Is the Western Basin of Lake Erie, Port Clinton or Sandusky a good area to start looking for a fishing charter? I would have to go in July or August. Is that a realy tuff time of year to get a big fish in that area? Just point me in the right direction and I will begin my research. It's a big lake, where do I start?


I have never been to Erie, and would like to combine this trip with a visit to Cedar Point in Sandusky. That way the whole family gets what they want.

Kurt, The times you are looking to fish are good times for numbers of fish but not many big fish.The larger fish will be more East of the area you are looking at.Email me for more info if needed.
Capt`n Dwayne
WalleyeWiz Guide Service

walleyewiz@sbcglobal.net

Kurt,
The better fishing, especially if size is any consideration is ordinarily off Lorain that time of year. There are plenty of charters in the area, but the good ones fill quickly.

My brother, Rich Stedke, runs a 32' Marinette, and he'd do you a nice job. His number is 419 228 6576, cell 419 234 3707. Call Denny Braun at Sportsman's Outpost,1 888 855 9032, if you'd like to have a reference.

If you could come in early July the Steelhead would probably still be in the area and you could do a 2 species trip. Great fun!!!

Best of luck with you charter hunt and the fishing.

Kurt,
Rich Stedke definitely runs a fine charter out of Lorain and knows the waters well.Another good bet is "REBEL QUEEN CHARTERS" out of Vermilion.Captain Bob Hanmer goes out of his way to provide a quality day of fishing.His number is 440-774-1692. Good Luck, Mike

This is good information! I am definatley looking for a big fish. I can catch plenty of 3 pounders in Canada. My son doesn't finish school until around the 1st week of June. If I went mid June, should I still look at the Vermilion/Lorain area?

Should be a good bet for that area even though it varies some from yr to yr."FREEBYRD"charters(330-283-2155 or "POLESETTER"(440-839-2244)are two other possibles.Den at the OUTPOST toll free888-855-9032 can help further.

Kurt,
Late June to Mid July would offer a decent chance at a few big (8#-10#+) walleye as well as a good chance at Steelhead. Many guys will be running from the Lorain area then as well as Vermillion. If you've never done Steelhead, a combo trip for Steelhead and Walleyes can be a great time. Average Steelhead last year was probably 6-8 pounds with plenty over 10#. All of the guys mentioned will show you a good time. If you are interested in more info you can email me and I'll give you my website to look at. I can also help with lodging at a condo that has a pool for the family to enjoy.
Another good guy not mentioned is Keith Unkepher - Pooh Bear 330-697-2381. As others have mentioned you'd be wise to call Denny Braun at the Sportsman's Outpost 888-855-9032 for referrals.
Steve Carlson
steve199132@yahoo.com

july /aug the hogs are east ,fairport to ashtabula ,check some east end charters , and if I can I"LL take you out .jim I"M not a charter but we fish for fun ,breakfast /boat ride /lunch/ and some fun . fish are a bonus

From what I've learned, If I can go in May, then go to the Western Basin. If I go June or later start heading toward the Central Basin. I will keep these references and contact them when I know better the time of year I can go.
Does anyone have any opinions on the quality of a 2 or 4 person charter just my son and I and maybe a couple other quest. Verses a party type charter with lots of client. Cost and success would seem to be the two biggest factors.

Kurt, I took a trip with Capt`n Dwayne last year.I would highly recommend him.He does all 1-4 man trips at a great price and catches fish.The best thing about him is that he trailors his boat to where the fish are.No long boat rides means more fishing time.I have already booked 2 trips for this year with him for my son and I.
Good Luck
Tim

The best way would be to call some of the charter captains mentioned above, and tell them what you are looking for, and the price for the number that you want to fish with. give me a call and i can tell you more. all of the ones mentioned above will do you a good service, and are reputable captains. call me at 1-888-855-9032, and i can answer any questions that you may have. good luck and good fishin.
Den

Kurt, like everyone else is saying, July/August is not the best time to catch a big fish. But Lake Erie is probably the most likely place to find one. My boys and I fish the far western basin just north of Monroe, MI through the month of July. We usually don't have a problem catching our limit, but rarely see anything over 5# after the middle of June. If you don't mind driving from Sandusky (1-1/2 hrs)we might be able to take you on a "2nd class" fishing trip. You wouldn't need to anything but a cooler to bring back fish - and buy a Michigan license. We have been looking for someone to take us Tuna fishing. Any chance you live where the Tuna roam? Also there is great Steelhead fishing in Lake Michigan in July/August we have a smaller boat in Muskegon for salmon/steelhead fishing. E-mail me at my hotmail address if you are interested. ewbigrick@hotmail.com

Kurt,
Here is FreeByrd's web site http://www.freebirdsportfishing.com/ .
I would recamend talking to Steve about staying in a condo and fishing aboard FreeByrd. good luck,
Jess