Crooked Hook Charters 

4.9/5 (44 reviews)
Recent reports
 389 Channel Grove Road, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, United States

Crooked Hook Charters 

Lakeside Marblehead, OH, United States
30 ft
6
4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Crooked Hook Charters invites you to experience the thrill of catching fish in one of the Great Lakes. Explore the western basin of Lake Erie with one of the most patient and knowledgeable captains around.

Your captain has been guiding for over two decades now. He knows the waters of the Lake like the back of his hand and is familiar with the methods that work best. His First Mate will assist you throughout the adventure. With Crooked Hook, everything will be taken care of. All you have to do is have fun!

The season begins in April and goes through October. You can get the water all to yourself and spend a whole day fishing or just go for a quick adventure to fill the coolers.

When targeting Walleye, you will be mainly drift casting or trolling. If the Lake's superstar are not something you are after, then a trip for Yellow Perch is your best choice. Your crew will find the best location, anchor there, and bottom fish. Both options are exciting.

Crooked Hook Charters will take you out aboard a 30' Baha Fisherman Cuddy cabin. The boat is powered by two 315 HP Volvo engines and can take up to 6 anglers. There are top-notch Lowrance electronics and tackle available on board. Plus, there is also a stand-up private head, an ice-box, and a bed.

Trips come with Penn and Okuma rods and reels, along with bait and lures. You will need to purchase a fishing license before you make your first cast. You can feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks with you. Discounts are also available.

Crooked Hook Charters invites you to experience the thrill of catching fish in one of the Great Lakes. Explore the western basin of Lake Erie with one of the most patient and knowledgeable captains around.

Your captain has been guiding for over two decades now. He knows the waters of the Lake like the back of his hand and is familiar with the methods that work best. His First Mate will assist you throughout the adventure. With Crooked Hook, everything will be taken care of. All you have to do is have fun!

The season begins in April and goes through October. You can get the water all to yourself and spend a whole day fishing or just go for a quick adventure to fill the coolers.

When targeting Walleye, you will be mainly drift casting or trolling. If the Lake's superstar are not something you are after, then a trip for Yellow Perch is your best choice. Your crew will find the best location, anchor there, and bottom fish. Both options are exciting.

Crooked Hook Charters will take you out aboard a 30' Baha Fisherman Cuddy cabin. The boat is powered by two 315 HP Volvo engines and can take up to 6 anglers. There are top-notch Lowrance electronics and tackle available on board. Plus, there is also a stand-up private head, an ice-box, and a bed.

Trips come with Penn and Okuma rods and reels, along with bait and lures. You will need to purchase a fishing license before you make your first cast. You can feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks with you. Discounts are also available.

Gary Zakrajsek
Captain
Gary Zakrajsek
26 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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5 Hour Trip – Perch
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Oct 31
Perch (Yellow)
US $600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Oct 31
Walleye
US $800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
44 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (127)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (44)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 44 reviews
Noah Phillips
Noah Phillips
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Best Family Fishing Trip
8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on July 20, 20262 adults3 children

We had the best time fishing!! The kids (8,13,17) have never done anything like this before and he had such patience with teaching them how to do it all from holding the rod to the multi line system he had. He went far out there to ensure we maxed out our limit of walleye and he sure succeeded! Booking our next trip with him will for sure be happening ! Thank You so much!

Gary Zakrajsek
Response from Captain

To the Phillips family, it was my pleasure to fish you all. My day was easier because of you. From learning the system to setting lines you did it all with precision. I was most impressed by how the children and parents interacted with each other. Not one of you stood back and just watched. Your hardwork paid big divedends with a nice limit of 36 fish which included the captains limit. Thank you for trusting me with your day out on lake erie. Captain Gary

Todor Dinev
Todor Dinev
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
"Ode to Captain Gary"
8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on August 9, 20256 adults

On Erie’s waves that roll and gleam, We chased the fish, we lived the dream. With Captain Gary at the helm so true, No better guide the lake could view. His boat was steady, swift, and clean, The finest ride we’ve ever seen. Lines were cast, the reels did sing, And soon we felt that walleyed zing! Thirty-six we hauled with cheer, The very best catch of the year. From dawn’s first light to sunset’s glow, Gary made that big lake flow. If you seek thrills, some fish, and fun, Book Gary’s boat — he’s number one! Lake Erie’s king, both kind and wise, With him, the limit’s no surprise.

