall producing some of the most consistent action as schools move into shallower water to feed.
American Yellow Perch might be smaller than walleye, but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. These striped fighters average 8-12 inches and pack more fight per pound than almost any freshwater fish. When you find a school of perch, it's common to catch them two at a time using multiple hook rigs. Kids absolutely love perch fishing because the bites are aggressive and obvious – no subtle tapping here, just solid pulls that bend the rod tip down. They school up in massive numbers during late summer and fall, making September and October prime time for filling the cooler. Like walleye, they're fantastic table fare, and their size makes them perfect for getting kids involved in the cleaning process without being overwhelming.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Erie family fishing doesn't get much better than what Captain Bob offers. You're getting a top-rated charter captain who genuinely enjoys working with families, access to some of the most productive walleye and perch waters in North America, and four hours of guided fishing that's tailored to your group's experience level. All you need to bring is a valid Ohio fishing license for anyone 16 and older, some snacks and drinks, and clothes that match the weather. The $590 investment covers everything else, from premium tackle to expert instruction that'll have everyone catching fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a captain who's built his reputation on making sure families walk away with both fish and memories. Ready to get your crew out on Erie's legendary waters?