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Expert-Guided Lake Erie Fishing Charters

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Erie
  • $400 - $700 price range

Summary

Looking for a solid Lake Erie fishing trip with a small group? Captain Matthew's got you covered with this 7-hour outing. You'll head out early morning or afternoon, depending on what works best for you. The captain provides all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on reeling in some Yellow Perch, Walleye, or Trout. Whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years, this trip is set up to make sure everyone has a good time and catches fish. With room for 3 to 4 guests, it's perfect for a day out with friends or family. You'll get to enjoy the open water, learn some new techniques, and come home with cleaned fish ready for the grill. It's a straightforward, no-fuss way to experience some of the best fishing Lake Erie has to offer.
Expert-Guided Lake Erie Fishing Charters

Reeling 'Em In

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Two people fishing in Pennsylvania

Awesome Lake Erie Walleye!

Scenic view of Erie, Pennsylvania

Fiery Lake Erie Sunrise!

Angler fishing alone in PA

Massive Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding 3 sauger fish caught in Erie

Stacked Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler enjoying a day of fishing in Erie

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Seven anglers enjoying a day of fishing in Erie

Loaded Lake Erie Walleye!

Walleye fish caught while fishing in Erie

Proud Lake Erie Walleye!

Anglers fishing in Erie

Unforgettable Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding a large walleye fish in PA

Sunset Lake Erie Walleye!

Four large fish caught in Erie, Ohio during fishing trip

Epic Lake Erie Walleye Haul!

Two people fishing in Pennsylvania

Awesome Lake Erie Walleye!

Scenic view of Erie, Pennsylvania

Fiery Lake Erie Sunrise!

Angler fishing alone in PA

Massive Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding 3 sauger fish caught in Erie

Stacked Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler enjoying a day of fishing in Erie

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Seven anglers enjoying a day of fishing in Erie

Loaded Lake Erie Walleye!

Walleye fish caught while fishing in Erie

Proud Lake Erie Walleye!

Anglers fishing in Erie

Unforgettable Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding a large walleye fish in PA

Sunset Lake Erie Walleye!

Four large fish caught in Erie, Ohio during fishing trip

Epic Lake Erie Walleye Haul!

Two people fishing in Pennsylvania

Awesome Lake Erie Walleye!

Scenic view of Erie, Pennsylvania

Fiery Lake Erie Sunrise!

Angler fishing alone in PA

Massive Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding 3 sauger fish caught in Erie

Stacked Lake Erie Walleye!

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Lake Erie's Premier Fishing Charter Experience

Ready for a day of world-class fishing on Lake Erie? Look no further than Dog's Life Sport Fishing's private 7-hour charter. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, we've got you covered with flexible departure times. Gather your crew of 3 to 4 and get set for a day of reeling in some of Erie's most prized catches. With everything from rods to bait provided, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're out on Lake Erie as the sun peeks over the horizon, or maybe you're chasing that golden hour glow in the afternoon. Either way, you're in for a treat. Captain Matthew knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure you have a top-notch day out. We're talking prime fishing spots, expert tips, and all the gear you need to land the big one. And when you do? Captain Matthew's got you covered with professional catch cleaning, so you can focus on the thrill of the catch.

Hooks, Lines, and Sinkers

Wondering how we'll be fishing? On Lake Erie, it's all about versatility. We might start with some trolling, dragging lines behind the boat to cover more water and entice those Yellow Perch or Walleye. If the fish are feeling picky, we'll switch it up with some drift fishing, letting the boat's natural movement present our bait. For the Trout, we might bust out the downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones hide. Don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Matthew will walk you through each technique, sharing tips and tricks to up your game. From setting the drag on your reel to reading the fish finder, you'll be picking up skills that'll last way beyond this trip.

Reel Talk from Happy Anglers

"Captain Matthew and Dog's Life Sport Fishing delivered an exceptional fishing experience! Matt's passion for fishing and his dedication to providing a top-notch charter experience made for a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommend booking with them!" - Ben

"Captain Matthew of Dog's Life Sport Fishing is simply phenomenal! His skill in finding fish and his commitment to providing a memorable experience make for an exceptional charter. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a great day of fishing!" - Thomas

"Highly recommend Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene! Matt's knowledge of Lake Erie and his dedication to customer satisfaction ensure an exceptional fishing experience. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to go out with them again!" - Simone

Top Catches This Season

Lake Erie's known for some real beauties, and on this trip, we're targeting three of the best. First up, the American Yellow Perch. These little fighters might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but what they lack in size, they make up for in flavor. Spring and fall are prime times for perch, and there's nothing quite like the rapid-fire action when you hit a school. They average about 8-10 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a jumbo pushing 12 inches or more.

Next, we've got the Walleye – the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These guys are the reason anglers from all over flock to these waters. With their marble eyes and toothy grins, Walleye are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. We typically target them in the cooler months, from fall through spring, when they're most active. Average size? You're looking at 2-4 pounds, but Erie's known for kicking out some real monsters pushing 10 pounds or more.