Reported catch:
Walleye
Jason Elkins
Jason Elkins
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Caught our limit!
5 Hour Trip – Perch on July 24, 20264 adults

We really enjoyed our walleye trip. The captain took the time to teach us and show us what to do and what not to. We caught our limit within 3.5 hours. I highly recomend this charter and will for sure be coming back.

Gary Zakrajsek
Response from Captain

Mr.Elkins and family. I absolutely appreciate you all. You and thd kids did a fantastic job of settling ip lines and landing a nice limit of fish. It was my pleasure to have you chooee me to be your captain on your first Lake Erie expierence. I look forward to your return. Have a greag time while you are here Captain Gary.

Scott Wienert
Scott Wienert
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Great Trip
5 Hour Trip – Perch on July 27, 20261 adult1 child

Caught our limit of Walleye!! Captain Gary was great - knowledgeable, helpful, great conversations, and vwry helpful with getting my son involved.

Gary Zakrajsek
Response from Captain

Thank you Mr Wienert for the kind words. It was my pleasure to fish with you and Tyler for Walleye. You both picked up on the system very fast . i hope you and your family enjoyed the fish. Safe travels and thank you again. Captain Gary

Julie Smiley
Julie Smiley
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Captain Gary Over Delivered :)
5 Hour Trip – Perch on August 14, 20244 adults

My guys have been on several charters and we've found our family's forever Captain!! Crooked Hook did not disappoint. Not only did he exceed expectations prior to the trip, he surpassed the expectations during. We booked our trip last minute due to a last minute decision for a quick trip with my in-laws. Captain Gary responded promptly to my messages thru Fishing Booker and as promised (of his own accord), called the night before the trip to review the itinerary, answer any questions, and give valuable information (i.e. license information, cooler, snacks, motion sickness meds, etc.) We specifically wanted to fish for perch and he gave 110% to get our guys to their limit (even staying several hours over the original trip time to find spots to make that happen). His fishing guests ranged from my experienced angler 45 yo husband, experienced angler 18 yo son, intermediate angler 15 yo son, and never been on a charter 63 yo father-in-law. I was told that Captain Gary gave clear instructions the entire trip, was attentive to the needs of his guests (and didn't hover for those that didn't have needs), all while hitting the water quickly and giving a guided attraction commentary as they passed the islands and landmarks. Prior to taking off, he reviewed all of the safety features on the boat in the event that something unexpected/tragic might happen while they were on the water...all were prepared for how to contact the Coastguard and/or summon other help. The boat was large, well-maintained, and had a toilet. (That made them all happy in itself.) After extending the trip to be sure they caught all that the lake allowed that day, Captain Gary made arrangements with the local fish cleaning facility (Bays Edge Fish Cleaning Service) to pick up the fish at the dock. We picked up our catch the next afternoon (could have picked it up 2 hours later) at their facility, which was the cleanest that we've ever used!! (We've found our go-to for cleaning every trip now, too!) Overall, Captain Gary was kind, knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly loves his retirement job!

Gary Zakrajsek
Response from Captain

Mrs Smiley and family, Wow, that's one heck of a review. When you called and asked my opinion on an opportunity to go and get some perch, I said I wouldn't guarantee a limit but would put 110% effort to get as many perch as possible but no guarantee as it is fishing. Your crew showed up with smiles. And a positive were going to get them attitude, and we sure did get them. We took a nice limit,had a lot of laughs, and had a few pokes at some fish that we weren't targeting (sheepshead). Your crew made my day fun, exciting and successful. I pride my business on doing everything I can to give my guests a great experience as well as success. As a charter captain, I am very fortunate to meet many fantastic guests and have 98% return for future trips. When they leave I stay in touch and many have become long time friends. As you wrote I do contact my guests prior to our trip to inform them of weather,fishing, and success possibilities. I believe in being honest and upfront about it all. I give all guests the option if fishing is slow to non-existent to reschedule. I absolutely appreciate that you called and chose me for your last minute day on Lake Erie and hope to see you all in the near future. Have a great rest of your year. Thank you Captain Gary Zakrajsek

