5.0(3 Reviews)Charter Fishing in Lake Erie | Private 6 Hour Trip
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 6hour trolling charter for two guests maximumSeasonal availability from April through midOctober timingProfessional guide service specializing in Lake Erie fishing
Looking for a top-rated fishing charter that actually delivers on the promise of trophy walleye and perch? Captain Frank at South of Heaven Guide Service has been putting anglers on fish in Lake Erie for years, and this private 6-hour trolling adventure is exactly what serious fishermen have been waiting for. Running from April through mid-October, this charter gives you and one buddy exclusive access to some of the most productive walleye waters in the Great Lakes. No crowds, no strangers – just you, your fishing partner, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushed through the motions. Six hours gives us real time to work the best spots and adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us. We'll launch early to beat the boat traffic and head straight to where the walleye have been feeding. Lake Erie's massive size means we've got options – if one area isn't producing, we can quickly relocate to structure that's holding fish. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility. Found a hot bite? We stay on it. Need to move because conditions changed? No problem. Captain Frank reads the water conditions, weather patterns, and seasonal movements to put you in the best position for success. With just two anglers aboard, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction on reading your electronics and feeling the subtle bites that walleye are famous for.
We fish exclusively with trolling methods because that's what consistently produces numbers and size on Lake Erie. Our setup includes planer boards to spread lines wide, allowing us to cover more water and target suspended fish at various depths. Depending on the season and water temperature, we'll run everything from shallow diving crankbaits in spring to deeper presentations when walleye move to thermoclines in summer. The boat carries all tackle, including premium rods and reels spooled with fresh line. We use quality lures – Rapala Husky Jerks, Smithwick Rogues, and Hot N Tots in colors that have proven themselves in these waters. Captain Frank adjusts trolling speed based on water temperature and fish activity, usually running between 1.8 and 2.5 mph. You'll learn to watch the sonar for baitfish concentrations and bottom structure that holds walleye, plus get hands-on experience with planer board fishing that you can use on future trips.
"Frank was very knowledgeable and patient, Hard worker. We would recommend South of Heaven to anyone wanting to fish in the area. Louie and Tom Rankin" - JL. "I have fished with many guides in many places but i have never fished with such a knowledgeable harder working guide. We fished two days when many other guides were struggling we were limited out in three hours!!!" - Thomas. "Great trip caught approximately 30 walleye most trophy size. My 12 year old son and I caught out personal best walleye. I also caught the biggest fish of my life. A 30 inch plus drum. Way to go Captain Frank!!!" - Nathan.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties average 2-4 pounds but don't be surprised when you hook into something pushing 8-10 pounds. Spring walleye fishing peaks from late April through May when post-spawn fish are aggressive and feeding heavily in 15-25 feet of water. Summer fishing shifts to deeper water as walleye suspend over 35-50 foot depths, following massive schools of emerald shiners. What makes walleye so special is their fight – they don't jump like a bass, but they pull hard and steady with sudden direction changes that test your drag. The meat is absolutely world-class, with firm white fillets that are perfect for the dinner table. Lake Erie walleye have a well-deserved reputation as some of the tastiest freshwater fish you'll ever eat.
American Yellow Perch might be smaller than walleye, but pound-for-pound they're scrappy fighters that keep the action steady throughout the day. These striped beauties typically run 8-12 inches with occasional jumbos pushing 14 inches and over a pound. Perch schools can be massive in Lake Erie – when you find them, it's not uncommon to boat dozens in a short period. They're most active during cooler months, with fall being particularly productive as they feed heavily before winter. Perch bite aggressively and fight surprisingly hard for their size, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. The bonus is they're fantastic eating – sweet, flaky meat that's even milder than walleye. Many anglers specifically target perch for the dinner table because they're so dependable and delicious.
Lake Erie fishing doesn't get better than this. A private charter with a renowned captain who consistently puts clients on fish, using proven techniques in one of the world's best walleye fisheries. The season runs from April 1st through October 15th, but the best dates fill up fast – especially during prime spring and fall periods. Whether you're looking to learn trolling techniques, catch your personal best walleye, or just enjoy a day on the water without crowds, this charter delivers. Captain Frank's track record speaks for itself, and with only two anglers per trip, you're guaranteed the attention and fish-finding expertise that makes for a customer favorite experience. Don't wait until peak season to book – secure your dates now and get ready for some of the best fishing Lake Erie has to offer.
Step aboard our 2019 30-foot Sportcraft cuddy cabin cruiser, your floating command center for Lake Erie's trophy waters. This well-equipped fishing machine runs on a reliable 6.2 Mercruiser engine pushing 320HP, cruising smoothly at 30 knots to get you to the fish fast and back to port comfortable. The cuddy cabin design gives you shelter when weather turns, while keeping you close to the action when lines are screaming. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and GPS navigation ensures we hit the most productive spots. Radar keeps us safe when fog rolls in off the lake. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with walleye and steelhead. With space for 4 anglers and a private head, you'll have everything needed for a productive day chasing Lake Erie's finest. This boat handles the lake's notorious chop while giving you a stable platform for trolling those prime feeding zones.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are one of Lake Erie's most reliable catches, running 7-10 inches with that classic golden color and dark vertical bars. You'll find schools of 50-200 fish hanging around weed beds, docks, and rocky structure in 15-25 feet of water. Spring through fall they're active, but late summer and early fall really shine when they pack up tight before winter. What makes them special? They're scrappy little fighters on light tackle, and honestly some of the best eating fish in the lake - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a tip: when you find one perch, work that spot hard because they school up. Drop a small jig tipped with a minnow or piece of worm right to the bottom and lift it slowly. Once you dial in the depth, you can fill the cooler quick.
Sander VitreusWalleye are Lake Erie's crown jewel, averaging 2-4 pounds with some real trophies pushing 8-10 pounds. Those big silver eyes aren't just for show - they hunt in low light, so dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime time. Look for them along breaklines, drop-offs, and rocky areas in 20-40 feet of water during the day. They move shallow at night to feed. What keeps anglers coming back? The fight is solid but controlled, and walleye are hands-down the best eating freshwater fish - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. The key to consistent walleye is speed control when trolling. Run your presentations just fast enough to trigger strikes but slow enough they can catch up. In Erie, that's usually 1.5-2.5 mph with bottom bouncers or diving cranks.
5.0 out of 5.0Frank was very knowledgeable and patient, Hard worker. We would recommend South of Heaven to anyone wanting to fish in the area. L...
I have fished with many guides in many places but i have never fished with such a knowledgeable harder working guide. We fished tw...
Great trip caught approximately 30 walleye most trophy size. My 12 year old son and I caught out personal best walleye. I also cau...
Lake Erie