Family Fishing on Lake Erie | ENC Charters

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Lake Erie
$450 price range

Summary

Looking for a laid-back family fishing trip on Lake Erie? This 5-hour private charter is just the ticket. You'll set out at 7:30 AM from Brest Bay Marina, when the water's calm and the fish are biting. With room for up to 3 people, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. You'll have a chance to catch perch, bass, walleye, and other local species. The light tackle makes it easy for all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned anglers. Your guide knows all the best spots and will help you improve your technique. It's more than just fishing – it's a chance to bond, enjoy nature, and create some great memories out on the water. Whether you're teaching the kids or spending time with the grandparents, everyone can get in on the action. By the end of the trip, you'll have some great stories to tell and maybe even a fresh catch for dinner.

Family Fishing on Lake Erie | ENC Charters

Lake Erie Fishing Moments

null

Two fishermen at Woodland Beach with their fishing gear

Lake Erie walleye in the cooler.

Lake Erie walleye surfacing on the line.

Sunny skies over Lake Erie fishing grounds.

Family Fishing Fun on Lake Erie's Calm Waters

Looking for a perfect family outing that combines quality time, outdoor adventure, and the thrill of reeling in some impressive catches? ENC Charters has just the ticket with their 5-hour private fishing trip on Lake Erie. Launching bright and early at 7:30 AM from Brest Bay Marina, this trip is tailor-made for small groups of up to three, making it ideal for parents and kids or a few close friends. You'll be cruising the calm morning waters, trying your hand at catching perch, bass, walleye, and more – all with gear that's easy for beginners and satisfying for more experienced anglers.

What to Expect on the Water

As you step aboard your private charter, you'll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable guide who knows Lake Erie like the back of their hand. The early morning start isn't just about beating the heat – it's prime time for fish activity and smooth sailing on the lake. You'll head out to some of the best fishing spots, where your guide will set you up with light, easy-to-handle gear that's perfect for all skill levels. Whether it's your kiddo's first time holding a rod or you're looking to polish your technique, this trip is all about learning, bonding, and having a blast on the water. And let's not forget the views – the sunrise over Lake Erie is something special, and you might even spot some local wildlife as you cruise along.

Fishing 101: Lake Erie Style

On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with some classic Lake Erie fishing techniques. Your guide will show you the ropes of drift fishing, where you let the boat's movement do some of the work for you. You might also try some light jigging – a technique where you gently bounce the lure to attract fish. The gear is all set up for easy use, with light-action rods that won't tire out younger arms but still pack enough punch to reel in a decent-sized walleye. And here's a pro tip: keep an eye on your line for that telltale twitch that signals a bite. Your guide will be right there to help you perfect your hook-set and teach you how to play the fish without losing it. It's all about finding that sweet spot between patience and quick reflexes – skills that'll come in handy both on and off the water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Erie is home to a variety of fish that'll keep your reel singing all morning long. Let's break down some of the stars of the show:

White Bass: These feisty little fighters are a blast to catch, especially for younger anglers. They school up in large numbers, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. White bass typically range from 1-3 pounds and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're most active in the spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Kids love 'em because they're easy to spot when they're chasing bait on the surface – it's like a mini feeding frenzy!

Walleye: The crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing, walleye are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These golden-eyed predators can grow up to 20 pounds or more, though a good-sized catch is usually in the 3-5 pound range. Walleye fishing heats up in the spring and fall, but summer mornings can be productive too. They've got a subtle bite, so catching one is as much about finesse as it is strength. Landing a big walleye is a real thrill – it's like reeling in a bar of gold!

Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest-fighting fish in the lake. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, making them a favorite among sport anglers. Lake Erie's smallmouth typically range from 2-5 pounds, with some trophy fish pushing 7 pounds or more. They love rocky areas and can be caught year-round, but they're especially active in late spring and early fall. Catching a chunky smallmouth is like hooking into a mini torpedo – they'll give you a workout!

American Yellow Perch: These tasty panfish are a Lake Erie staple. They might be smaller than the other species, usually weighing in at under a pound, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and flavor. Perch fishing is fantastic in the fall, but you can catch them all year long. They're perfect for younger anglers or anyone who wants consistent action. Plus, if you're lucky enough to keep a few (always check local regulations), they make for some of the best fish fry you'll ever taste!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Erie that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance to land a trophy walleye or the simple joy of watching your kid reel in their first perch. Or perhaps it's those peaceful moments as the sun rises over the water, with nothing but the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional cry of a gull to break the silence. Whatever it is, this 5-hour trip gives you a perfect taste of what Lake Erie fishing is all about. It's not just about the fish – it's about making memories, learning new skills, and experiencing the beauty of one of North America's great lakes up close and personal.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and try your luck with Lake Erie's finned residents, now's the time to lock in your trip. This 5-hour private charter with ENC Charters is the perfect way to introduce your family to the joys of fishing or to spend some quality time with your favorite fishing buddies. With a maximum of three guests, you're guaranteed personalized attention from your guide and plenty of room to cast. Remember, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the fish – so that 7:30 AM start time is your ticket to prime fishing action. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big walleye, want to introduce your kids to the outdoors, or just need a break from the daily grind, this trip has you covered. So grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready for a morning of laughs, learns, and hopefully, some impressive catches. Lake Erie's fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are the perfect family fishing target on Lake Erie. These tasty little fish usually run 7-10 inches, though bigger "jumbos" aren't uncommon. You'll find them schooling near the bottom in 15-30 feet of water, often around weed edges or over sandy flats. Spring and fall offer the best action, but you can catch perch year-round. Kids love perch fishing because the bites are fast and furious when you find a school. Adults appreciate their excellent table fare – there's nothing quite like a Lake Erie perch fry. To catch them, try a simple slip-bobber rig with a small minnow or piece of worm. Here's a tip: if you're catching small ones, move around. The bigger perch often school separately. When you find the jumbos, drop anchor and enjoy the action!

