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
(113 reviews)
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 Instant Confirmation
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Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 123 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (158)
Best fishing trip of my life
Best fishing trip of my life
Best fishing trip of my life
+155
Angler rating
114
6
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 123 reviews
John K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Love Fishing on the PCE!!!

VERIFIED   6 Hr Trip โ€“ Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on May 18, 2024
Sam and Caleb picked us up from Kelleys Island early and wasted no time putting us on the fish.ย  We had more than enough room...
John K. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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Larry I.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun Time

VERIFIED   6 Hr Trip โ€“ Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on June 26, 2024
Had a great time with Captain Sam and his son. Had a bad storm rolling in, didnโ€™t think the trip was going to happen. Captain...
Larry I. 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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Adam T.
Miamisburg, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Family fishing!

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip โ€“ Perch/Walleye Combo on September 18, 2022
This was a walleye/perch combo trip for me and my two kids (11&9). We had a great time despite the windy weather trying to...
Adam T. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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Miko K.
Macedonia, Iowa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day trip, hit our limit!

VERIFIED   6 Hr Trip โ€“ Walleye (PM) 2-6 ppl on August 3, 2022
Sam and his boy, Caleb are great. Not a lot of bsโ€™n or messing around. These boys are trying to catch fish! That said, he...
Miko K. recommends Pork Chop Express Charters
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