Lake Erie Walleye - Family Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour kidfriendly walleye fishing trip on Lake ErieAll gear, tackle, water and ice included with tripFish cleaning service available for three dollars per fish
Captain Jake's Lake Erie walleye trip is the perfect way to get kids hooked on fishing while keeping the whole family entertained on the water. This five-hour charter aboard a comfortable 24-foot Thunderjet brings you to some of Lake Erie's most productive fishing grounds, where walleye, perch, and freshwater drum are waiting to make your day memorable. Whether you're dealing with first-time anglers or experienced kids ready to learn new techniques, this trip delivers steady action and plenty of teaching moments that'll have everyone talking about their catches long after you're back on shore.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Jake at the marina, where he'll get everyone fitted with life jackets and walk through basic safety protocols before heading out. The 24-foot Thunderjet offers plenty of room for up to six guests, with comfortable seating and all the amenities you need for a full day on Lake Erie. Captain Jake specializes in making fishing accessible for beginners and kids, so expect plenty of hands-on instruction and encouragement as you learn the ropes. The boat comes equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, water, and ice - so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. Fish cleaning is available for just three dollars per fish, which means you can take home a fresh dinner without the hassle of cleaning your catch yourself.
This trip focuses on trolling, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and locate active fish on Lake Erie. Captain Jake will set up multiple lines with proven walleye rigs, adjusting depth and speed based on current conditions and fish activity. Trolling is perfect for families because it keeps everyone engaged while teaching fundamental fishing skills like reading fish finders, understanding structure, and recognizing when fish are biting. You'll learn how different lure colors and presentations trigger strikes, and Captain Jake will rotate everyone through the action so each angler gets plenty of opportunities to fight fish. The technique works year-round on Lake Erie, but spring and fall offer some of the most consistent action as walleye move through their seasonal patterns.
American Yellow Perch are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, especially for families with young anglers. These feisty fish typically run 8-12 inches and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for kids who want to feel that rod bend and experience the thrill of landing fish. Perch school up in huge numbers during late summer and fall, and when you find them, you'll often catch dozens in a single trip. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake, with sweet, flaky white meat that even picky kids will love. Captain Jake knows the perch haunts like the back of his hand, and he'll position the boat over productive structure where these golden beauties congregate.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie and the main target for this charter. These marble-eyed predators typically range from 2-6 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 8-10 pounds that'll test your drag and make your heart race. Spring and fall offer the best walleye action as fish move shallow to feed and spawn, but Captain Jake knows how to find them year-round using his knowledge of underwater structure and seasonal patterns. Walleye are notorious for their light bites, so you'll learn to detect subtle taps and set the hook at just the right moment. Landing your first keeper walleye is a rite of passage for any Great Lakes angler, and the table fare is absolutely outstanding.
Steelhead Trout bring serious excitement to Lake Erie fishing trips, especially when these chrome-sided fighters decide to cooperate. These fish are basically freshwater rockets, capable of blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Steelhead typically range from 5-12 pounds, with some specimens pushing even larger, and they'll test your skills and equipment like no other Lake Erie species. Fall and early winter offer the best steelhead opportunities as these fish stage near river mouths before their spawning runs. Even kids will remember the first time they hook into a hot steelhead - these fish simply don't give up without a serious fight.
Captain Jake's Lake Erie walleye charter offers everything a family needs for a successful day on the water - experienced guidance, top-notch equipment, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Great Lakes. This five-hour trip strikes the perfect balance between action and education, giving kids the chance to learn proper fishing techniques while experiencing the excitement of catching quality fish. With all gear included and fish cleaning available, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about logistics. Lake Erie's walleye, perch, and steelhead populations are as healthy as they've been in decades, making this the perfect time to introduce the next generation to Great Lakes fishing. Don't wait to book your family fishing adventure - Captain Jake's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot and the weather is perfect for getting kids on the water.
Captain Jake's 24-foot Thunderjet is your ticket to some serious walleye action on Lake Erie. This 2025 beauty packs a 300 HP Mercury Pro XS that'll get you to the hot spots fast, while the spacious layout keeps your crew of up to six comfortable all day long. The boat comes loaded with everything you need – GPS to find those productive structures, fish finder to mark schools below, and radar for when the lake gets moody. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a head for convenience during those long fishing sessions. All the rods, tackle, and gear are top-quality and ready to go. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to the lake or anyone looking to fill the cooler with Lake Erie's famous walleye, perch, and drum.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are perfect for families and beginners - they're schooling fish that often bite consistently once you find them. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches in Lake Erie, though some reach over a foot. They hang around structure like weed beds, drop-offs, and rocky areas in 15-30 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they bite year-round. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and small jigs, plus they're absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: when you catch one, stick around that spot. Where there's one perch, there's usually a whole school waiting below.
Oncorhynchus mykissLake Erie steelhead are chrome-bright fighters that'll test your tackle. These sea-run rainbows average 24-30 inches and can hit 10+ pounds, known for their aerial acrobatics and powerful runs. They cruise the deeper, cooler waters of the central basin in summer, then move toward tributaries in fall and spring. Early morning and overcast days produce the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface or suspended mid-water. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and never-give-up attitude - they'll jump, dive, and strip line like few other fish. The firm, pink meat is outstanding too. My local trick: when trolling spoons, vary your speed every few minutes. Steelhead often hit right after a speed change triggers their predator instincts.
Sander VitreusLake Erie walleye are the crown jewel of our fishery. These golden-sided predators typically run 15-25 inches and put up a solid fight with their head-shaking runs. They love deeper structure during the day - think 20-40 feet around rocky reefs and drop-offs - but move shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. Their silvery eyes help them hunt in low light, making early morning and evening prime time. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active. Guests love them because they're challenging to locate but rewarding to catch, plus walleye fillets are some of the best eating in freshwater - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: troll slowly with crawler harnesses near bottom structure.
Lake Erie