Expert-Guided Lake Erie Fishing | H2oBoss Charters

Lake Erie Fishing Charter | 8 Hour Offshore Trip

Looking for serious walleye and perch action on Lake Erie? Captain John Ware and the H2oBoss Charters crew know exactly where the fish are biting. These 8-hour offshore adventures put you right in the heart of Lake Erie's hottest fishing zones, where walleye run thick and yellow perch school up in numbers that'll make your arms tired from reeling. You'll be fishing with a captain who's spent years learning every drop-off, structure, and seasonal pattern on this massive lake. Pack your cooler, grab your Ohio fishing license ahead of time, and get ready for some of the best freshwater fishing the Great Lakes has to offer.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early with Captain John and his experienced first mates who've been working these waters for years. The boat heads out to proven walleye and perch grounds where the fish stack up thick during prime feeding times. You'll be fishing in 30 to 60 feet of water most of the day, working the thermoclines and structure that hold the biggest concentrations of fish. The crew handles all the navigation and fish-finding while you focus on what you came for - putting fish in the box. With 8 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to move between spots if the bite slows down, and Captain John isn't shy about relocating when he knows the fish are elsewhere. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so you'll have room to spread out and fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines.

Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup

Most of your fishing will be trolling with planer boards and bottom bouncers rigged with spinner rigs and crawler harnesses - the bread and butter technique for Lake Erie walleye. The crew sets up all the gear and shows you exactly how to work the rods when fish hit. For perch, you'll often switch to vertical jigging with small jigs tipped with emerald shiners or crawlers when you find schools marked on the fish finder. The boat carries all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus a good selection of proven Lake Erie lures in the colors that work best for current conditions. Captain John watches the electronics constantly and adjusts depths and speeds based on what the fish are telling him. When you hook up, the first mate is right there with the net to make sure every fish makes it into the boat.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Wow! What a great trip. 2 day walleye fishing charter with Captain John and first mate Scott was perfect. First day was slow to start, the fish just weren't there. Caught a couple. We repositioned about 30 minutes to the east and BAM! Nonstop action. Limited out. Day number 2 we went back to same place. Caught fish all day long. Several big catfish also (Ky boys like em). Scott the first mate knew his stuff. We can't speak highly enough of this guy. Captain John and Scott are a great combination that in my opinion can't be topped. Trips like that are the ones that will never be forgotten. Thank you Justin, Tony, Brad, and Pops" - Tony

"Captain John and his first mate Rick were both great! They were patient with us and our boys throughout the trip and were fun to fish with as well! They got us on the fish and worked hard to get us to our limits! We couldn't be more happy and will definitely go out with them on our next Erie trip!!!" - Josh

"Great day of fishing!! Captain Ware and First Mate Scott were great to fish with!" - David

Species You'll Want to Hook

American Yellow Perch are the candy of Lake Erie - sweet eating and fun to catch in big numbers. These fish school up tight, especially during late summer and fall when they're feeding heavily before winter. Perch typically run 8 to 12 inches on average, with the jumbos pushing 13 to 14 inches and weighing close to a pound. They love structure like reefs, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15 to 40 feet of water. What makes perch fishing so addictive is that when you find them, you can catch dozens in a single spot. They hit small jigs, crawler pieces, and emerald shiners with aggressive strikes that you feel right away. The best perch action happens from August through October when they're fattening up and feeding all day long.

Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie and the main reason serious anglers make the trip here year after year. These golden beauties average 2 to 4 pounds, with plenty of 5 to 8 pounders mixed in and the occasional monster pushing double digits. Lake Erie walleye are famous for their clean, white fillets and incredible eating quality. They suspend over deep water structure and cruise the thermoclines following schools of baitfish like emerald shiners and gizzard shad. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, but summer fishing can be red-hot when you find them in the right depth zones. Walleye have soft mouths and fight with steady, head-shaking runs that test your drag settings. The thrill comes from the bite detection - feeling that subtle tick on the rod tip that signals a walleye has picked up your bait.

Time to Book Your Spot

Lake Erie fishing doesn't get much better than what Captain John and H2oBoss Charters deliver day after day. With 8 hours on the water, proven techniques, and a crew that knows how to put fish in the boat, this trip gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with walleye and perch fillets. The boat runs year-round when weather permits, but prime time is May through October when the fish are most active and accessible. Don't forget to grab your Ohio fishing license before you head to the dock - it's required for all anglers 16 and older. Whether you're a Lake Erie veteran or this is your first time fishing the big lake, Captain John's experience and local knowledge will put you on fish and show you why Lake Erie has earned its reputation as one of North America's top walleye fisheries.