Charter Operator
Reel King Charters

Member since July 2021 Lakeside Marblehead, United States
Background
I have been fishing my whole life. Started fishing with family on inland lakes in northern Indiana. This led to fishing Lake Michigan with my grandfather in my early teens. Then we moved the boat to Bass Haven Marina on Lake Erie. Spent the next decade casting for Walleye and eventually, taking the trolling skills learned from Lake Michigan and applied them to Lake Erie as the water cleaned up. I spent off the water time raising a family, farming, in management, maintenance, and eventually being self-employed. My family operates C & K Greenhouses in the spring, on our farm. This allows me the opportunity to charter full-time during the summer. Reel King Charters LLC. is a family business founded in 2018 by brothers Capt Doug and Capt Craig Rothgeb. I am excited to fulfill a childhood dream of being a professional fisherman that can share a lifetime of knowledge with both the new and experienced anglers on the boat.
Techniques
We are a multi-species team of anglers. Trolling is our preferred technique for summer walleye, jigging for spawning walleye, and casting the rest of the season are all effective ways to catch walleye. Perch are targeted with custom rigs bottom fishing while anchored. Cast or drop shot for Smallmouth around the islands and shorelines. We use the most effective technique that is working for that time of year. Ultimately, it is your call on the technique used for walleye.

Hey, it's Reel King Charters

Lakeside Marblehead, United States
Background
I have been fishing my whole life. Started fishing with family on inland lakes in northern Indiana. This led to fishing Lake Michigan with my grandfather in my early teens. Then we moved the boat to Bass Haven Marina on Lake Erie. Spent the next decade casting for Walleye and eventually, taking the trolling skills learned from Lake Michigan and applied them to Lake Erie as the water cleaned up. I spent off the water time raising a family, farming, in management, maintenance, and eventually being self-employed. My family operates C & K Greenhouses in the spring, on our farm. This allows me the opportunity to charter full-time during the summer. Reel King Charters LLC. is a family business founded in 2018 by brothers Capt Doug and Capt Craig Rothgeb. I am excited to fulfill a childhood dream of being a professional fisherman that can share a lifetime of knowledge with both the new and experienced anglers on the boat.
Techniques
We are a multi-species team of anglers. Trolling is our preferred technique for summer walleye, jigging for spawning walleye, and casting the rest of the season are all effective ways to catch walleye. Perch are targeted with custom rigs bottom fishing while anchored. Cast or drop shot for Smallmouth around the islands and shorelines. We use the most effective technique that is working for that time of year. Ultimately, it is your call on the technique used for walleye.
Anglers Choice
Verified
Our Team
Craig R.
Captain
Doug R.
Captain
Carson R.
First mate

My Charter Listings

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Angler's choice
Lakeside Marblehead
 Last booking: 1 day ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(76 reviews)
Angler's choice
Lakeside Marblehead
 Last booking: 3 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 105 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (222)
Excellent Walleye Trip \u2013 Limited Out Fast!
Excellent Walleye Trip \u2013 Limited Out Fast!
Excellent Walleye Trip \u2013 Limited Out Fast!
+219
Angler rating
102
3
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 105 reviews
Alan B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Unbelivable experiance

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (PM) on June 13, 2026
Our family had an absolutely incredible time with Real King Charters! From start to finish, the experience was nothing short...
Alan B. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Shawn E.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent Walleye Trip โ€“ Limited Out Fast!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on June 14, 2026
My son, son-in-law, and I had an amazing time fishing on Lake Erie with Captain Craig. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and...
Shawn E. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Mike O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day walleye trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on August 24, 2025
Met Captain Craig at the dock with my 9 and 13 yr old grandsons and off we went. Due to the wind we headed to the east...
Mike O. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Edward E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

So impressed and happy with our experience! You are awesome Doug!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on May 17, 2026
wanted to take my father on a great fishing trip he would love, and wow did we book the right people. Doug was an amazing guide...
Edward E. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Ryan E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great time

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on May 25, 2026
captain was great, knew what he was doing. very kind and good to be around. Equipment worked great, boat was nice and clean....
Ryan E. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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