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are some of the biggest and baddest you'll find anywhere. These bronze bruisers usually run 2-4 pounds but can top 6 in the right conditions. You'll find them around rocky points, reefs, and drop-offs, typically in 5-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime, but summer can be great too if you know where to look. Smallies are famous for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll test your gear and your skills. To target them, try dragging tube jigs along the bottom or working topwater lures early and late in the day. Here's a local secret: when the mayflies are hatching, smallmouth go crazy for flies imitating them. Bring some small poppers and be ready for explosive surface action. These fish aren't just fun to catch; they're delicious too, though most anglers practice catch and release to keep the fishery strong.

Walleye

Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These golden-olive beauties typically run 15-30 inches and put up a stubborn fight. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and drop-offs, often in 10-30 foot depths. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons, but summer nights can be hot too. Anglers love walleye for their challenging nature and absolutely top-notch taste on the table. To hook one, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses. When the fish are deeper, switch to lead core line or planer boards to get down to them. Here's a local tip: on calm evenings, look for walleye suspending over deep basins – vertical jigging can be deadly in this situation. Remember, these fish have great low-light vision, so dawn and dusk are often the best bites.

White Bass

White Bass (Morone chrysops) Fish Description

Also known as Sand Bass or Silver Bass, the White Bass is a member of the Moronidae or Bass Family.

As its name suggests, the White Bass is primarily colored silvery-white to pale green. Its back is darker, but its belly and sides are white. The White Bass has narrow and dark stripes along the sides of its belly. It has rough scales that are distinctively big; it possesses two dorsal fins. Its body is compressed laterally.

To identify White Bass, look for a lateral line with around 51 to 60 scales. This species also has dorsal fins numbering 12 to 14; anal fin rays, 11 to 14; pectoral fin ray, 15 to 17; and 20 to 25 gill rakers. Another characteristic of the White Bass is its prominent tooth patch near the tip of its tongue.

Diet and Size

As a carnivorous feeder, the White Bass has at least four favorite major diet options: the leptodora, daphnia, cyclopoid copepods, and calanoid copepods. White Bass are visual feeders who will readily bite any live bait especially minnows and worms.

The White Bass can measure up to 10 to 12 inches in length; some are even recorded to have reached 18 inches. Generally, they weigh up to 7 pounds.

Interesting Facts About the White Bass

The White Bass is Oklahoma’s state fish.
The White Bass has gained acclaim as a significant sport fish in Manitoba since it was introduced there in the 1960s.
The White Bass has a “fake” spinous ray. It also has a homocercal tail.
Female White Bass lay around 240,000 to 930,000 eggs; they spawn from mid-March to late May.
One unusual mating ritual among the White Bass is how males bump against the female’s abdomen. After that, the female goes near the surface to begin spinning and releasing eggs.

White Bass — Fishing Techniques

The White Bass is very popular among recreational anglers; in fact, this is the fifth most favored species among licensed fishers from Texas.

Once you sight a school of White Bass, make sure to use spinners or spoons along the water surface to entice them. One other common method of luring them is by using bottom fishing at night; you can also utilize live bait.

You can use small jigs as artificial lures; a 1/8 ounce marabou jig should do the trick. For best results, use jigs that are black or white. If you go for soft plastic lures, try the tube bait, or a small jig head with a curly tail grub. One other lure you can utilize is a small jig packed with soft plastic swimbaits; you can have either the 1/8 or ¼ ounce jigs.

Be careful because White Bass are known to be aggressive fighters. However, this struggle may be worth it because of its exceptional taste.

Note that every state may have some regulations as to the size, length, and other factors related to capturing this fish.

White Bass Habitat and Distribution

The White Bass are fairly distributed in the US, especially in the Midwest. They are plenty around Lake Erie and Pennsylvania. Most of the White Bass population are native to Lake Poinsett, Detroit River, Arkansas River, the Great Lakes, and the Red River drainage. They also inhabit the lakes in Winnebago, Wisconsin and the rivers in Mississippi.

This species generally inhabits big rivers and shallow rivers, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. They are often found upstream where there are high densities.

About the Tyee Magnum

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 46

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for some family fishing fun on Lake Erie? Hop aboard our cozy boat for a laid-back 5-hour trip that's perfect for small groups. We'll set out from Brest Bay Marina at 7:30 AM, when the water's nice and calm. It's a great chance to teach the kids how to fish or just enjoy some quiet time together on the lake. We'll be going after perch, bass, walleye, and whatever else is biting that day. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - our friendly guide will show you the ropes and help you get the hang of it. The light tackle we use makes it easy for everyone to join in, from little ones to grandparents. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a relaxing morning on the water with your loved ones. Who knows, you might even catch dinner!

Sitemap