The FAQ’s About Choosing A
Lake Erie Charter Boat
Q. How do I book a fishing trip?
A. Booking a fishing trip is easy. Simply contact our office by phone or e-mail for currently available fishing dates. There are no high-pressure sales people here! However; we encourage you to initiate contact as soon as possible to secure your preferred date(s). Certain times of the year are more popular than others, and those dates fill quickly. Once we have established a time that works for you and your party, you will need to submit a deposit of $100.00 per day reserved. You may simply pay by credit card over the phone or mail a check or money order. We must receive your deposit within 10 days after the reservation is made to assure your date(s). For more detailed information view our web page How to book a Fishing Trip.
Q. What should I bring along on my fishing trip?
A. There’s not a much you will need t bring with you on the boat. View our web page on What to Bring all questions on what you should and shouldn’t bring along with you are answered there.
Q. Why should I use a professional charter?
A. Fishing with a pro is your guarantee of a safe, successful outing. They know the area, fish regularly and work with other captains. Being in the right places at the right time is a very important part of fishing. Pros have a large investment in the latest tackle and fish locating equipment coupled with years of experience. A Guides knowledge about fish locations, tackle to use, and techniques to employ increases the probability of catching fish. Even knowledgeable fisherman new to the area can learn a great deal by taking a charter.
Q. How many persons can I bring along?
A. In compliance with the Coast Guard Regulations we may carry a MAXIMUM of six (6) passengers & we are Licensed & Insured properly for that amount only.
Q. What if I have never fished before?
A. No problem! Although the fish we catch can be pretty big, the equipment I use on board the Tommy C is sturdy and easy to use. You’ll receive plenty of instructions on how to use the equipment and tips on fighting the fish, and feel free to ask questions…. I want you to get as much out of your trip as you do!
Q. Can I bring beer or alcohol on the boat?
A. Yes Beer & Wine etc. is allowed however we prefer cans to bottles because of the possibility of breakage on the boat. This is provided you are old enough to bring them along. Absolutely no illegal substances of any kind are allowed on the boat.
Please note: You CAN NOT consume alcohol beverages
while on the water in Canada
Q. Do I need to bring along any fishing equipment?
A. No, all fishing equipment including Rods, Reels & Terminal Tackle are provided at no extra cost on board the boat. We carry only the finest equipment available & are well stocked. However if you have a favorite rod and reel (“Ol Lucky”) that you would like to bring along that will be fine. Our equipment is onboard for your convenience.
Please note: Customers are responsible for lost or
broken rods and reels
Q. Is there any age limit for bringing along my kids?
A. My best advice is that children under 5 years old may not enjoy the trip & might make it difficult for others also. Children under 10yrs should be accompanied by an adult one on one to get the most out of the trip. Life jackets are on board for adults & children.
Q. Is a fishing license required?
A. All persons age 16 or older are required to have a fishing license. A “all species” resident or non-resident one day or annual fishing license can be purchase at area tackle stores and bait shops or you may purchase a license on line from our web site. (See icon for Fishing License) If you already have a state of Ohio fishing license, bring it. If we are fishing in Canadian waters (consult the captain, primary fall bass and walleye anglers) a non-resident Canadian license can be purchased from our web site or at our marina office the day of your charter or prior to.
Q. Who can enjoy a charter?
A. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and loves to share an adventure with friends or family. A single person, a family with children or just a bunch of friends out for a good time. Many corporations charter sport fishing boats to take their clients out and show them a good time away from the “office atmosphere.” Large groups can charter several boats and arrange there own mini tournament. The boats are limited to a maximum of 6 passengers.
Q. Are charter boats licensed?
A. Not all boats offering to take you fishing are licensed charter boats. My boat and boats I use when I have multiple boat trips are all licensed and state inspected to carry six (6) passengers. Myself and the other captains are all licensed by the US Coast Guard. All have the proper safety equipment aboard to ensure a safe and enjoyable sportfishing outing.
Q. What if I have a mobility Handicap or wish to bring handicapped person(s) along?
A. We are handicap accessible but somewhat limited in the aspect that we do not have wheel chair restraints or tie downs. We gladly welcome any handicapped individuals restrained to wheelchairs or otherwise that have the ability to sit or be placed in deck chairs, which are very comfortable. Unfortunately due to space we are limited to 2) individuals per group that has no walking mobility. NOTE: Charters for yellow perch is ideal for those who require continues sitting.
Q. Is there some place where I can clean my fish or have them cleaned?
A. Places that permit fish cleaning around the area are very limited. There are commercial fish cleaners located at our marina, there rates are reasonably priced especially if the fee is divided between the group. See our web page on Fish Cleaning for more information.
Q. Will fishing with a professional guide service increase the odds of catching fish?
A. Yes, a guide’s knowledge about fish locations, tackle to use, and techniques to employ increases the probability of catching fish. Even knowledgeable fisherman new to the area can learn a great deal by taking a charter. Another advantage to the walleye angler is that all of our boats are set up with the latest in trolling equipment, thus enabling us to troll up to 14 rods if necessary, this can be a huge advantage to you when fishing is otherwise slow.
Q. Are Passports required?
A. Not for those fishing solely in Ohio waters, but is a requirement when fishing in Canadian waters. View our web page on Fishing License passport information and questions on regulations for Ohio waters as well as Canadian are addressed there.
Q. What if my family comes along but don’t all want to fish, are there things that they can do while others are on the boat?
A. Yes, there several things they can do, I recommend viewing our web pages on Local Attractions and Island Information.
Q. If there a good restaurant in the area for diner?
A. Yes there are several real good restaurants in the area depending on your taste and budget, I suggest viewing our web page on Restaurants some offer a 10% discount to our customers, and many offer a local favorite, Lake Erie platters.
Q. Is there a restaurant in the area that will cook our catch?
A. Yes there’s a few, I recommend the Travelers Restaurant in Port Clinton, view our web page Restaurants they will cook your catch, (the fish must be cleaned prior) the meal comes with salad and choice of potato at a reasonable price. They also offer a 10 % discount to our customers.
Q. What charter package would be the best choice for my children?
A. Yellow perch, the action can be fast keeping everyone well entertained; also perch is a fish that’s generally easy to catch especially if the charter is taken during August or September. A beginning angler can quickly learn the knack of catching these tasty fish. Perch fishing can be enjoyed by everyone; from the beginner to the seasoned angler perch is just a fun fish to catch.
Q. If we’re staying on one of the Islands, can you pick us up to charter and drop us off after fishing?
A. Yes, we offer Island pick up on all of our charter packages, we pick up at various locations at Kelly’s Island, Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island and Pelee Island Canada. Charters picked up at Pelee Island require our full day packages; evening and half day charters are not feasible for us due to the distance of travel.
Fish Qualifying for Fish Ohio Award
- • Carp – 26 in.
• Channel Catfish – 26 in.
• Flathead Catfish – 35 in.
• Channel Catfish – 26 in.
• Freshwater Drum (Sheephead) – 22 in.
• HYB.Striped Bass – 21 in.
• Largemouth Bass – 21 in.
• Smallmouth Bass – 20 in.
• Rock Bass – 10 in.
• White Bass – 16 in.
• Muskie – 36 in.
• Northern Pike – 32 in.
• Rainbow Trout – 28 in.
• Brown Trout – 25 in.
• Steelhead (Has not been determined)
• Sunfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed – 9 in.
• Crappie – 13 in.
• Walleye – 28 in.
• Saugeye – 21 in.
• Sauger – 16 in.
• Yellow Perch – 13 in.
