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, we're 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.
Our Team
Craig R.
Captain
Doug R.
Captain
Kyle R.
Captain
Carson R.
First mate

My Charter Listings

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Lakeside Marblehead
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(59 reviews)
Lakeside Marblehead
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 85 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (159)
Great Trip!!!!
Fishing with Craig
Great Trip!!
+156
Angler rating
83
2
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
97%
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Showing:
5 of 85 reviews
Katy R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun! Fun! Fun!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on June 14, 2025
We had an awesome time on our 4 hour trip. Captain Doug was fantastic! We caught the perfect amount of fish! We will definitely...
Katy R. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Eric S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Very good

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 3, 2025
Very good caught a lot of fish. Captain was great. I highly recommend.
Eric S. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Jerome H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on June 7, 2025
Jerome H. recommends Reel King Charters
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Andrew G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great! No complaints!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (AM) on September 22, 2024
Everything was straightforward and went as expected. No surprises and no BS. The captain and first mate were very knowledgeable...
Andrew G. recommends Reel King Charters
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Austin M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on August 5, 2024
Austin M. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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