Pork Chop Express Charters 

4.9/5 (109 reviews)
 8957 North Shore Boulevard, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, United States

Pork Chop Express Charters is here to help you catch your personal best, trophy-size Walleye and Perch. This Great Lakes charter service provides fishing trips on Lake Erie in Ohio. Captain Sam Downing (Pork Chop) primarily covers water from Port Clinton to Lorain and we could launch anywhere in between those towns. Make certain to ask the captain where you should arrange your hotel accommodations. He loves teaching people how to fish, helping them create lifelong memories, and showing them the quality of fishing in this area.

The boat you’ll be fishing from is a 2017 North River Seahawk. This 27’ aluminum boat accommodates up to 6 guests and there’s enough room for everybody to fish at the same time. She’s fully equipped with a Garmin Electronics package and top safety gear. As she’s powered by a strong 300 HP Yamaha engine, rest assured you’ll reach your fishing spot quickly.

Capt. Sam trailers the boat so you can use docks between Oak Harbor and Lorain, depending on where the fish are located, the time of year, and the weather. You will know a day or two ahead of time what will be the meeting point for your trip. Pickup is available upon request at an extra charge.

You can troll, drift, cast, or jig (in the spring) – the choice is yours. You can also choose the time that suits you best – morning or second trip on one-hour notice.

The captain provides everything needed for fishing from rods and reels to bait. Catch cleaning and filleting are available at an additional price. Sometimes the captain can fillet the fish at some ramps otherwise he will direct you to a local fish cleaner where you can have them cleaned. You’ll need to bring your fishing license, proper clothing, food and drinks, and a cooler for them. Don’t forget motion sickness medicine if you know you’ll need it.

From complete novices and the kids to experienced pros, you’ll have a great day fishing with Pork Chop Express in search of some Lake Erie gold.

Samuel Downing

Captain

Samuel Downing

7 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
4 hour trip - (AM) 2-4 people

 In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago

FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Dec 31
Price for 6 people
US $975 
4 Hour Trip – (PM) 2-4 people

 In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago

FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Dec 31
Price for 6 people
US $975 
6 Hr Trip – (AM) Perch 2-6 person
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Nov 1
Price for 6 people
US $800 
6 Hr Trip – Walleye (AM) 2-6 ppl
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Dec 31
Price for 6 people
US $800 
6 Hr Trip – Perch (PM) 2-6 People
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Nov 1
Price for 6 people
US $800 
6 Hr Trip – Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl

 In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago

FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Dec 31
Price for 6 people
US $800 
6 hour night walleye trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip Nov 2 - Nov 30
Price for 6 people
US $800 
8Hr combo–Perch/walleye (AM) 2-6ppl
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Nov 1
Price for 6 people
US $1,200 
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 109 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (136)

June fishing trip
What a blast!
Fishing with Samuel
+133

Angler rating

100
6
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

97%

Appropriate for children

94%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 109 reviews
Robert R.
Robert R.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

What a blast!

VERIFIED
NEW

6 Hr Trip – Walleye (AM) 2-6 ppl on June 1, 2025

Captain Samuel delivered a fantastic experience for myself and my two sons on our first walleye charter (it won't be the last). Under less than ideal circumstances, as the wind and waves were high, he put us right on the fish , and we caught our limit within the first few hours of the trip. The boys and I had an absolute blast on board the Porkchop Express, and will look forward to our next excursion with Captain Samuel!

Captain Samuel delivered a fantastic experience for myself and my two sons on our first walleye charter (it won't be the last). Under less than ideal circumstances, as the wind and waves were high, he put us right on the fish , and we caught our limit within the first few hours of the trip. The boys and I had an absolute blast on board the Porkchop Express, and will look forward to our next excursion with Captain Samuel!  

 Robert R. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
Samuel Downing
Samuel Downing (The Captain)
Replied on June 2, 2025
Thanks Robert look forward to the next trip!!
Review media 0

Markus W.
Markus W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great day! Caught all limits!

VERIFIED
NEW

6 Hr Trip – Walleye (AM) 2-6 ppl on May 16, 2025

The crew for Pork Chop Express were great! We had a big crew and hired both boats and we could not have asked for a better day. The most exciting and fun walleye fishing I’ve experienced! Definitely would recommend!

The crew for Pork Chop Express were great! We had a big crew and hired both boats and we could not have asked for a better day. The most exciting and fun walleye fishing I’ve experienced! Definitely would recommend!  

 Markus W. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
Samuel Downing
Samuel Downing (The Captain)
Replied on May 18, 2025
Thanks guys it was a fun day…see you next year!!
Review media 0
Review media 1

Andrew A.
Andrew A.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Trip

VERIFIED

6 Hr Trip – Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on July 8, 2024

We caught Our limit in about 3 hrs. For those booking an afternoon trip, make sure you read the details. It starts an hr after the morning trip ends. We were surprised to get a message early in the morning to be there by 830. The Caption was super friendly and worked with us as we couldnt get there until a little bit later. His assistant was quiet and friendly and our boys had a great time. Hope to fish with Pork Chop Express again soon.

We caught Our limit in about 3 hrs. For those booking an afternoon trip, make sure you read the details. It starts an hr after the morning trip ends. We were surprised to get a message early in the morning to be there by 830. The Caption was super friendly and worked with us as we couldnt get there until a little bit later. His assistant was quiet and friendly and our boys had a great time. Hope to fish with Pork Chop Express again soon.  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 4
Review media 5
Review media 6
Review media 7
Review media 8
Review media 9
+1
 Andrew A. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
Samuel Downing
Samuel Downing (The Captain)
Replied on July 15, 2024
Thank you Andrew the boys where fun!

