Good Lake Erie Charter Attributes

[ARReflections]

Greetings,
I plan on doing a charter with the family sometime in late March - early May. What are some key things to look for or ask about in finding a good charter. Since there are so many it is hard to pick one. I am not asking for a charter company as I know I could get swamped with a lot of replies rather I am asking, again, what should I be asking when I call up a charter.

I went last year and the company I picked was okay but then again, you don't know okay unless you know what all is available from other charters. This particular charter I used employed several boats to locate walleye and the price included 1 night lodging (trailer home), bait, rod/reel. Cleaning catch was extra $ but seems to be par for the course.

Any help would be appreciated as I would like to take my father-in-law on a good fishing trip before he starts chemo :( .

[killingtime]

ask them if they mainly troll or drift fish, does the price include fish cleaning, do they quit fishing after 8 hrs or will they give you a little more time if your close to your limit, is the 8 hrs dock to dock or actual fishing time and so on. your spending the money so dont be afraid to ask any question. good luck.

[Jim Stedke]

Things to ask about, toiler facilities (if females are involved), captain's preferred methods, bad weather - what happens, type and size of the boat, time that the boat leaves the dock, etc. If you have special wants or needs make them known. The less you leave to chance the better you chances of having a good trip.

[hearttxp]

Greetings,
I plan on doing a charter with the family sometime in late March - early May. What are some key things to look for or ask about in finding a good charter. Since there are so many it is hard to pick one. I am not asking for a charter company as I know I could get swamped with a lot of replies rather I am asking, again, what should I be asking when I call up a charter.

I went last year and the company I picked was okay but then again, you don't know okay unless you know what all is available from other charters. This particular charter I used employed several boats to locate walleye and the price included 1 night lodging (trailer home), bait, rod/reel. Cleaning catch was extra $ but seems to be par for the course.

Any help would be appreciated as I would like to take my father-in-law on a good fishing trip before he starts chemo :( .

Please Ask away thru PM's would be glad to awnser all ??
Fish cleaning is now Included in all my Walleye Trips !

[Hetfieldinn]

Ask if the trip is done the minute your limit is caught, or if the captain allows you to fish longer and catch and release.

I'm sure some don't mind getting their limit and calling it quits. But, when the fishing is fast and furious, a limit for three to five people can be caught rather quickly. If you planned on fishing all day, and the captain tells you to wind it up at 9 a.m. because you caught your limit and you didn't know before hand that that's how he rolls, you might have a WWF situation on your hands.

[bocajemma]

to me, after you find out all the basics and make sure that they will do the style of fishing you want it's all about personality. I haven't been on a charter for about 15 years now, but the last time I was on a charter it wasn't the most enjoyable experience. We limited out, but the captain was a grumpy SOB. Was talking to him prior to us heading out on the lake and was asking where the plan was to go that day. His response was "west". Having fished the lake for 15 years prior to that I was looking for a little more than just the direction. I responded "west, that's a direction, what do you mean,,,west?". Apparently that set him off to the point he tried to get me put on the other charter boat (we had two boats going out). That set the tone for the day. I out fished that grumpy SOB nearly 2 to 1 casting so he backed off a little, but the day had already started off on a bad note. You have plenty of time befor your trip, so I would plan on meeting up with a few charter captains you narrow it down to and meet them face to face. You don't want to get stuck with a grumpy SOB on a boat for 8 hours. From the posts that i have read, I would put Captain Mike with eye-keeper charters high on the list as a prospect as well as many other charter captains advertising on this site. Many professional, friendly charter captains on this site.

[ARReflections]

to me, after you find out all the basics and make sure that they will do the style of fishing you want it's all about personality. I haven't been on a charter for about 15 years now, but the last time I was on a charter it wasn't the most enjoyable experience. We limited out, but the captain was a grumpy SOB. Was talking to him prior to us heading out on the lake and was asking where the plan was to go that day. His response was "west". Having fished the lake for 15 years prior to that I was looking for a little more than just the direction. I responded "west, that's a direction, what do you mean,,,west?". Apparently that set him off to the point he tried to get me put on the other charter boat (we had two boats going out). That set the tone for the day. I out fished that grumpy SOB nearly 2 to 1 casting so he backed off a little, but the day had already started off on a bad note. You have plenty of time befor your trip, so I would plan on meeting up with a few charter captains you narrow it down to and meet them face to face. You don't want to get stuck with a grumpy SOB on a boat for 8 hours. From the posts that i have read, I would put Captain Mike with eye-keeper charters high on the list as a prospect as well as many other charter captains advertising on this site. Many professional, friendly charter captains on this site.


