Ready for a killer day on Lake Erie? Captain Matthew's got you covered with this private fishing trip that'll have you reeling in perch, trout, and walleye like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this full-day excursion is the perfect chance to experience some of the best fishing Lake Erie has to offer. With all the gear provided and expert guidance at your fingertips, you're in for a day of non-stop action on the water.
Picture this: You and a buddy, out on the vast expanse of Lake Erie, with nothing but blue skies above and fish-filled waters below. That's what you're in for with this private trip for two. Captain Matthew's got all the bases covered – rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and lures are all part of the package. No need to lug your gear around or worry about forgetting something crucial. And get this – the Captain even takes care of cleaning your catch at the end of the day. Talk about service! You'll be targeting the Lake Erie trifecta: walleye, trout, and yellow perch. It's the perfect setup for a focused, quiet day of fishing without any distractions. Just you, your fishing buddy, and the endless possibilities of Lake Erie stretching out before you.
Alright, let's talk strategy. On Lake Erie, you've got to be ready to switch it up depending on what's biting. For walleye, you might find yourself trolling with crawler harnesses or diving crankbaits. It's all about finding that sweet spot where the fish are hanging out. When it comes to trout, especially those lake trout, downriggers are your best friend. You'll be dropping lines deep, where the big ones like to hide out in the cooler water. And for yellow perch? Get ready for some good old-fashioned bottom fishing. We're talking about dropping perch spreaders or crappie rigs baited with minnows or worms. Captain Matthew's got all the insider knowledge on where the fish are biting and what techniques are working best that day. He'll have you dialed in and catching fish in no time flat.
Let's break down the stars of the show – the fish you'll be targeting on this Lake Erie adventure. First up, we've got the walleye. These bad boys are the pride of Lake Erie, known for their tasty fillets and the fight they put up. They average around 2-3 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 10-pounder! Spring and fall are prime time for walleye, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look.
Next, we've got lake trout. These deep-water dwellers are a real treat to catch. They're typically in the 5-10 pound range, but monsters over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. Lake trout love the cold, so early spring and late fall are your best bets for hooking into these beauties. The fight they put up is something else – get ready for some serious action when you're reeling one in.
Last but not least, there's the yellow perch. Don't let their size fool you – what these little guys lack in heft, they make up for in numbers and taste. A good-sized perch is about a pound, but it's not uncommon to catch dozens in a day when they're really biting. Late summer and early fall is perch paradise on Lake Erie. There's nothing quite like pulling up a stringer full of these golden beauties. And let me tell you, they make for some of the best fish fries you'll ever have.
There's a reason Lake Erie is known as the "Walleye Capital of the World" – the fishing here is just that good. But it's not just about the fish. It's about the experience of being out on one of the Great Lakes, surrounded by nothing but water and sky. It's about the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line, not knowing if it's going to be a monster walleye or a scrappy perch. And let's not forget about the knowledge you'll gain. Captain Matthew's been fishing these waters for years, and he's always happy to share tips and tricks that'll up your fishing game. Whether you're looking to stock your freezer with some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around or just want to spend a day relaxing on the water, this trip delivers in spades.
Listen, if you're even thinking about a fishing trip on Lake Erie, this is the one you want. You've got a seasoned captain, all the gear you need, and some of the best fishing grounds in the Great Lakes right at your fingertips. Whether you're looking to land that trophy walleye you've always dreamed of or just want to fill a cooler with tasty perch, this trip's got you covered. And with only two spots available, you know you're in for a personalized experience that caters to exactly what you want out of your day on the water. So what are you waiting for? Grab a buddy, book your spot, and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you out on the lake!
Lake Erie's yellow perch are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These smaller members of the perch family typically run 7-8 inches, though monsters pushing 15 inches do show up. You'll find schools hanging around weed beds, docks, and other structure in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the perch move shallow. Light tackle and live bait like minnows or worms are your best bet. Perch put up a scrappy fight on ultralight gear, and their sweet, flaky meat makes for excellent fish fries. Pro tip: If you find one perch, there's likely more nearby. Once you locate a school, work the area thoroughly - you can often catch your limit quickly. Just remember to keep only what you'll eat, as these fish are an important food source for other species.
Lake trout are the true giants of Lake Erie, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. These deep-water predators prefer cold, well-oxygenated waters, so look for them suspended over basins 50-100 feet deep for most of the year. Early spring and late fall are prime times as lakers move shallower. Jigging or trolling with large minnow-imitating lures is the ticket. Lake trout fight like freight trains, making long, powerful runs. They're also excellent eating, with rich, orange flesh similar to salmon. Here's a local tip: In summer, try fishing the thermocline where warm surface water meets the cold depths. Drop your lure just above this layer and work it slowly - big lakers often cruise this temperature break looking for baitfish.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These olive-gold predators average 2-3 pounds but can top 10 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish, so focus on underwater humps, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-30 feet of water. Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk, making these prime times to hit the water. Spring and fall offer the best action as fish move shallow to spawn and feed. Trolling with crankbaits or drifting live bait rigs are go-to techniques. Walleye put up a good fight and are prized for their firm, white fillets. Local secret: On calm evenings, try casting suspending jerkbaits along rocky shorelines - the big ones often move shallow to hunt. Be patient working your bait with long pauses. When a walleye hits, it'll feel like the lure just got heavier.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yanmar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 270