Dave S.
Dave S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great experience

VERIFIED

4 hour trip - (AM) 2-4 people on July 23, 2024

Sam and Caleb were exceptionally professional and knowledgeable about the lake and where the fish would be. They put us right on them and made hauling them in a breeze. They use top-notch equipment and were always mindful of other boats on the lake. We had a great time with them and you will too. We highly recommend Pork Chop anytime you want to go fishing with an expert crew. We fished on July 23, 2024 in the morning.

Sam and Caleb were exceptionally professional and knowledgeable about the lake and where the fish would be. They put us right on them and made hauling them in a breeze. They use top-notch equipment and were always mindful of other boats on the lake. We had a great time with them and you will too. We highly recommend Pork Chop anytime you want to go fishing with an expert crew. We fished on July 23, 2024 in the morning.  

Review media 0
 Dave S. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
Samuel Downing
Samuel Downing (The Captain)
Replied on July 24, 2024
Thanks Dave we had a nice time with you guys. Hope to see you again on the Pork Chop Express.

Larry I.
Larry I.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fun Time

VERIFIED

6 Hr Trip – Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on June 26, 2024

Had a great time with Captain Sam and his son. Had a bad storm rolling in, didn't think the trip was going to happen. Captain Sam was great at adjusting our time so we could go out. My Daughter got blisters on her right hand form realing in so many fish. We cought are limit and was throwing fish back. Kept 10 for a fish fry!!!

Had a great time with Captain Sam and his son. Had a bad storm rolling in, didn't think the trip was going to happen. Captain Sam was great at adjusting our time so we could go out. My Daughter got blisters on her right hand form realing in so many fish. We cought are limit and was throwing fish back. Kept 10 for a fish fry!!!  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
 Larry I. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
Samuel Downing
Samuel Downing (The Captain)
Replied on June 27, 2024
Thank you Larry, glad we were able to make it happen for your crew!!

...

FAQs about Pork Chop Express Charters

What are the trip rates for Pork Chop Express Charters?

Pork Chop Express Charters offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $375 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - 4 hour trip - (AM) 2-4 people (4 hours)
  • US $375 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – (PM) 2-4 people (4 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 hour night walleye trip (6 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hr Trip – (AM) Perch 2-6 person (6 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hr Trip – Perch (PM) 2-6 People (6 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hr Trip – Walleye (AM) 2-6 ppl (6 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hr Trip – Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl (6 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $175 per person after 2 guests - 8Hr combo–Perch/walleye (AM) 2-6ppl (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Pork Chop Express Charters?

When you book a trip with Pork Chop Express Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet Porta potty with privacy curtain
  • GPS Garmin
  • Fishfinder Garmin
  • Live Bait Well Two livewells
  • Wireless Trolling Motor Auto pilot on main and kicker
  • Radar Garmin
What's included in the trip price with Pork Chop Express Charters?

Trips booked with Pork Chop Express Charters include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle (Daiwa)
  • Live Bait (If we are using live bait it will be provided and is included in the price of the charter.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Walleye and steelhead only $2 per fish)
What types of fishing does Pork Chop Express Charters offer?

Pork Chop Express Charters offers the following type of fishing:

  • Lake Fishing (From Curtis, Ohio to Avon, Ohio)
What fishing techniques does Pork Chop Express Charters offer?

Pork Chop Express Charters offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Trolling (We troll for Walleye with offshore boards)
  • Spinning (We cast for Walleye with weight forward spinners)
  • Jigging (We jig for Walleye and Perch)
  • Drift Fishing (We drift with weapons rigs and bottom bouncers)
Which fish species can I catch with Pork Chop Express Charters?

Top targeted fish species with Pork Chop Express Charters include:

  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Walleye

Your captain

Samuel Downing

Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, United States

438 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
116 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2019
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Capt. Samuels grew up in western Pennsylvania and was introduced to hunting and fishing as soon as he could hold a rod and a gun. He remembers fishing with his dad on the Allegheny River where he would night fish for Sucker and Catfish as a little boy. They moved on to wading the streams fishing for Trout, learning the finesse techniques of fly fishing, and the patience involved with the sport. As the captain grew older, they ventured to the Great Lakes in New York and Pennsylvania to fish for Salmon and Steelhead creating great memories. Capt. Samuel went into the Air Force and ended up stationed in North Dakota where he was exposed to Walleye fishing on Devils Lake. He fell in love with the challenges of catching Walleye. Several years later, he ended up living in Michigan surrounded by tremendous Walleye fishing opportunities. He purchased a Lund boat, gained knowledge and experience, and decided to upgrade to his North River and get a charter license to share what he's learned.

The fish you can target

Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Walleye
Walleye

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
North River
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

From Curtis, Ohio to Avon, Ohio

Which fishing techniques you can try

Trolling

We troll for Walleye with offshore boards

Spinning

We cast for Walleye with weight forward spinners

Jigging

We jig for Walleye and Perch

Drift Fishing

We drift with weapons rigs and bottom bouncers

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

Porta potty with privacy curtain

GPS

Garmin

Fishfinder

Garmin

Live Bait Well

Two livewells

Wireless Trolling Motor

Auto pilot on main and kicker

Radar

Garmin

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Daiwa

Live Bait

If we are using live bait it will be provided and is included in the price of the charter.

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

Walleye and steelhead only $2 per fish

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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

If under 12 they must wear a life jacket

You Keep Catch

You get the fish I will fillet Walleye not Perch

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

 PayPal

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Lakeside Marblehead right now

Perch (Yellow)Perch (Yellow)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
WalleyeWalleye
8 people are looking at this charter.