Thanks for the responses! After reading around some, here is what I think makes for a good time. Seems like 8 hours is the standard. Now whether that is from dock to dock is another matter or 8 hours pure fishing out on the water. The 8 hour or till limit bites, so those charters are out. Unless the time is pro-rated but I rather like the charters that advertise they will try to fish for other species if the walleyes reach limit. Providing tackle, rod and reel is also a nice amenity.

I would agree with finding a personable captain. While they don't have to be my best friend, a grump is just simply in the wrong business. The last time I went, I got a Capt Dan. his name was very appropriate if one remembers Forrest Gump and that Capt Dan. We had 6 in our group and 1 of the members was a very inquisitive kid. Let's say Capt Dan was not too happy but it provided us entertainment on what would have been a rather sour time. So in short, a old sea captain is an extra horrible time if the fish are not biting.

[BFG]

I think there are several things that need mentioned when considering a fishing charter:

1. Cost. Cheapest is definitely not the best, nor is the most expensive the best either. Do your homework. Look at their websites. If they don't have one, call them up and talk to them on the phone. You can learn an awful lot about a captain in a couple minutes. If he seems genuinely interested in your business, he will do what he can to secure it. If he treats you like a tire-kicker, then walk away. If he runs down other captains, then run away. Asking at baits shops for recommendations can be helpful, but you have to remember that these folks work together (as they should) with the captains to generate business.

2. Vessel size compared to your party size. How big is your group? Does anyone have a physical restriction? What is the policy should someone in your group get sea-sick? Does the captain "party fish" his groups? Meaning, if you only have 3 in your group but he can take 6, will he put 3 strangers on board with you to fill the boat?

3. Can you bring kids? Some captains do not enjoy having young children on board. I can totally understand why, as it has to be difficult enough to manage the situation let alone having to worry about a little kid on board.

4. Total fishing time. If they advertise "8 hours fishing" make sure that is exactly what it means. If you go on a charter out of Meinkes in July, your dock to fishing time may be an hour or more. This will most definitely cut into your fishing time if your trip is dock to dock. Do you go in when you've reached your limit or will you continue fishing? This is a BIG ISSUE for many, and I can most definitely see both sides of the coin. Get this out of the way FIRST AND FOREMOST and hope that you get into 'em so good that this problem comes up! :D

5. Cancellation policy. While most of the charters I have been on have a 100% return cancellation policy, I would make sure up front that if the weather is bad, you can get your deposit back. Most captains will do everything that they can to re-book you, but make sure that you have the opportunity to get your deposit back should you decide to cancel the trip altogether. Find out what type of weather that the captain will fish. If he says he'll fish 4-6's if he has to for you, then the ball is in your court. If it's 4-6's and you go out and everyone in your group throws up, well then you just paid for an upset stomach, no fish, and an empty wallet.

6. Reality checks. The captain cannot make the fish bite. He does this for money, so in theory he does know something about how to catch fish. He doesn't need to be told "My cousin Larry just hammered 'em yesterday over by B-can..." Its his boat, his rules, and his way. If you don't like that, so be it. BUT...if folks are willing to take some direction, ask questions that don't require an answer that divulges the deepest, darkest fishing locations and secrets, and in general show respect for the captain..all should be fine.

7. Tips. Tip like you would anywhere else in the world. If you feel that your trip warranted a tip to the captain, then do so..remembering what I said in #6. I've tipped captains before on trips where we didn't catch a thing. But I had a great time, and that was what I was after.


Best of luck. 99.9999% of charter captains are really great folks. Hope ya' find a good one.

[ReelTimeWes]

I think every charter is going to provide all tackle and bait. That's pretty standard.

[Seahorse]

call Craig at erie outfitters, he is a very reputable source, he is the guy we all go to when we have a question. Hopefully he will sent you to Y-KNOT CHARTERS, he is a real pro in every way.

[COmmodore 64]

The good ones only wear sleeveless T's.

[WiseEyes]

Captain Mike is from eye-keepers is a good guy. He is personable and easy to talk to. Had a good time with him last year even though the weather was terrible

[cramerk]

Also it is worth asking how long they have been doing it and are they a full time captain. I know many people who have charter licenses but have no clue as to what the fish are doing or where to go and they rely completely on where "everyone" else is fishing and do not know where to go when the expected bite doesnt happen.... I always used to have a blast with LEGACY Charters!!!!

[Team Pursuit]

The good ones only wear sleeveless T's.

lol, and have a endless supply of great 1 liners

[BlueMax]

I think you guys are missing one critical attribute. The captain , or first mate, should closely resemble Jenny McCarthy. It's your money might as well get your moneys worth.
Now wouldn't that be a great business plan!

[AC_ESS]

There are a lot of good charter boats some offer condos and entertainment for you and others just get you your fish. Just call around and ask a lot of the questions that people suggested on here. and go with your gut. There are a few charters I would suggest but it would be biased as they are friends.

