Champion Charters 

4.9/5 (156 reviews)
 315 West Lakeshore Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452, United States

If you’re looking for a truly first-class angling experience on the beautiful, bountiful waters of Lake Erie, then come aboard Champion Charters and let Captain James Cramer guide you to the hottest fishing spots around. His motto is simple, and perfectly sums up what his charter is all about: “Have fun. Catch fish!”

Capt. James believes that angling should be an experience that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their age or skill level, so he’s catered his charter to fit all guests. Whether you’re looking to take the kids on a family trip, or want to explore this world-famous fishery with fellow hardcore anglers, there’s something on offer for you. Capt. James prides himself on running a first-class charter on a seriously luxurious vessel. It’s perfect for a truly unique company day out, too!

You’ll be cruising Lake Erie on a top-of-the-line 30’ Island Hopper sport fishing boat. She can comfortably accommodate up to 6 anglers, and you can all fish at the same time. As well as top-notch navigational and safety gear, there’s also a first mate on board to lend a hand. Your vessel is equipped with outriggers for maximum trolling, and a covered top that offers plenty of shade. You’ll be traveling in comfort and serious style!

Lake Erie is known for its abundance of Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Perch. Capt. James loves helping his guests reach ‘limit catches’ of these fish, so choose your target and get ready to reel ‘em in! Want to go after a combination of species? Just let him know in advance. You can expect to troll, jig, spin, and drift-fish, so no matter your level of experience, your captain will help you find the technique that works best for you!

Your trip includes top-notch Saint Croix rods and Shimano, Daiwa, and Fluger reels. Tempting live bait is caught and prepared in advance. For Smallmouth Bass, there’s a small charge for artificial bait. All that’s left is to grab a fishing license and join Champion Charters for an unforgettable angling experience!

Champion Charters

Charter Operator

Champion Charters

9 years of experience
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Drinks
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle
 Food (Lunch)

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
Full Day Trip (AM)

 In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $790 
Full Day Trip (PM)

 Just booked! Last booked: 7 hours ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $790 
Full Day Trip - Executive
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,070 
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 156 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (140)

Outstanding
Outstanding
Fishing with James
+137

Angler rating

149
4
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

98%

Appropriate for children

96%

Friendly captain

99%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

98%

Showing 1 - 5 of 156 reviews
Michael C.
Michael C.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Finding fish even for a professional is work

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip (AM) on September 26, 2024

I was in contact for two days before the trip with the charter owner. Late season with variable weather made choices difficult. He worked had to check with other captains to see where fish were being caught and with what method. We ultimately bought one day Canada licensees online and drift fished a shoal in Canadian waters. The lake made us work for what we caught but we were consistently on big Walleye all morning. A sparkling clean professionally kept boat made for peace of mind on the water. Our captain had deep experience, and it paid off in a great trip. This will be out 'go to' operator for fishing Lake Erie in the future. We are a group of five experienced fishermen that get together several times a year to fish, eat and catch-up.

I was in contact for two days before the trip with the charter owner. Late season with variable weather made choices difficult. He worked had to check with other captains to see where fish were being caught and with what method. We ultimately bought one day Canada licensees online and drift fished a shoal in Canadian waters. The lake made us work for what we caught but we were consistently on big Walleye all morning. A sparkling clean professionally kept boat made for peace of mind on the water....  

 Michael C. recommends Champion Charters
Champion Charters
Champion Charters (The Charter Operator)
Replied on October 11, 2024
We thank you, Mike and look forward to seeing you and the crew again this spring. Hope your holidays are wonderful. 

Drew M.
Drew M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great family experience

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip (PM) on July 25, 2024

I went with Champion Charters with my family, Myself Wife and 4 teenage age kids from 18-14. We all caught fish and some real nice ones. We had a bunch of keepers ranging from 18 to 25 inches and had around 20 shorts that just missed being legal. Capt Shawn and First Mate Randy worked their butts off to make sure our experience was awesome. We all took Bonine “motion sickness medicine” and no one got sick, so that was great as well. Capt Jim, was available for texting and talking in the lead up to our day. He provided information about what we needed and also other accommodations.

I went with Champion Charters with my family, Myself Wife and 4 teenage age kids from 18-14. We all caught fish and some real nice ones. We had a bunch of keepers ranging from 18 to 25 inches and had around 20 shorts that just missed being legal. Capt Shawn and First Mate Randy worked their butts off to make sure our experience was awesome. We all took Bonine “motion sickness medicine” and no one got sick, so that was great as well. Capt Jim, was available for texting and talking in the...  

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 Drew M. recommends Champion Charters
Champion Charters
Champion Charters (The Charter Operator)
Replied on July 26, 2024
Drew, we thank you and your family and very much enjoyed the day with you. We hope to have you back fishing again sometime soon !!!!

