Port Clinton Fishing Charters

Eye-Caramba Sportfishing invites you to spend a day on Lake Erie, targeting the finest species its productive waters have to offer. Captain Andrew Harmon, the owner and operator, follows the fish throughout the year. He starts out by fishing the Western B

trips from

US $350

30 ft

●

up to 6

What A Catch Charters – 30' Tiara

4.9/5 (61 reviews)

Top-rated family fishing trips

What A Catch Charters offers exciting fishing adventures on Lake Erie. Join an experienced and knowledgeable captain and have a fun and productive day on the water. Capt. Al Smith has been mastering the waters of the Great Lake for over three decades now.

trips from

US $575

24 ft

●

up to 6

Captain Scott's Catfish Charter

4.8/5 (101 reviews)

Top-rated family fishing trips

Captain Scott’s Catfish Charter invites you to enjoy Lake Erie fishing at its finest. With just a quick boat ride to a calm fishing area, you will be ready to bait the hooks. Captain Scott is a patient and professional guide, who knows the area like

trips from

US $300

30 ft

●

up to 6

Champion Charters

5.0/5 (144 reviews)

Top-rated family fishing trips

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 per

trips from

US $790

30 ft

●

up to 6

Billy D Charters

4.7/5 (69 reviews)

Top-rated family fishing trips

Billy D Charters invites you to spend a day on the prolific waters of Lake Erie, catch your limit of fish, and make some beautiful memories! Captain Dean Northcutt has been running charters out of Port Clinton for 30 years, and he built a successful caree

trips from

US $740

Half-day fishing trips in Port Clinton

21 ft

●

up to 3

Strikemaster Charters–Port Clinton/Marblehead

4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Half-day fishing trips

If you are looking for a premier fishing experience, look no further, you will be fishing on Lake Erie for trophy Walleye,Steelhead and Perch. These waters are well-known fisheries and boast the title of the ‘Walleye Capital of the World’. So,

trips from

US $190

24 ft

●

up to 6

Big Kat’s Fishing Adventures

4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Half-day fishing trips

Sandusky Bay !! Get ready for an amazing Catfishing action with Big Kat’s Fishing Adventures! Let the captain show you the best fun you can have on Sandusky Bay. He’s a proud owner of a Master’s license and has been fishing this area for

trips from

US $425

25 ft

●

up to 6

Jig'n'Pig Fishing Guide

4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Half-day fishing trips

Jig’n’Pig Fishing Guide specializes in targeting Catfish in the Sandusky Bay of Lake Erie. Captain Jeff Tipple has been running charters since 2008, putting customers on monster lake fish out of Port Clinton, Ohio. You’ll have the chance

trips from

US $420

22 ft

●

up to 5

Eye-Caramba Sportfishing – Port Clinton

5.0/5 (49 reviews)

Half-day fishing trips

trips from

US $350

30 ft

●

up to 6

What A Catch Charters – 30' Tiara

4.9/5 (61 reviews)

Half-day fishing trips

trips from

US $575

24 ft

●

up to 6

Captain Scott's Catfish Charter

4.8/5 (101 reviews)

Half-day fishing trips

trips from

US $300

Top Targeted Species in Port Clinton

Walleye

River

Yellow Perch

River

Smallmouth Bass

Lake

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

River

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Port Clinton

Fishing in Port Clinton

If you’re looking for an authentic fishing experience on the northern shores of Lake Erie, Port Clinton fishing charters will have a lot to offer you. This city is known for its outstanding bite, and here, fishing is a way of life.

In Port Clinton, there’s no catch more beloved and plentiful than the mighty Walleye. From spring to fall, hundreds of fishermen come here, ready to hook into the biggest Walleye of their lives. Their expectations are justified. These hard-fighting species can grow to weigh anywhere from 10–40 pounds and they’re a real challenge to catch.

