Captain
Samuel Downing

Member since June 2019 Lakeside Marblehead, United States
Background
Capt. Samuels grew up in western Pennsylvania and was introduced to hunting and fishing as soon as he could hold a rod and a gun. He remembers fishing with his dad on the Allegheny River where he would night fish for Sucker and Catfish as a little boy. They moved on to wading the streams fishing for Trout, learning the finesse techniques of fly fishing, and the patience involved with the sport. As the captain grew older, they ventured to the Great Lakes in New York and Pennsylvania to fish for Salmon and Steelhead creating great memories. Capt. Samuel went into the Air Force and ended up stationed in North Dakota where he was exposed to Walleye fishing on Devils Lake. He fell in love with the challenges of catching Walleye. Several years later, he ended up living in Michigan surrounded by tremendous Walleye fishing opportunities. He purchased a Lund boat, gained knowledge and experience, and decided to upgrade to his North River and get a charter license to share what he's learned.
Techniques
Capt. Samuel trolls, jigs, drifts, and casts for Walleye. His crew has the boat equipped to do it all with all the gear needed. Some customers like the rod in hand, others like to just reel them in and let the boat do the work, so the crew lets the customers decide. The captain's preference changes with the season and the weather. He jigs and trolls in the spring, drifts, trolls, and casts in early to late summer, and trolls in the fall into winter.

Hey, I'm Captain Samuel Downing

Lakeside Marblehead, United States
Background
Capt. Samuels grew up in western Pennsylvania and was introduced to hunting and fishing as soon as he could hold a rod and a gun. He remembers fishing with his dad on the Allegheny River where he would night fish for Sucker and Catfish as a little boy. They moved on to wading the streams fishing for Trout, learning the finesse techniques of fly fishing, and the patience involved with the sport. As the captain grew older, they ventured to the Great Lakes in New York and Pennsylvania to fish for Salmon and Steelhead creating great memories. Capt. Samuel went into the Air Force and ended up stationed in North Dakota where he was exposed to Walleye fishing on Devils Lake. He fell in love with the challenges of catching Walleye. Several years later, he ended up living in Michigan surrounded by tremendous Walleye fishing opportunities. He purchased a Lund boat, gained knowledge and experience, and decided to upgrade to his North River and get a charter license to share what he's learned.
Techniques
Capt. Samuel trolls, jigs, drifts, and casts for Walleye. His crew has the boat equipped to do it all with all the gear needed. Some customers like the rod in hand, others like to just reel them in and let the boat do the work, so the crew lets the customers decide. The captain's preference changes with the season and the weather. He jigs and trolls in the spring, drifts, trolls, and casts in early to late summer, and trolls in the fall into winter.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(107 reviews)
Angler's choice
Lakeside Marblehead
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $375
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Angler's choice
Lorain
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Angler's choice
Olcott
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450
Angler's choice
Huron
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $375

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 113 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (138)
Fishing with Samuel
Great trip!
Great day! Caught all limits!
+135
Angler rating
104
6
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
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Showing:
5 of 113 reviews
Sidney S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Samuel

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hr Trip โ€“ Walleye (AM) 2-6 ppl on May 27, 2025
Sidney S. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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Ryan H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

This charter is the one youโ€™re looking for.

VERIFIED   6 Hr Trip โ€“ Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on June 28, 2024
Have been on Lake Erie many times. This includes 2 boats of my own and many charters. Sam and Caleb are courteous and knowledgeable...
Ryan H. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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Branden H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Highly recommended!

VERIFIED   6 Hr Trip โ€“ Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on June 15, 2024
Captain is communicative and friendly! I rented this trip for my husband and kids for Fatherโ€™s Day weekend and they loved...
Branden H. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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Ryan F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Fishing Experience

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ (PM) 2-4 people on June 8, 2024
We chartered Capt Sam for my buddy Kirkโ€™s bachelor party and had an absolute blast! We limited out on fish and I caught a...
Ryan F. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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Casey C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4hr walleye trip

VERIFIED   4 hour trip - (AM) 2-4 people on July 14, 2024
Had a great time with pork chop me and my girlfriend did a 4hr trip and we limited out in 2. Will definitely be going back...
Casey C. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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