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Top-Rated Lake Erie Private Fishing Charters

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Erie
  • $400 - $700 price range

Summary

Ready for some top-notch Lake Erie fishing? Join Captain Matthew on a private charter designed for pairs. You've got options: a 6-hour afternoon trip kicking off at 4 PM, or an early bird 7-hour morning run starting at 5 AM. It's just you and a buddy out there, perfect for a focused day on the water. No need to lug your own gear - the captain's got you covered with rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and lures. You'll be targeting Walleye, Trout, and Yellow Perch in the rich waters of Lake Erie. The best part? When you land those fish, Captain Matthew handles the cleaning, so you can keep your mind on the action. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers a great mix of expert guidance and prime fishing spots. Lake Erie's natural beauty is the backdrop for a day of casting lines, swapping stories, and hopefully, reeling in some impressive catches. It's a chance to unplug, tune into nature, and experience the thrill of the bite in one of the Great Lakes' best fishing grounds.
Top-Rated Lake Erie Private Fishing Charters

Lake Erie Catches

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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 Ultimate Private Fishing Charter

Ready to hit the big water for some serious angling action? Dog's Life Sport Fishing has you covered with their top-notch Lake Erie charter. This isn't your average day out – we're talking about a private trip tailored for pairs who want to maximize their time on the lake without the crowds. Whether you're an early bird looking to chase the dawn bite or prefer an afternoon adventure, Captain Matthew's got options that'll fit your style. Strap in for 6 to 7 hours of pure fishing bliss, targeting the legendary walleye, trout, and yellow perch that call these waters home.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel the difference a private charter makes. With just you and a buddy (or your better half), there's plenty of elbow room to work those rods. Captain Matthew's decades of experience mean you're in for a day of non-stop action. He knows every honey hole and secret spot where the big ones lurk. No need to lug your tackle box – the captain's got all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to the hottest lures and freshest live bait. And when the day's done? Captain Matthew will clean your catch, so you can start dreaming about that fish fry before you even hit the dock.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Erie's fishing scene is on fire right now, and Dog's Life Sport Fishing is right in the thick of it. Trolling is the name of the game here, and boy, does it produce results. You'll be setting lines with a mix of crankbaits, spoons, and maybe even some crawler harnesses if the walleye are feeling picky. The captain's boat is rigged with downriggers and planer boards to cover all depths where fish might be hanging. Keep an eye on those rod tips – when they start bouncing, it's game on! And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing. Captain Matthew's got the patience of a saint and will have you reeling in lunkers like a pro in no time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Great trip! Captain Matt and Mate Billy were excellent guides. They knew exactly where to go and were able to keep us busy pulling in fish for both days. They were fun, helpful, and were outstanding at cleaning the fish afterwards. Don't miss a chance to go with these guys!" - Kirk

"Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene on Lake Erie was an absolute blast! Captain Matt's knowledge of the lake and his dedication to making sure everyone had a great time made for an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day of fishing!" - Sarah

"Highly recommend Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew at the helm! Matt's professionalism and enthusiasm for fishing are unmatched. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to book another trip with them!" - George

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: The crown jewel of Lake Erie, walleye are the fish that dreams are made of. These golden-eyed predators can grow to trophy sizes, with 10-pounders not uncommon. They're known for their hard fights and even better eating. Spring and fall are prime times to target these beauties, but Captain Matthew knows how to find them year-round. When that rod doubles over with a big 'eye, you'll understand why anglers come from all over to tangle with these lake monsters.

Lake Trout: For those who like a challenge, lake trout offer a true test of skill. These deep-dwelling bruisers can tip the scales at over 20 pounds and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They're a bit trickier to locate, often hanging in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake. But when you hook into one, hold on tight! The acrobatic leaps and powerful runs of a lake trout will have you grinning from ear to ear. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating if you're into smoked fish.