But it’s not just the clear-eyed Walleye that gets all the attention on Port Clinton fishing charters. Jumbo Yellow Perch and Smallmouth Bass are also on the menu, in case you want a variety of fish fillets in your cooler. If you’d like something more exotic, there are guides that go after Catfish, Northern Pike, and Rainbow Trout. If in doubt, try a bit of everything.

There’s a huge variety of trips you can choose from, depending on who you’re coming with and your angling ambitions. You can spend a couple of hours in the shallower parts of the lake and have plenty of fish for dinner, or head off into the offshore waters for a lunker Walleye hunt. Ice fishing can also be good, as long as you’re going out with an experienced guide.

Fisherman’s Wharf, Riverside Marina, and West Lakeshore Drive are just a few of the most popular departure points for Port Clinton fishing charters.

Rules & Regulations

The most important thing to remember is to bring your Ohio fishing license on your trip. Wading, spearfishing, or having fishing equipment near Nursery Waters isn’t allowed. Your captain will let you know how much fish you can keep.

Port Clinton

4.9/5

Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Port Clinton Fishing Seasons

January

If the lake is frozen solid, try your luck with ice fishing. If it’s not, hop on a boat and follow the southern wind – you might find some Perch. When the winter is warm, the annual spawning Walleye run can come early, so you never know.

February

It’s only safe to go out if the ice is still strong in the western basin, otherwise stay patient just a bit longer. The beginning of the Walleye season is a-coming, as are the possible trophy catches, so start preparing your tackle.

March

Finally, the weather is warmer and Walleye come closer to shore, getting ready to spawn. Jig or troll with planer boards and stick baits for large female Walleye. They’re moving into the shallow waters, and so should you!

April

This month is all about prime Walleye fishing. The western basin reefs are the place to be in April. Book a Port Clinton fishing charter and go jigging or trolling for Walleye. You can also find more than decent Rainbow Trout swimming around in the cool waters.

May

The western basin holds lots of big Walleye. They can be taken by trolling crankbaits and spoons. Fish near and over the reefs or outside the shelf edge, and you’ll find a growing population of Yellow Perch and Rainbows are out there as well.

June

Drift fishing is in its prime! Walleye are snapping left and right in the western basin. If you want your fill of Yellow Perch, target them with spreaders and shiners. The fishing is hot at the beginning of summer, and it’s only getting better from here.

July

Just about everything is biting in Lake Erie! Head out to the shallow reefs for a productive day – this is where your prey congregates. We’re talking Walleye in the hundreds! Perch can be pretty aggressive, and let’s not forget about the excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing.

August

Turn an average of 30 Smallmouth Bass? Easy! The days are growing shorter and the waters cool down. Walleye, Bass, and Perch are in good numbers and big enough to keep in the dozens. Deepwater reefs are the best place to find them.

September

The prime areas on the shallow reefs close to deep water can easily give you your limit of catches. Troll or drift fish for Walleye. And don’t forget about Yellow Perch and Bass – there are some big specimens swimming around in search of their next meal.

October

It’s getting colder on the water, but the western basin still holds good numbers of Walleye. Cast spinners in the shallow waters or stay focused on your trolling efforts. Yellow Perch and Bass fishing is going strong, so make the most of it while you can.

November

By mid-November, the season is winding down, and Port Clinton charter boats are getting off the water. This is a great time to take some of your recent catches from the freezer and make a nice Perch dinner for your family.

December

The western basin is quiet and the fish are getting ready for Christmas. If the lake is frozen, book a trip with your favorite Port Clinton guide and go ice fishing. Why not try something new? Just remember to dress warmly. Layers are the key!

Port Clinton Fishing Calendar

Bass (Smallmouth)

Perch (Yellow)

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Walleye

Featured photos from Port Clinton

What anglers said about fishing in Port Clinton

Pay attention to the weather and be flexible with your time as you may be adjusted based on conditions.

5.0/5

Pay attention to the weather and be flexible with your time as you may be adjusted based on conditions.

Jeff W.

It was hard finding right away but Shawn did a great job finding them. Once he did watch out.