Last but not least, there's the Lake Trout. These deep-water denizens are the ultimate test of an angler's skill. They love the cold, so we target them in the winter and early spring when they're closer to the surface. Lake Trout are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast to fight. Most Lake Trout we catch are in the 5-10 pound range, but Erie's been known to produce some 20-pound-plus giants that'll have your arms aching and your reel screaming.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, there's a reason why Dog's Life Sport Fishing is a customer favorite on Lake Erie. It's not just about the fish – although, let's be honest, that's a big part of it. It's about the whole package. You're getting a seasoned pro in Captain Matthew who knows where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. You're getting top-of-the-line gear that's well-maintained and ready for action. And you're getting an experience tailored to your group, whether you're all seasoned anglers or it's your first time wetting a line.

But what really sets us apart? It's the little things. It's how Captain Matthew reads the water and adjusts on the fly to make sure you're always in the action. It's the way he'll patiently show you how to tie that perfect knot or set the hook just right. It's the stories and laughs shared over the course of the day, and the sense of accomplishment when you're heading back to the dock with a cooler full of fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best fishing Lake Erie has to offer? Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with tasty fillets or just want to spend a day on the water making memories, Dog's Life Sport Fishing has got you covered. Remember, we're talking about a private charter here – just you and your crew (up to 4 total) with Captain Matthew's full attention. No sharing the boat with strangers, no rushing to get your turn. Just a full day of world-class fishing on one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries.

Don't wait too long to book, though. The best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're leaning towards that crack-of-dawn start to catch the early bite or thinking the afternoon trip sounds more your speed, give us a shout. We'll get you set up with everything you need for a day of fishing you won't soon forget. So grab your hat, your sunscreen, and your sense of adventure – Lake Erie's calling, and the fish are waiting. Let's make it happen!

Customer Reviews

Fish With The Best

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Captain Matthew and Dog's Life Sport Fishing delivered an exceptional fishing experience! Matt's passion for fishing and his dedication to providing a top-notch charter experience made for a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommend booking with them!

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Ben D

July 27, 2023

Reel In Excellence

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Captain Matthew and Dog's Life Sport Fishing are top-tier! Matt's expertise and passion for fishing shine through, ensuring an incredible trip every time. Highly recommended for an amazing fishing adventure!

TD
Tata D

August 17, 2023

Expert Catches Await

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Captain Matthew of Dog's Life Sport Fishing is simply phenomenal! His skill in finding fish and his commitment to providing a memorable experience make for an exceptional charter. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a great day of fishing!

Read More
TH
Thomas H

October 11, 2023

Lake Erie Fishing Pro

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Highly recommend Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene! Matt's knowledge of Lake Erie and his dedication to customer satisfaction ensure an exceptional fishing experience. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to go out with them again!

Read More
SM
Simone M

August 23, 2023

Hooked On Adventure

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Captain Matthew of Dog's Life Sport Fishing is outstanding! His expertise and enthusiasm for fishing ensure a successful and enjoyable trip every time. Highly recommend for an unforgettable fishing experience!

AQ
Anny Q

May 17, 2023

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Lake Erie's yellow perch are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These golden-hued fish usually run 7-10 inches long, but the big ones can reach up to 15 inches. You'll find them hanging out near weed beds, docks, and other structures in 10-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times, but they bite year-round. Perch school up, so when you catch one, there's likely more nearby. They put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and make for some of the tastiest fish fries around. To boost your odds, try drifting with a simple perch spreader rig baited with minnows or worms. Keep your bait near the bottom and be ready for that telltale tap-tap-tap when they bite. Once you find a school, it's often non-stop action that'll keep everyone smiling.

American Yellow Perch

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the giants of Erie's coldwater species. These deep-dwelling bruisers can push 20-30 pounds, with thick, muscular bodies built for the cold. You'll find them suspended over the deepest basins, typically 50-100 feet down. Late spring and early fall are prime, when they move a bit shallower. Lakers are a blast to catch – they fight like freight trains and often make blistering runs. Plus, they're delicious smoked or grilled. Jigging is the ticket here. Drop heavy spoons or tube jigs right to the bottom, then work them up with a slow, steady action. Watch your electronics closely to mark fish. Here's a pro tip: once you hook up, keep reeling. Lake trout often shoot straight up, and slack line means lost fish. It's a workout bringing these beasts up from the depths, but man, is it worth it.

Lake Trout

Walleye

Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing. These olive-gold predators average 2-3 pounds but can top 10 pounds in our waters. They're mostly bottom-dwellers, cruising rocky reefs and deep drop-offs. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they move shallow, but summer offers great deep-water action too. Walleye are prized for their fight and their excellent table fare – there's a reason they're called "walleye chops." They have sensitive eyes, so low-light periods are best. Try trolling with crankbaits or nightcrawler harnesses along underwater humps and ledges. My go-to trick is using planer boards to spread lines and cover more water. When you hook one, get ready for some head-shaking runs. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a big 'eye on the line.

Walleye
Dog's Life Sport Fishing

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Experience the thrill of angling adventure with Dog's Life Sport Fishing, your premier choice for unforgettable fishing excursions on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. Led by Captain Matthew Shopene, Dog's Life Sport Fishing offers anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to reel in trophy catches while soaking in the scenic beauty of Lake Erie's pristine waters. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and a passion for angling, Dog's Life Sport Fishing promises an unforgettable day on the water filled with excitement, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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