Dave K.
Dave K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Already booked for next year!

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip (AM) on June 7, 2025

Champion Charters does not disappoint. Captain Jim and first mate Ashton are professionals. They treated us exceptionally well. We had a two day charter and put us on fish both days. Captain Jim is not afraid to move to another spot if needed. Boat, rod/reels, crew are top shelf. Best fishing trip my group and I have ever been on. You will not be disappointed if you choose Champion Charters for your next Charters.

Champion Charters does not disappoint. Captain Jim and first mate Ashton are professionals. They treated us exceptionally well. We had a two day charter and put us on fish both days. Captain Jim is not afraid to move to another spot if needed. Boat, rod/reels, crew are top shelf. Best fishing trip my group and I have ever been on. You will not be disappointed if you choose Champion Charters for your next Charters.  

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 Dave K. recommends Champion Charters
Champion Charters
Champion Charters (The Charter Operator)
Replied on June 11, 2025
We thank you and your Crew Dave ! Also looking forward to fishing with you guys again soon. Thanks again.

Frank R.
Frank R.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

FIRST CLASS CHARTER

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip (PM) on June 7, 2025

This was the best fresh water charter I've been on. The boat was immacculate and roomy. Captain Shawn and first mate were just great. They got my son, daughter, and two grandsons involved in the trolling process. My family had a great time plus great fishing results. I highly recommend Champion Charters, Captain Jim, the owner, knows how to treat his customers.

This was the best fresh water charter I've been on. The boat was immacculate and roomy. Captain Shawn and first mate were just great. They got my son, daughter, and two grandsons involved in the trolling process. My family had a great time plus great fishing results. I highly recommend Champion Charters, Captain Jim, the owner, knows how to treat his customers.  

 Frank R. recommends Champion Charters
Champion Charters
Champion Charters (The Charter Operator)
Replied on June 9, 2025
We thank you Frank and look forward to having you guys back fishing again !

Jeff W.
Jeff W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great experience with Champion Charters

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip (AM) on April 26, 2025

We had to delay our departure time due to weather conditions but it was the correct move to maximize our experience. Captain Jim did a great job with communication and coordination. Best trip to Lake Erie our group has experienced. We caught our limit on Walleye and Captain Cole was great.

We had to delay our departure time due to weather conditions but it was the correct move to maximize our experience. Captain Jim did a great job with communication and coordination. Best trip to Lake Erie our group has experienced. We caught our limit on Walleye and Captain Cole was great.  

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 Jeff W. recommends Champion Charters
Champion Charters
Champion Charters (The Charter Operator)
Replied on April 28, 2025
We thank you again Jeff and look forward to having you and your crew back again soon 👍🏼

...

FAQs about Champion Charters

What are the trip rates for Champion Charters?

Champion Charters offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $790 per group - Full Day Trip (AM) (7 hours)
  • US $790 per group - Full Day Trip (PM) (7 hours)
  • US $1,070 per group - Full Day Trip - Executive (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Champion Charters?

When you book a trip with Champion Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
  • Radar
What's included in the trip price with Champion Charters?

Trips booked with Champion Charters include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Only included on executive charter)
  • Drinks (Only on executive charter)
  • First Mate
  • Lunch (Only on executive charter)
What types of fishing does Champion Charters offer?

Champion Charters offers the following type of fishing:

  • Lake Fishing (Lake Erie. A top spot for Perch, Walleye, and Bass)
What fishing techniques does Champion Charters offer?

Champion Charters offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Champion Charters?

Top targeted fish species with Champion Charters include:

  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Walleye

Your operator

Champion Charters

Port Clinton, Ohio, United States

1 Fishing Report
158 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since August 2018

Captain James Cramer has been fishing in this area since 1993. He's been working as a captain for the past 6 years and loves introducing new and experienced anglers alike to these waters. His best achievement? Routinely helping his guests reel in limit catches of Walleye and Perch! Come aboard and let him use his wealth of knowledge and experience to get you on fish and land your dream catch.

The fish you can target

Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Walleye
Walleye

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
30 ft
Year built
1997
Restored in
2010
Boat manufacturer
Island Hopper
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Caterpillar Diesel
Powered by
1 x 420HP
Max cruising speed
29 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Lake Erie. A top spot for Perch, Walleye, and Bass

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Trolling

Jigging

Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

GPS

Fishfinder

Outriggers

Ice Box

Radar

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

Only included on executive charter

Drinks

Only on executive charter

First Mate

Lunch

Only on executive charter

How cancellations work

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.

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child Friendly

No minimum age

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

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

 American Express

 Checks

 Bank Transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Port Clinton right now

Bass (Smallmouth)Bass (Smallmouth)
Perch (Yellow)Perch (Yellow)
WalleyeWalleye
8 people are looking at this charter.
Full Day Trip (PM) booked 7 hours ago