FAQs about Crooked Hook Charters

Crooked Hook Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Perch (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Crooked Hook Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Stand-up Private Head
  • GPS Lowrance HDS 12 and 9 with new autopilot 2021
  • Fishfinder Lowrance HDS 12 and 9
  • Bed
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Crooked Hook Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Okuma, Penn)
  • Live bait (Prepared for the trip)
  • Lures (worm harness,Reef Runner, Bandits, and Smithwick P-)
  • First mate (Our first mate works for tips 20% is normal, and each trip, they will provide their ability,knowledge to educate our guests in the fishing techniques we will employ. The first mate baits hooks,nets fish,keeps boat clean and safe throughout the day. )
Crooked Hook Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing (Western Basin Of Lake Erie Islands area)
Crooked Hook Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Trolling (Trolling Big boards ,with spoons,worm harness and s)
  • Spinning (casting worm harness, )
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Crooked Hook Charters include:
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Walleye

Your captain

Gary Zakrajsek
Gary Zakrajsek
Gary Zakrajsek

Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, United States

2 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
44 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2018

Growing up in Northern Ohio on Lake Erie, I have spent numerous hours fishing on this Great Lake. I have over 30 years of fishing experience for Walleye and Perch. I have been given this chance while working as a full-time firefighter in Sandusky Ohio Local 327 IAFF for 28 years. I have since retired and have been able to dedicate myself to fishing as a full time boat owner and charter captain. I am very fortunate for this opportunity, that i am able to use my experience passed on to me by my Father, uncles and grandfathers. I enjoy taking out fisherman, women and children and giving them the same fishing experience on a daily basis. There is nothing better to watch the smiles when they catch that fish ohio walleye or even their first walleye. I have always been and outdoorsman and think every day how lucky i am to have grown up on beautiful Lake Erie.

2 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
44 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2018

Growing up in Northern Ohio on Lake Erie, I have spent numerous hours fishing on this Great Lake. I have over 30 years of fishing experience for Walleye and Perch. I have been given this chance while working as a full-time firefighter in Sandusky Ohio Local 327 IAFF for 28 years. I have since retired and have been able to dedicate myself to fishing as a full time boat owner and charter captain. I am very fortunate for this opportunity, that i am able to use my experience passed on to me by my Father, uncles and grandfathers. I enjoy taking out fisherman, women and children and giving them the same fishing experience on a daily basis. There is nothing better to watch the smiles when they catch that fish ohio walleye or even their first walleye. I have always been and outdoorsman and think every day how lucky i am to have grown up on beautiful Lake Erie.

The fish you can target

Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Walleye
Walleye
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Walleye
Walleye

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
30 ft
Year built
1999
Restored in
2021
Boat manufacturer
Baha Fisherman
Boat type
Cuddy cabin
Engine model
Gm 350 twin
Powered by
2 x 315HP
Max cruising speed
32 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing
Western Basin Of Lake Erie Islands area

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Trolling
Trolling Big boards ,with spoons,worm harness and s
Spinning
casting worm harness,
Jigging
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Stand-up Private Head
GPS
Lowrance HDS 12 and 9 with new autopilot 2021
Fishfinder
Lowrance HDS 12 and 9
Bed
Live bait well
Ice box

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Okuma, Penn
Live bait
Prepared for the trip
Lures
worm harness,Reef Runner, Bandits, and Smithwick P-
First mate
Our first mate works for tips 20% is normal, and each trip, they will provide their ability,knowledge to educate our guests in the fishing techniques we will employ. The first mate baits hooks,nets fish,keeps boat clean and safe throughout the day.

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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Children always welcome,11 and under must wear PFD
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

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Lakeside Marblehead right now

Perch (Yellow)Perch (Yellow)
WalleyeWalleye

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Crooked Hook Charters
Crooked Hook Charters
4.9
(44)
30 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
5 hour trip • 6 persons
US $600

Recent fishing reports


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