5.0(4 Reviews)Lake Erie Fishing Charter - Private Adventure
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private fishing charter accommodates 28 hour flexible schedulingMorning and afternoon departure times available dailyLake Erie targeting multiple fish species yearround
Lake Erie's reputation as one of North America's premier fishing destinations isn't just hype – it's backed by consistently loaded coolers and happy anglers year after year. Our private fishing charters give you and one other person the entire boat to yourselves, which means no fighting over the best spots, no rushing because strangers are getting impatient, and no sharing your secret techniques with a crowd. Whether you're an early bird who loves the calm morning bite or someone who prefers to sleep in and fish the afternoon action, we've got you covered with flexible 4 to 8-hour trips that work around your schedule.
When you step aboard with Pork Chop Express Charters, you're getting way more than just a boat ride to the fishing grounds. Captain Sam and first mate Caleb have been working these waters for years, and they've got the local knowledge that separates a good day from an absolutely stellar one. They know exactly where the fish are holding based on water temperature, weather patterns, and seasonal movements – knowledge that only comes from spending countless hours studying Lake Erie's moods and habits. The boat itself is set up specifically for serious fishing, with all the top-shelf gear you need and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. These aren't the kind of guides who just drop you off and hope for the best – they're actively working to put fish in the boat from the moment you leave the dock until you head back in. The beauty of a private charter means they can adjust tactics on the fly based on what you want to target and how the fish are behaving that particular day.
Lake Erie fishing is all about covering water efficiently and presenting baits at the right depths where fish are actively feeding. The crew runs a trolling spread that's perfectly dialed in for the conditions – typically pulling planer boards to get lines away from the boat's wake, combined with downriggers to control exact depths. They're running quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy perch to hefty walleyes without breaking a sweat. The boat's electronics package includes fish finders and GPS units loaded with years of productive waypoints, so there's no guesswork about where to start looking. When the bite is on, they'll keep you in the strike zone, and when it slows down, they're already thinking three moves ahead about where to try next. The tackle selection is constantly updated based on what's working best – different colored spoons, crawler harnesses, and plugs that have proven themselves in Lake Erie's specific conditions. You don't need to bring anything except yourself and maybe some snacks, because they've got the fishing side completely dialed in.
"Sam and Caleb were exceptionally professional and knowledgeable about the lake and where the fish would be. They put us right on them and made hauling them in a breeze. They use top-notch equipment and were always mindful of other boats on the lake. We had a great time with them and you will too. We highly recommend Pork Chop anytime you want to go fishing with an expert crew. We fished on July 23, 2024 in the morning." - Dave
"Sam and Caleb picked us up from Kelleys Island early and wasted no time putting us on the fish. We had more than enough room on the boat and had a blast catching a lot of great fish. They fish with a lot of the same equipment we use but are WAY better and faster at getting fish on the lines. We learned a lot from Sam and Caleb. We can't wait to get back out on the PCE." - John
"Have been on Lake Erie many times. This includes 2 boats of my own and many charters. Sam and Caleb are courteous and knowledgeable when it comes to catching Walleye. The boat is awesome and they work hard for their clients. Look no further if you're looking for a fish catching good time. R K H Louisville Oh" - Ryan
"Captain is communicative and friendly! I rented this trip for my husband and kids for Father's Day weekend and they loved it!!! They caught a BUNCH of walleye (and some other fish) and had a blast. We will be returning next year for sure!" - Branden
American Yellow Perch are the perfect fish to get anyone hooked on Lake Erie fishing. These golden beauties typically run 8 to 12 inches and are absolute dynamite on light tackle – they fight way harder than their size suggests and provide steady action when you find a good school. Perch fishing really heats up in late summer and fall when they're fattening up for winter, often stacking up in huge numbers over rocky areas and drop-offs. What makes perch so appealing is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry. They're also great confidence builders for kids or nervous first-time anglers because once you locate a school, the action can be fast and furious.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie and the fish that put this lake on the map for serious anglers. These marble-eyed predators average 2 to 4 pounds but can push well into double digits, and they're famous for their incredible fighting ability and world-class eating quality. Spring and fall offer the best walleye action, but they can be caught consistently throughout the fishing season by adjusting depths and locations. What makes walleye fishing so addictive is the challenge – they can be finicky and require precise presentation, but when you dial in the pattern, they reward you with some of the most satisfying fishing you'll ever experience. Their subtle bites require attention and skill to detect, making every hookset feel like a small victory.
Rainbow Trout bring a completely different dimension to Lake Erie fishing with their spectacular jumps
Jump aboard our 27-foot North River aluminum fishing boat and head out onto Lake Erie for some serious angling action. This 2017 beauty packs a 300HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots. Perfect for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast lines and land the big ones. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate Erie's waters, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate where the walleye and perch are hiding. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through fishing zones without spooking your targets. There's even an onboard toilet so you can stay out longer chasing that trophy catch. Whether you book a 4 or 8-hour charter, morning or afternoon, you'll be fishing from a stable platform built for Lake Erie's conditions. The aluminum hull handles the lake's chop while giving you the shallow water access that makes this boat perfect for targeting fish in different depths throughout your trip.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Lake Erie favorites that run 7-10 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll likely find plenty more. These golden fish with dark vertical bars love hanging around structure - weed beds, rocky areas, and drop-offs in 15-25 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special? They're some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, flaky white meat. Plus, they're perfect for kids and beginners since they bite readily and fight just enough to be fun without breaking gear. Pro tip: use small jigs tipped with minnows or worms, and once you catch one, work that spot thoroughly - the rest of the school is usually right there waiting.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Erie are stocked beauties that average 12-18 inches and put up some of the best fights you'll experience. These silver fish with the pink side stripe stay in cooler, deeper waters during summer, usually 40-80 feet down near thermal layers. Spring and fall bring them closer to shore where trolling and casting become productive. What makes them special? They're acrobatic fighters that jump and run, plus their pink flesh tastes fantastic grilled or smoked. Cooler water temps between 55-65°F are key to finding active fish. They feed heavily on alewives and smelt. Local trick: use small spoons or plugs that mimic their forage, and don't be afraid to go deep with downriggers during hot weather. The cooler the water, the more aggressive they get.
Sander VitreusWalleye are Lake Erie's crown jewel, typically running 15-25 inches with some pushing 8+ pounds. These golden-olive fish with the distinctive glassy eyes are structure lovers - you'll find them around rocky reefs, weed edges, and drop-offs in 20-40 feet during the day. They're most active during low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime time. What draws anglers back? They're fighters that make solid runs, but more importantly, walleye are hands-down the best eating fish in these waters - firm, white, flaky meat with no fishy taste. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when they're feeding heavily. My go-to trick: troll slowly with bottom bouncers and nightcrawlers along the thermocline. Keep your bait just off bottom and stay patient - walleye can be picky but worth the wait.
5.0 out of 5.0Sam and Caleb were exceptionally professional and knowledgeable about the lake and where the fish would be. They put us right on t...
Sam and Caleb picked us up from Kelleys Island early and wasted no time putting us on the fish. We had more than enough room on t...
Have been on Lake Erie many times. This includes 2 boats of my own and many charters. Sam and Caleb are courteous and knowledgeabl...
Captain is communicative and friendly! I rented this trip for my husband and kids for Father’s Day weekend and they loved it!!! Th...
Lake Erie