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Crooked Hook Charters 

4.9
(45 reviews)
 389 Channel Grove Road, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, United States–
Meet the Captain
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Crooked Hook Charters 

Lakeside Marblehead, OH, United States
–
30 ft
6
4.9
(45 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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
What this charter offers
Live bait
You keep catch
Toilet
Child friendly
Ice box
What this charter offers
Live bait
You keep catch
Toilet
Child friendly
Ice box

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
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

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
45 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

Reviews (45)

  • Tara Phillips
    Tara Phillips
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Family Fishing Trip

    8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on July 20, 2026 • 5 adults • 3 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!

  • Jason Elkins
    Jason Elkins
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Caught our limit!

    5 Hour Trip – Perch on July 24, 2026 • 4 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.

  • 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, 2025 • 6 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.

  • Robert Dassylva
    Robert Dassylva
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Full day Walleye fishing trip

    8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on July 25, 2023 • 4 adults

    Captain Gary was waiting and ready for us at 6:00 am. We had a 40 minute boat ride to get us out to the fish. We had lines in the water within the hour of our trip and immediately started catching fish, I can’t say enough about how excited excited and how much fun we had. Everyone on our family trip caught fish and maxed out . Captain Gary knows what he is doing and along the trip point out sites along the way. We recommend the highest rating that can be given and will definitely use him again on any future events. The only thing we worry about is giving the Captain such a good review , he will be hard to book in the future, lol. Thank you Captain Gary for a great trip. See you soon.

  • Philip Brandt
    Philip Brandt
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2020
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Gary

    5 Hour Trip – Perch on July 25, 2020 • 3 adults • 1 child

    The caption and first mate where awesome. They put us right on the spot for the fish. They where awesome with my child and wife who never went fishing on a boat in Lake Erie. There is just to much to say how great they where. I will be back with them again. Thank you so much for everything you guys did.

  • Thomas Cook
    Thomas Cook
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    May fishing trip

    8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on May 21, 2022 • 6 adults
  • Scott Berg
    Scott Berg
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2020
    5.0
    Verified

    What a day!

    8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on June 29, 2020 • 5 adults • 2 children

    Perfect day. Just what you come to Lake Erie for. Excellent captain and first mate. Put us on fish! Limited out by noon. Biggest walleye 7 lbs. Great equipment, fast boat, super set up. Experience and expertise on display.

  • Arqulia Bowers
    Arqulia Bowers
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    BOYS TRIP

    5 Hour Trip – Perch on July 24, 2021 • 3 adults
  • Michael Elson
    Michael Elson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2019
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Can’t fight the wind!

    8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on May 30, 2019 • 6 adults

    Our trip started out with several good fish in quick succession but then the wind picked up and we were soon in six foot waves. The kids got a little green around the gills and we had to cut the day short but the captain and crew were awesome. Would go back today if I could.

  • Michael Bostick
    Michael Bostick
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2019
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome 8 hour trip

    8 Hour dock to dock Trip – Walleye on June 1, 2019 • 4 adults

    Captain Gary and his first mate Dave welcomed us onto the boat and made us all feel welcome right away. Captain Gary explained everything to us and was patient with us the whole time. We all caught fish and had a great time. We will definitely be back.

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
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Crooked Hook Charters include:
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Walleye

Your captain

Gary Zakrajsek
Gary Zakrajsek
Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, United States
2 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
45 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.
Gary Zakrajsek
Gary Zakrajsek
Fully verified
2
reports
45
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
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

Real catches by this captain

  • A young angler proudly displaying two large Walleye while standing at the dock, with several more fish hanging on a rack behind him.
    Scott W.
    Scott W.
    Caught our limit of Walleye!! Captain Gary was great - knowledgeable, helpful, great conversations, and vwry helpful with getting my son involved.
  • Two young anglers proudly displaying their catch of the day, featuring a couple of large fish, at the marina.
    Jason E.
    Jason E.
    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.
  • An angler actively reeling in a catch aboard the 'Crooked Hook' boat, surrounded by multiple fishing rods in a serene ocean setting.
    Fish 1
    Pollock
    As fast as we could get rofs in the water the fish were on. 4 person limit as well as a captains limit for 30 good grade of walleye off to the cleaners. The Elkins crew first time walleye fishing on Lake Erie and it didn't disappoint. They quicly learned the system and it produced. From the Adults to the kids ... youngest 4 years old. All reeled in a limit the smallest with help holding the rod but the kids worked the fish. The young lady was able to land a 25.5 inch fish. Thank you to the crew for a wonderful day on lake erie Captain Zak
  • A young girl proudly displaying her catch, a large fish, while fishing on a charter boat.
    Tara P.
    Tara P.
    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!
  • A group of five anglers proudly displaying their catch of Walleye at the marina after a successful fishing trip.
    Todor D.
    Todor D.
    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.
  • A well-arranged display of Walleye fish hanging on a board at a marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Had the pleasure of taking out a team building trip for QCC out of Harwood Heights Illinois. They put on a fishing clinic. Started with learning how to set up,our system and they not only picked it up quick but ran it flawlessly. 36 big walleye went to the white coffin and back to Illinois. We also boated some ,sheepshead, white perch and a catfish. I wold like to than QCC for trusting us with your team we absolutely appreciate your businesses. We will see you again soon.
  • Angler reeling in a fish while enjoying a sunny day on the water, showcasing a lively fishing experience aboard a charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sand Bass
    Julie S.
    Julie S.
    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!
  • A family proudly displays their catch of Walleye on a catch board at the dock, showcasing a successful day of fishing.
    Robert D.
    Robert D.
    Captain Gary was waiting and ready for us at 6:00 am. We had a 40 minute boat ride to get us out to the fish. We had lines in the water within the hour of our trip and immediately started catching fish, I can’t say enough about how excited excited and how much fun we had. Everyone on our family trip caught fish and maxed out . Captain Gary knows what he is doing and along the trip point out sites along the way. We recommend the highest rating that can be given and will definitely use him again on any future events. The only thing we worry about is giving the Captain such a good review , he will be hard to book in the future, lol. Thank you Captain Gary for a great trip. See you soon.
  • Group of adult anglers posing beside a large catch board displaying numerous walleye at a waterfront marina.
    Thomas C.
    Thomas C.
  • Group of anglers actively fishing on a boat, with one young angler reeling in a catch while others are poised with their rods in the water.
    Arqulia B.
    Arqulia B.

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

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
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
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4.9
(45)
30 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
5 hour trip • 6 persons
US $600