Looking for a serious Lake Erie fishing experience guided by a true professional? Climb aboard with Big Fat Bass Guide Service, led by Captain Destin DeMarion — a former Bassmaster Elite Series pro with over a decade of experience on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
Destin isn’t just a local guide — he’s a nationally recognized tournament angler and electronics expert, recently placing highly in top-tier walleye and perch events. His deep knowledge of seasonal fish behavior, forward-facing sonar, and tactical presentation makes each trip both productive and educational.
Whether you’re chasing trophy smallmouth, casting for walleye, or jigging perch or lake trout, Destin brings cutting-edge techniques, premium gear, and a passion for helping anglers succeed — from beginners to hardcore veterans.
Trips take place aboard a sleek 21’ Phoenix bass boat equipped with the latest sonar technology and tournament-ready gear. All rods, reels, and artificial lures are provided. just bring a fishing license with Erie stamp, snacks and drinks. It is also recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and rain gear/appropriate clothing for the weather and season. Alcohol is not allowed.
All bass are catch and release. Walleye, perch, and trout may be kept if in season. Book today to experience and fish world-class Lake Erie with Captain Destin DeMarion.
Captain
Destin DeMarion
Highlights
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (35)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on April 21, 2025
Destin put me on the fish, that's for sure. He also is exactly what I was looking for- we used a variety of techniques throughout the day. It was great to use drop shots, crankbaits, swimbaits and jerkbaits with the advice from a tournament angler. His boat, rods, reels and tackle are all top notch. I really appreciated having access to quality equipment. If you're a serious bass fisherman this is the guy to book with. You will fine tune your techniques, learn a thing or two and have a fantastic time.
Destin put me on the fish, that's for sure. He also is exactly what I was looking for- we used a variety of techniques throughout the day. It was great to use drop shots, crankbaits, swimbaits and jerkbaits with the advice from a tournament angler. His boat, rods, reels and tackle are all top notch. I really appreciated having access to quality equipment. If you're a serious bass fisherman this is the guy to book with. You will fine tune your techniques, learn a thing or two and have a...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on November 16, 2024
Big Fat Bass Guide Service is accurate! That’s all we caught! I had the pleasure of going out with Destin this past November. I had never been on the big pond and I’m glad my first time out there was with someone so knowledgeable and kind. I was blown away that day by the quality of fish he put us on. I even broke my smallie PB with a 5 plus pounder on the first fish too!!! He has everything you’ll need to absolutely smash em. High end gear and a sweet very well equipped boat kept us safe and catching the bigguns all day. Don’t hesitate one bit! I had such in good time out there I’m booked again in April to take my girlfriend out to break her PB too! Counting the days!
Big Fat Bass Guide Service is accurate! That’s all we caught! I had the pleasure of going out with Destin this past November. I had never been on the big pond and I’m glad my first time out there was with someone so knowledgeable and kind. I was blown away that day by the quality of fish he put us on. I even broke my smallie PB with a 5 plus pounder on the first fish too!!! He has everything you’ll need to absolutely smash em. High end gear and a sweet very well equipped boat kept us safe and...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on October 31, 2024
I've fished with Destin multiple times and never had a bad time even when mother nature tossed some weather curveballs our way. I got to fish spring, summer and fall and see the smallmouth eat about everything you could throw at them. This guy is a brown bass freak and I think whispers to them living so close to the water. Amazing boat and top notch gear Willing to work to make his clients comfortable on the water. His communication is top notch relaying weather forecast making sure you come dressed for your day. Make sure to get some forearm work outs in so your arms don't fall off reeling in fish all day!
I've fished with Destin multiple times and never had a bad time even when mother nature tossed some weather curveballs our way. I got to fish spring, summer and fall and see the smallmouth eat about everything you could throw at them. This guy is a brown bass freak and I think whispers to them living so close to the water. Amazing boat and top notch gear Willing to work to make his clients comfortable on the water. His communication is top notch relaying weather forecast making sure you come...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on November 9, 2024
Fishing with Destin has been a great time over multiple years of trips. His knowledge of Erie and the big water is impressive. A lot of fish 4+ lbs over those trips and more 5+ then we have caught anywhere else. He's great at teaching technique, whether you're an experienced angler or someone newer to the sport. And he works extremely hard to not just put you on fish, but quality. His boat and electronics setup is top end as well. We'll be back to fish with Destin again.
Fishing with Destin has been a great time over multiple years of trips. His knowledge of Erie and the big water is impressive. A lot of fish 4+ lbs over those trips and more 5+ then we have caught anywhere else. He's great at teaching technique, whether you're an experienced angler or someone newer to the sport. And he works extremely hard to not just put you on fish, but quality. His boat and electronics setup is top end as well. We'll be back to fish with Destin again.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on May 7, 2025
My wife and I came to Erie for a day trip for the first time. We were recommended Bar Ronin for a good dinner and we were not disappointed! Everything from the snacks to the desserts were delicious. The atmosphere is great. Highly recommend for anyone looking for some food in Erie.
My wife and I came to Erie for a day trip for the first time. We were recommended Bar Ronin for a good dinner and we were not disappointed! Everything from the snacks to the desserts were delicious. The atmosphere is great. Highly recommend for anyone looking for some food in Erie.
Big Fat Bass Guide Service – Erie offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Big Fat Bass Guide Service – Erie, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Big Fat Bass Guide Service – Erie include:
Big Fat Bass Guide Service – Erie offers the following type of fishing:
Big Fat Bass Guide Service – Erie offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Big Fat Bass Guide Service – Erie include:
Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
Destin DeMarion is a former Bassmaster Elite Series Pro and U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain, operating Big Fat Bass Guide Service on Lake Erie for a decade. He loves to share his passion for fishing with others and has a passion for targeting big smallmouths on Lake Erie. He lives on the shores of Lake Erie, in Harborcreek, PA.
Destin D.
Captain
Lake Fishing
Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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
I have a child and love fishing with kids. Children are welcome, within reason. It's preferable if the child is over 10 years, but not a sticking point.
No Alcohol
Catch and Release Mandatory
Allowed to keep incidental walleye+perch in season
Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.