Pappy’s Charter Service is a freshwater fishing charter that offers spring trips on the Detroit River and Lake Erie. Captain Joe Pappas is s full time fishing guide and has spent most of his life fishing the local waters, and it’s safe to say he knows the water like the back of his hand. His aim is to provide his guests with the most memorable day on the water as possible.
Joe’s boat is a brand new 22’ Lund 2175 Pro V that was built in 2020. The vessel is powered by a 300 HP Mercury Pro XS engine that can have it speeding at up to 45 knots. This ensures you’ll be on the fishing grounds in no time at all. It’s got all the necessary safety equipment, navigation electronics, and a livewell for storing bait.
Lake Erie is the world’s largest freshwater fishery, and it attracts droves of anglers from all over the country. Captain Joe specializes in fishing the lake for Walleye and Perch, as well as Walleye and White Bass on the Detroit River. Your standard Lake Erie trip is sure to consist of a good amount of trolling and drift fishing, simply because it’s the best way to get results.
Rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price of a trip, as well as complimentary water and snacks. Once the trip is over, the captain will clean the catch for your convenience. Make sure to have a valid fishing license with you, as well as a pair of polarized sunglasses, and you’re all set.
Captain
Joe Pappas
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (47)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
93%
Caught fish
97%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Trip on June 11, 2025
I’ve fished from Alaska to Costa Rica and everywhere in between. Hands down I can say that Joe is one of the best captains I’ve ever had the pleasure to fish with. He goes above and beyond to ensure that not only do you have a great time and catch fish but that your safety and overall experience is second to none. If I could give 10 stars I would and will definitely not only recommend him but will be back to fish with him again!
I’ve fished from Alaska to Costa Rica and everywhere in between. Hands down I can say that Joe is one of the best captains I’ve ever had the pleasure to fish with. He goes above and beyond to ensure that not only do you have a great time and catch fish but that your safety and overall experience is second to none. If I could give 10 stars I would and will definitely not only recommend him but will be back to fish with him again!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Trip on June 2, 2025
Had an awesome morning catching walleye with Joe on the Detroit River. Caught our limit within 3 hours. He was super helpful and knowledgeable about the best fishing spots and techniques. We were beginners and he made us feel like pros! Highly recommend!
Had an awesome morning catching walleye with Joe on the Detroit River. Caught our limit within 3 hours. He was super helpful and knowledgeable about the best fishing spots and techniques. We were beginners and he made us feel like pros! Highly recommend!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Trip on April 4, 2025
Joe is the best guide I've ever fished with. He always knows where and how to put you on fish. This trip was cold and rainy and we still limited out both days thanks to Joe.
Joe is the best guide I've ever fished with. He always knows where and how to put you on fish. This trip was cold and rainy and we still limited out both days thanks to Joe.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Trip on June 15, 2025
Highly recommend ! Booked father's day trip and had a great time. Thank you
Highly recommend ! Booked father's day trip and had a great time. Thank you
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Trip on March 22, 2025
Captain Joe was great fun day hooking some really nice fish. High recommend captain Joe for a charter.
Captain Joe was great fun day hooking some really nice fish. High recommend captain Joe for a charter.
Pappy's Charter Service offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Pappy's Charter Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Pappy's Charter Service include:
Pappy's Charter Service offers the following types of fishing:
Pappy's Charter Service offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Pappy's Charter Service include:
Wyandotte, Michigan, United States
Captain Joe Pappas grew up in Wyandotte, MI, and has spent most of his life fishing the Detroit River, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair. He began his fishing career right after getting a bachelors degree in HVAC Engineering Technology, fishing several local Walleye and Bass Tournaments. After winning a major tournament on Lake Erie in Buffalo, NY, he decided to completely devote himself to becoming a charter captain.
River Fishing
Detroit River
Lake Fishing
Lake Erie
Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
GPS
Lowrance
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
All Star, Falcon, Pinnacle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Granola bars, Packaged snacks
Drinks
Water
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No minimum age
No Alcohol
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.