5.0/5

It was hard finding right away but Shawn did a great job finding them. Once he did watch out.

John K.

Use the address for maps, the name of the campground sent me to a different place

5.0/5

Use the address for maps, the name of the campground sent me to a different place

Duane H.

use a knowledgeable captain. highly recommend what a catch. weather can certainly be a factor

5.0/5

use a knowledgeable captain. highly recommend what a catch. weather can certainly be a factor

Robert R.

Recommend cold beer, sunscreen, and anti nausea medicine (Dramamine or Bonine) and fishing with Lured In Charters.

5.0/5

Recommend cold beer, sunscreen, and anti nausea medicine (Dramamine or Bonine) and fishing with Lured In Charters.

Kiki B.

The weather is ALWAYS a factor on Lake Erie. Of the fifteen or so charters taken, a third have been cancelled due to the weather. Check in the evening before to see what's happening. Some captains only troll or drift so if you want to do something else, make sure to ask before booking.

5.0/5

Lee D.

I would highly recommend Port Clinton with their accessible marinas, ports, lodging and their catering to the charter business, their captains and visitors.

5.0/5

I would highly recommend Port Clinton with their accessible marinas, ports, lodging and their catering to the charter business, their captains and visitors.

Matthew L.

First time fishing in Port Clinton, I would tell you to go in May or June. Later in the summer is a little weather pending. still good fishing just might not be every day.

5.0/5

First time fishing in Port Clinton, I would tell you to go in May or June. Later in the summer is a little weather pending. still good fishing just might not be every day.

Mark J.

Make sure you understand the fish cleaning aspect. If you come from far away, it is essential to know what's up!!

5.0/5

Make sure you understand the fish cleaning aspect. If you come from far away, it is essential to know what's up!!

Guy L.

Make sure you select the right charter. Some of these guys are uptight and will make the charter seem like a chore, others will treat it like an experience.

5.0/5

Make sure you select the right charter. Some of these guys are uptight and will make the charter seem like a chore, others will treat it like an experience.

Jacob R.

Check with Kenny for best times per species. The man has his finger on the bite and where they are!! Outcast fishing charters....simply the best!!

5.0/5

Check with Kenny for best times per species. The man has his finger on the bite and where they are!! Outcast fishing charters....simply the best!!

Mike S.

Talk to your captain about Jig Fishing and Trolling in the same day. It's the perfect time of year to do both if the Jig fishing bite is still good....

5.0/5

Talk to your captain about Jig Fishing and Trolling in the same day. It's the perfect time of year to do both if the Jig fishing bite is still good....

Bob I.

Make sure to bring some layers or rain gear, it is a little chilly on the water when the wind picks up a bit

5.0/5

Make sure to bring some layers or rain gear, it is a little chilly on the water when the wind picks up a bit

Gregory F.

Just realize that perch are smaller fish. No fight in them and very “basic” fishing.

5.0/5

Just realize that perch are smaller fish. No fight in them and very “basic” fishing.

Andy S.

Port Clinton is the Walleye capital of the world. What else do ya need to know?

5.0/5

Port Clinton is the Walleye capital of the world. What else do ya need to know?

Jason A.

Be ready for great action. Even though it was raining we caught a cooler full and had a blast catching and releasing many large fish.

5.0/5

Be ready for great action. Even though it was raining we caught a cooler full and had a blast catching and releasing many large fish.

Joe P.

Use a charter service like Billy D’s to give yourself a better chance of catching fish

5.0/5

Use a charter service like Billy D’s to give yourself a better chance of catching fish

Sott D.

Have layers of clothes Listen to your captain of whats working to catch the fish

5.0/5

Have layers of clothes Listen to your captain of whats working to catch the fish

Ken P.

The size of the boat and the engine largely determines how fast and how far you can go during your time. We plan to come back in June next year, instead of July.

5.0/5

The size of the boat and the engine largely determines how fast and how far you can go during your time. We plan to come back in June next year, instead of July.