Captain

Craig Claflin

Fairport Harbor, United States

Veteran owned

10+ reviews

I have been fishing since age 4. Growing up in Salamanca, New York, I was navigating the Allegheny River on my own vessel made from two tires and a piece of plywood by age 8. A former US Marine, Survival Instructor, and father, my life experience provides those aboard the Blue Monkey with unparalleled safety and security, as well as some colorful story-telling when the fish aren't biting.

Charters

Blue Monkey Charters – Fairport Harbor
Fairport Harbor
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $650
Blue Monkey Charters – Walnut Creek
Fairview
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $650

Rating

5.0

10 reviews

5.0

Boat & Equipment

5.0

Captain & Crew

5.0

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (17)

All reviews (10)

Showing 1 – 5 of 10 reviews

Tim Winfield
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2022
5.0
Verified
A great day on the lake!
6 Hour Trip – PM Walleye on June 20, 2026 • 4 adults
Captain Craig and crew got us catching fish right away. Before we knew it, we caught our limit. Most were decently sized walleye. Some were pretty darn big! The boat was clean and comfortable, and Captain Craig and Max were a good hang!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
June 22, 2026
Thanks for choosing us and we look forward to seeing you again! You guys were a great crew!
Jason Vanarsdall
Repeat angler
Ohio, US
Member since 2024
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Father/Son Experience
6 Hour Trip – Walleye on August 3, 2024 • 3 adults • 2 children
TL;DR: Craig and his deckhand Max, were fantastic. We caught our limit. The boat was fast, and comfortable. We will fish with Blue Monkey Charters again! We arrived early, but Craig already had the boat in the water. We had some weather to contend with so it was nice we got out there quickly. Max prepped the gear as we rode out to the spot. They got everything set up quickly, and we were catching fish as we watched the sunrise over the water. I honestly don't recall if we were trolling with 6 or 8 rods. Regardless, my son and I were kept busy reeling 'em in. We caught our limit quickly and planned to head out deeper to catch and release some bigger fish (though the walleye were a good size and put up a good fight). Unfortunately, lightning and a water spout in the distance deterred us. My son and I have done a number of private charters on the Atlantic and the Pacific, but this was our first time on Lake Erie, and this was one of our better experiences. It's worth mentioning that I will probably book directly through his website. Fishing Booker doesn't seem to stop sending me emails. Overall, I'm a satisfied customer, and the next time we're in Cleveland, we will go back out with Blue Monkey Charters.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
August 12, 2024
Thank you Jason it was our pleasure having you aboard! I’m glad that we were able to give you a good safe trip despite the weather conditions. We look forward to having you back aboard!
Joel Price
Ohio, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Good times in bad weather
6 Hour Trip – Walleye on April 12, 2025 • 5 adults
Even though we were kind of out of season and the weather was cold. Craig did the best he could to get us fish and have a good time he was a class act and his first mate max was friendly helpful and knowledgeable I enjoyed our time greatly and would highly recommend
Response from Captain
April 22, 2025
Thanks for the great trip! Was a pleasure meeting you guys and look forward our next trip! Stay safe and tight lines!
Marian Klopp
Repeat angler
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Will do again!
6 Hour Trip – Walleye on August 23, 2024 • 2 adults
The Blue Monkey is a very comfortable boat & Captain Craig is very knowledgeable. Our morning trip was a success with both of us catching our limit! Equipment was top notch, everything was kept very clean & will definitely recommend if you want to catch walleyes! Marian & Carl
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
August 24, 2024
Thank you Marian and Carl!! It was our pleasure having you aboard! Loved all the stories and look forward to the next trip!
Matt Krause
Repeat angler
Georgia, US
Member since 2022
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Awesome experience
6 Hour Trip – Walleye on July 27, 2024 • 2 adults
The Blue Monkey team had us catching fish in no time. Went to two different places and caught a ton of fish. Steelhead, Walleye, and sheepshead! They were great. Would definitely recommend them!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
July 28, 2024
Was a pleasure guys I really enjoyed being your guide! Be safe in Georgia and god bless!