4.8(6 Reviews)Lake Erie Walleye Charter with Captain Dan
4.8(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top Rated
7hour morning charter targeting prime Lake Erie walleye spotsCaptain Dan provides gear, guidance, and local fishing expertiseProfessional trip accommodates all skill levels, maximum 4 guests
When you're talking about serious walleye fishing on Lake Erie, Captain Dan Lemon and his Reel Therapy Sportfishing operation consistently delivers the goods. This 7-hour morning charter puts you right in the heart of Ohio's premier walleye waters, where the fishing action starts early and the catches keep coming. Dan's been working these waters for years, and his local knowledge shows in every trip - from finding the productive spots to putting quality fish in the boat. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler or bringing the grandkids for their first taste of Great Lakes fishing, this charter sets you up for success on one of the country's top walleye destinations.
Your morning starts before sunrise, which is exactly when you want to be hitting Lake Erie's walleye grounds. Captain Dan runs a tight ship - literally and figuratively. His boat stays spotless, his gear is dialed in, and he keeps those lines working throughout the entire 7-hour trip. You'll be targeting the prime feeding zones where walleye stack up, often in 20 to 40 feet of water along the rocky reefs and drop-offs that make Lake Erie such a walleye factory. Dan's approach is hands-on but patient, especially when kids are aboard. He'll walk you through each technique, explain why you're fishing certain areas, and make sure everyone in your group of up to 4 anglers gets plenty of action. The captain provides all fishing gear, so you can focus on the fun part - fighting fish and building memories. Don't expect a leisurely cruise; this is a working fishing trip where the goal is putting quality walleye in the cooler.
Captain Dan's walleye program relies heavily on proven Lake Erie trolling methods that consistently produce fish. You'll be pulling crawler harnesses, spoons, and diving plugs at precise speeds over structure that holds feeding walleye. The boat runs multiple rods with different presentations, giving you the best shot at finding what the fish want on any given day. Dan's rods are user-friendly but sensitive enough to feel every tap and bump that signals a walleye pickup. He'll show you how to work the rod tip, when to set the hook, and how to fight these scrappy fish without losing them at the boat. The depth finder and GPS are constantly in play, helping locate schools of baitfish and the walleye that follow them. When trolling slows down, Dan isn't afraid to switch tactics - sometimes that means drifting with jigs and minnows or working vertical presentations over key structure. His tackle box runs deep with options, and he's always ready to adapt to what the fish are telling him.
"Had an absolutely great day walleye fishing with Captain Dan. His boat was spotless and he worked very hard to keep us catching. He keeps the lines in the water and the fish on the hooks!" - Sarah
"Capt. Dan Lemon took us out today (July 2025) and he was incredible! He was patience with the 10 and 12 year old, explained everything, answered all questions, and let them do everything to their comfort level. We were very impressed by his service and would recommend him to anyone!" - Tricia
"Captain Dan is an excellent guide who is very knowledgeable and understanding. He explains what he is doing and why and is patient with those who are in the fishing party. His equipment is excellent and he maintains everything well. The rods are easy to use and we caught fish and enjoyed our time fishing." - Earl
"The trip was 4 grandkids and grandpa. Dan let the kids catch the fish, net the catches, remove the hooks and handle the fish. Great time! We caught our limit. Dan was able to handle 4 preteens asking questions and handling his gear! A real treat. We'll be back! Dan's boat was clean, neat, organized and safe.. I really appreciate a professional! Bring your family and have a great time." - Jeffery Willingham
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties typically run 2 to 4 pounds in these waters, with plenty of bigger fish pushing 6 pounds or more mixed in. Peak walleye action happens during the cooler morning hours, which is exactly when this charter hits the water. What makes walleye so special is their combination of fight and flavor - they'll test your drag on the initial run, then provide steady pressure all the way to the net. The bite can be subtle, just a gentle tick on the rod tip, or aggressive enough to nearly pull the rod from your hands. Lake Erie's walleye population is world-class, supported by extensive stocking programs and ideal habitat. These fish school heavily, so when you find one, there are usually plenty more in the area. Dan knows how to work these schools efficiently, often producing multiple hookups that keep everyone busy at once.
American Yellow Perch add variety and steady action to your Lake Erie fishing adventure. While they're smaller than walleye, averaging 8 to 12 inches, perch make up for size with sheer numbers and table quality that's hard to beat. These striped fighters often travel in massive schools, creating fast-paced fishing that's perfect for kids and beginning anglers. Perch hit aggressively and fight harder than their size suggests, with a distinctive headshaking action that's unmistakable. They're most active during the day, so as the morning progresses and walleye action slows, perch fishing often picks up the pace. Lake Erie perch have been rebounding strongly in recent years, with excellent year classes providing both great fishing and sustainable harvest opportunities. Dan targets perch around structure and drop-offs, often finding them mixed with walleye or holding in separate schools nearby.
Captain Dan's Reel Therapy Sportfishing operates a well-equipped 2015 Parker Pilothouse that's built for serious walleye action on Lake Erie. This 23-footer packs a 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 42 knots when conditions are right. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, though your charter accommodates 4 for plenty of elbow room while working the lines. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder for marking schools, GPS for pinpoint navigation to productive spots, and VHF radio for weather updates. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and preserves your catch, while the onboard head means more time fishing, less time heading back to shore. Captain Dan knows these Lake Erie waters inside and out, putting you on quality walleye with the right tackle and techniques for a productive morning on the water.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Lake Erie's most reliable fish to catch, running 7-10 inches with those golden bodies and dark vertical bars. They school up in massive numbers around structure like docks, weed beds, and drop-offs in 15-25 feet of water. Spring through fall offers steady action, but late summer and early fall are prime when they're feeding heavy before winter. What makes them special? They're willing biters that taste fantastic - some say the best eating fish in the lake. Kids love catching them because they fight hard for their size. My go-to tip: once you catch one, stay put and work that spot thoroughly. Where there's one perch, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Sander VitreusWalleye are Lake Erie's premier game fish, averaging 2-4 pounds with those signature glowing eyes that help them hunt in low light. They cruise 20-40 feet deep along rock piles, break lines, and weed edges during the day, moving shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when they're most active. What draws anglers back? They're smart fish that require skill to catch, fight surprisingly well, and provide the absolute best table fare you'll find in freshwater - mild, flaky, and buttery. The key trick here on Erie: troll slowly with bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses right along those deep contour changes at 1.5-2.0 mph.
4.8 out of 5.0
Had an absolutely great day walleye fishing with Captain Dan. His boat was spotless and he worked very hard to keep us catching. H...
Capt. Dan Lemon took us out today (July 2025) and he was incredible! He was patience with the 10 and 12 year old, explained everyt...
Captain Dan is an excellent guide who is very knowledgeable and understanding. He explains what he is doing and why and is patien...
The trip was 4 grandkids and grandpa. Dan let the kids catch the fish, net the catches, remove the hooks and handle the fish. Gr...
Jeffery Willingham, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Lake Erie