Ready to put your angling skills to the test on Lake Erie? This 6-hour morning charter with Captain Rich Strunkenburg is tailor-made for serious fishermen looking to land some monster walleye and tasty yellow perch. You'll be hitting proven honey holes where the big ones lurk, with plenty of elbow room for four anglers to work their magic. It's time to dust off those lucky lures and get ready for a day of rod-bending action on Erie's fertile waters.
As soon as you step aboard Captain Rich's well-equipped fishing machine, you'll know you're in for a real treat. This ain't no pleasure cruise - we're here to put fish in the cooler. The captain will get you dialed in on the hottest bites, whether that means trolling for suspended walleye or dropping lines over structure for schools of jumbo perch. With four seasoned anglers working the deck, expect a steady parade of fish coming over the rails. Just remember to pace yourself, 'cause we've got six solid hours to fill those stringers.
Lake Erie's western basin is world-famous for its walleye fishing, and for good reason. We're talking about consistent 5-8 pounders, with a real shot at hooking into a genuine Erie hawg pushing double digits. When it comes to perch, think quality over quantity. A good day might see 30-50 jumbos in the 10-13 inch range hit the deck. Captain Rich knows all the tricks - from finding bait balls on the fish finder to dialing in the perfect trolling speed. He'll have you on fish faster than you can say "Fish on!"
There's something special about fishing Lake Erie that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big walleye in open water, or the satisfaction of filling a bucket with premium perch fillets. Or could be it's swapping stories over coffee as the sun creeps over the horizon. Whatever draws you here, one thing's for sure - a day on the lake with Captain Rich is time well spent. You'll leave with new tricks up your sleeve, a cooler full of fish, and that itch to get back out as soon as possible.
Walleye: The undisputed king of Lake Erie, walleye are the bread and butter of our charter fishing scene. These golden-eyed predators average 3-5 pounds but regularly top 8-10 pounds in Erie's fertile waters. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around underwater humps, drop-offs, and weed edges. In the spring and fall, we often find them in shallower water, while summer sees them suspending over deeper basins. Walleye put up a great fight on light tackle and make for some of the best fish fries you'll ever have.
Yellow Perch: Don't let their smaller size fool you - yellow perch are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fighters in the lake. These tasty panfish school up in huge numbers, often hovering near the bottom in 20-40 feet of water. When you find a school of jumbos, it's not uncommon to limit out in short order. The average size runs 8-10 inches, but Erie is famous for its "jumbo" perch pushing 12-14 inches. Their sweet, flaky white meat is prized by locals and visitors alike - there's nothing quite like a Lake Erie perch dinner.
Listen up, anglers - if you're itching for some serious Lake Erie action, this is the trip for you. Captain Rich knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're after trophy walleye or a mess of jumbo perch, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. So don't wait around - grab your fishing buddies and lock in your date now. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. Let's get out there and make some memories!
Lake Erie's yellow perch are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These golden-hued fish typically run 7-10 inches long, but you might land a chunky 2-pounder if you're lucky. They hang out in schools near vegetation, docks, and other structures, often in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime perch seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love targeting perch for their aggressive bite and delicious, flaky white meat. To up your odds, try fishing with small minnows or pieces of nightcrawler on a light spinning setup. Drop your bait right to the bottom, then slowly lift and drop it – that often triggers a strike. When you find one perch, there's usually more nearby, so get ready for some fast action once they start biting.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These sleek predators can grow over 30 inches and top 20 pounds, though most keepers run 15-25 inches. They're deep-water prowlers, hanging out near drop-offs and rock piles during the day. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times when they move shallow to hunt. Spring and fall offer the best action, but summer nights can be hot too. Anglers prize walleye for their hard-fighting spirit and outstanding table fare – mild, flaky, and perfect for a fish fry. To hook into one, try trolling crankbaits along underwater ledges or jigging minnows near the bottom. Here's a local tip: on calm summer nights, cast shallow-running stickbaits parallel to rocky shorelines. The big girls often cruise in close to feed, and that's when you can stick a true trophy.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 454