[CarpetBagger]

You could be the nicest guy in the world...Most of the people I go with are worried about 1 thing...Catching Fish! If the coolers get full generally everyone is gonna be in a good mood regaurdless....

Funny you should mention Jenny McCarthy...My original business plan was to be Bikini Charters...lol

[wanderin_eyes]

You could be the nicest guy in the world...Most of the people I go with are worried about 1 thing...Catching Fish! If the coolers get full generally everyone is gonna be in a good mood regaurdless....

Funny you should mention Jenny McCarthy...My original business plan was to be Bikini Charters...lol

Jeff,
Not sure how you would look in a bikini. I'd don't want to know either. you made the right choice with fishing charter. :D:p

[hearttxp]

Captain Mike is from eye-keepers is a good guy. He is personable and easy to talk to. Had a good time with him last year even though the weather was terrible

Hey Thanks !! And yes Cant plan the weather-- Along with will The fish Bite that Day ??? Still have a few weekend dates open for those looking ?

[CarpetBagger]

LoL I figured that comment was on its way Steve....

I was actually thinking bout hiring a few of my lady friends from college...lol Not sure how that would work though now since im not a single fella...lol

[B Thomas]

If people have ever been fishing in thier lives they will understand that bad days happen and limits arent automatic. If the crew sees you are doing everything in your power to get them on a bite they should and will understand. Ive only chartered 3 years and never had anybody complain if the fishing is horrible, if you show guys a good time out there and do your best most will realize that. Ive had less appreciation shown from fast action days than I have on horrible ones at times....If you have a captain that cares about your day and works hard for you then I think thats A#1

[CarpetBagger]

I witnessed a capt 2 years ago at Fenwick getting crap from his guests after they limited out jigging the reefs...Their complaint was the size of the fish...they ended up leaving the capt with the fish and not paying for the trip...I thought it was a bit odd...

[B Thomas]

wow that is goofy

[Jigging Jim]

I witnessed a capt 2 years ago at Fenwick getting crap from his guests after they limited out jigging the reefs...Their complaint was the size of the fish...they ended up leaving the capt with the fish and not paying for the trip...I thought it was a bit odd...
I bet that they were never planning on paying. What a Con Job!

[Iraqvet]

I witnessed a capt 2 years ago at Fenwick getting crap from his guests after they limited out jigging the reefs...Their complaint was the size of the fish...they ended up leaving the capt with the fish and not paying for the trip...I thought it was a bit odd...

People like that are nuts..I would have been happy to limit..The last charter I went on got us seven..But they were all 9 pound+ hawgs..The downsides were the planer board line snapped three different times and we lost about 45 minutes of fishing to that,which is alot on a half day charter...On top of that the first mate had the nastiest attitude..I talked about my grandpa catching coho and chinook in the early and mid 80's..The guy said they were never in this part of the lake..Well,when my buddie pulled his I-phone out and proved him wrong,he got pretty upset...We made the decision on the dock not to tip..arreflections,if I were you I would pick one of the guys on this site and start there...They all seem like stand up,knowledgable guys..

[B Thomas]

I witnessed a capt 2 years ago at Fenwick getting crap from his guests after they limited out jigging the reefs...Their complaint was the size of the fish...they ended up leaving the capt with the fish and not paying for the trip...I thought it was a bit odd...

I wonder in a situation like that if some type of theft charges would apply??

[MY BONNIE]

Tom, I have been first mate for a very long time and have owned my own charter for the last couple years. If you are not a people person this is not the job for you. I have customers walk away from the boat with out even the hint of a tip after some to the best days I have ever had. I have also recieved great tips after days that I wanted to sell the boat and take up golf. At the end of the day, I feel good knowing I gave 100%. Your right, most people are happy with a clean boat, good equipment, a friendly captain, and some place for them to hang out if you do limit out early. I found haveing a grill and cook out area is just the ticket for that early ticket. I get the fish taken care of and they still get to spend time together by the water. Its their day.

If people have ever been fishing in thier lives they will understand that bad days happen and limits arent automatic. If the crew sees you are doing everything in your power to get them on a bite they should and will understand. Ive only chartered 3 years and never had anybody complain if the fishing is horrible, if you show guys a good time out there and do your best most will realize that. Ive had less appreciation shown from fast action days than I have on horrible ones at times....If you have a captain that cares about your day and works hard for you then I think thats A#1

[CarpetBagger]

I guess this brings up another point...A good Charter Capt takes pride in his vessel, electronics, and fishing equipment...

Im not saying he needs a million dollar boat, but he maintains his vessel, and has above average fishing equipment and everything is in good working order...Nothing worse than malfunction caused by preventive maintenance...