Yellow Perch: Don't let their size fool you – yellow perch pack a punch in both fight and flavor. These feisty little guys travel in schools, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. They're perfect for anglers of all skill levels, and kids especially love reeling them in. The best part? A mess of perch makes for one heck of a fish fry. Light, flaky, and oh-so-tasty, you'll be dreaming of that perch dinner long after your trip is over.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, folks, Lake Erie isn't called the Walleye Capital of the World for nothing. And with Dog's Life Sport Fishing, you're getting the VIP treatment on these world-class waters. Captain Matthew's got the know-how, the gear, and the attitude to make sure your day on the lake is one for the books. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of big-water fishing, this is the charter for you. Don't let another season slip by – those fish aren't going to catch themselves! Give Dog's Life Sport Fishing a call and get ready for the Lake Erie adventure of a lifetime. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that monster walleye or limit of jumbo perch. Book now and let's make some waves!

Customer Reviews

Fishin Frenzy Fun

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Great trip! Captain Matt and Mate Billy were excellent guides. They knew exactly where to go and were able to keep us busy pulling in fish for both days. They were fun, helpful, and were outstanding at cleaning the fish afterwards. Don't miss a chance to go with these guys!

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KW
Kirk Weber

June 9, 2025

Epic Erie Adventure

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Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene on Lake Erie was an absolute blast! Captain Matt's knowledge of the lake and his dedication to making sure everyone had a great time made for an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day of fishing!

Read More
SK
Sarah K

April 13, 2023

Reel Thrills Await

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Highly recommend Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew at the helm! Matt's professionalism and enthusiasm for fishing are unmatched. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to book another trip with them!

GW
George W

August 16, 2023

Hooked on Fun

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What an outstanding day of fishing with Dog's Life Sport Fishing and Captain Matthew! Matt's expertise and friendly demeanor created a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend booking with them for an unforgettable adventure!

MT
Mark T

June 15, 2023

Catch of a Lifetime

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Captain Matthew and Dog's Life Sport Fishing provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Matt's professionalism and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!

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MT
Matte T

March 16, 2023

Lake Erie Magic

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An unforgettable day of fishing with Dog's Life Sport Fishing and Captain Matthew! Matt's knowledge of Lake Erie and his commitment to customer satisfaction ensured a memorable trip for everyone on board. Highly recommended!

WM
Wilson M

July 13, 2023

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, usually weighing 15-40 pounds and stretching 24-36 inches long. These cold-water fish like to hang out deep in Lake Erie, especially during summer when they're looking for cooler temps. Your best shot at catching one is during low light or overcast days - they're not big fans of bright sun. We typically target them by jigging in deep water. Try using lures that mimic wounded baitfish, like Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastic swimbaits on jig heads. The fight with a big laker is something else - they put up a real struggle coming up from the depths. Spring right after ice-out can be prime time, as they'll be in shallower water then. One local trick: troll deep-diving crankbaits if you spot them higher in the water column. Lake trout make for some tasty eating too, so they're popular for both the thrill of the catch and a good meal after.

American Yellow Perch

Lake Trout

Yellow perch might be on the smaller side, typically 7-8 inches and a couple pounds, but they're a blast to catch. You'll find schools of them in Lake Erie's shallower, weedy areas, especially near docks or other structures. Spring is prime time when they move closer to shore to spawn. These little guys are active year-round though, even biting through the ice in winter. They're not picky eaters, so small minnows, worms, or insects on light tackle will do the trick. Perch fishing is perfect for all skill levels - even kids can get in on the action. The real treat comes after the catch. Yellow perch are absolutely delicious, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Local tip: if you find one, you've likely found a whole school. Drop your line right back down and you might fill your cooler in no time. It's all about finding that sweet spot where they're biting.

Lake Trout

Walleye

Walleye are a Lake Erie staple, growing up to 30 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them hanging around sand, rock, or gravel bottoms, often using weeds or timber for cover during the day. These fish have amazing low-light vision, so evening fishing is your best bet. They move to shallower waters at night to feed, which is when we strike. Live bait is king - minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches work great. Try slow-trolling a live bait rig along the bottom for best results. Walleye put up a good fight, but the real draw is their taste. They're known for sweet, mild flesh that's a local delicacy. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are around 70°F. Here's a pro tip: focus on fishing break lines and deep weed edges. Once you find a school, you're in for some action. Walleye fishing takes some patience, but landing a big one is worth the wait.

Walleye
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Hook Big Fish on Lake Erie!

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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