People like that are nuts..I would have been happy to limit..The last charter I went on got us seven..But they were all 9 pound+ hawgs..The downsides were the planer board line snapped three different times and we lost about 45 minutes of fishing to that,which is alot on a half day charter...On top of that the first mate had the nastiest attitude..I talked about my grandpa catching coho and chinook in the early and mid 80's..The guy said they were never in this part of the lake..Well,when my buddie pulled his I-phone out and proved him wrong,he got pretty upset...We made the decision on the dock not to tip..arreflections,if I were you I would pick one of the guys on this site and start there...They all seem like stand up,knowledgable guys..

[Iraqvet]

Carpet I have no planer board experience..He was using these monster size boards and running 4 fishing lines off each one...He was using the plastic weed eater line..He said that was the norm??..Everything else was up to par on the boat though..I was very envious of it to be honest lol..Without the planer board and first mate problems,it would have been a great day..

[AC_ESS]

I wonder in a situation like that if some type of theft charges would apply??

Theft of services

[Reel Thrill]

ARReflections,

Sorry to hear about your father-in-law. I wish you and him the best and hopefully things go well.... LIVESTRONG!!!!!

Sounds like he has a good son-in-law, so as you prepare this trip for him here's a list of things to ask or think about.

Your trip will be early so dress well. Temps on the lake are easily 10-15 degrees colder and thats without the wind.

At that time you may be jigging the reefs or may be trolling the flats. Ask a captain his style. There are captains that do both well, or are experts at one or the other. This site has great captains that can cruise the reefs or are big water long liners.

Your Dads physical ability may help you choose the style. If you think a full day of casting/jigging is too much you may want to troll or break up the day and do both.

Consider the boat, again physical ability is a concern and the size of the crew/charter. There are guys that specialize in smaller two-three man trips and run 18-21 foot boats with a big power plant clamped to the transom. I know a few of these guys and show a great tournament style day on the water. These guys can give you the feel of fishing the BassMaster Classic with KVD. Big boat captains offer more ammenities (hardtop, cabin, more room, enclosed head) and offer a more gentle ride when the going gets rough. Typically these captains will take up to six crew members standard. A lot of folks say a big boat charter gives them the feel of a "deep sea" fishing experience.

As others have already said the guys on the site are great captains.
Sometimes a call will key you in on his personality and if it works for you.

A good captain catches a lot fish, a better captain gives 110% when he is not catching a lot, and the best know a charter is about having a good time and catching is not the only part of that. The best of the best makes you feel at home on the boat and gives you a day to remember.

Best regards,

Capt. Tony Sambunjak
www.reelthrillcharters.net

PS I would love to have you and your Dad on the ReelThrill but will not be starting that early, other capatains here can get a trip that can fit your needs. Good Luck!

[CarpetBagger]

My planer line is 500lb test braided spectra...Hard to cut with a knife let alone have it break...lol

$hit happens out there...Being able to adapt and overcome is the name of the game...I run a kicker most days, but should it konk out i have bags to deploy for the big engine...Plenty of rods in case of malfunction, fuses, parts, tools, and everything I could possibly need in case a situation comes about...

I am over prepared...I never cheap out on a part or anything I will run 20miles to the fish if thats what I gota do...I know lots of guys who struggle simply because they dont wana make the runs and buy the gas...They'd rather run half as far and struggle than make a run and punch out. I cant even tell you the runs I made from Conneaut west of Geneva last year...Paid off every time...

This is my passion...my obsession...I go to catch fish every single trip, plain and simple...No Bull$hit...Dont matter whose on board, I can guarantee Im going for broke every trip...and I love every second of it...

The name of the game is once you let chartering overcome your love for fishing, you might as well quit...When these guys start getting attitudes about losing fish and finishing you out fast so they can get a faster pay day, or spend their whole day telling their clients how expensive gas is (I ALWAYS HATED TO HEAR THAT!), thats where the BS happens...The guys whose boats never leave the dock unless they are getting paid...stupid...

Carpet I have no planer board experience..He was using these monster size boards and running 4 fishing lines off each one...He was using the plastic weed eater line..He said that was the norm??..Everything else was up to par on the boat though..I was very envious of it to be honest lol..Without the planer board and first mate problems,it would have been a great day..

[Bobinstow90]

Forgive my candor and prejudices.

People do business (buy charter services)...... with people they like, trust, and are comfortable with.


After evaluating the usual stuff

........spend a few minutes on the phone with THE captain who would run YOUR trip.



Good luck.......be safe out there.

[ARReflections]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Good stuff! To the charter captains on the board, if the fish are really biting and you limit out early, why not fish for other species until the 7or 8 hour time frame is up?

Also, is using the planar board popular? Seems like that would be one of the least fun methods of fishing. I assume that is trolling for fish right?

Finally, due to my father-in-laws treatments beginning in April to the beginning of May, would March generally produce better results or later months?

Thanks!

[litg8r]

Someone is who timely and not too lazy or cheap to move to find fish