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
 Last booking: 13 hours ago
 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
Barry T.
Akron, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Craig

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on July 8, 2023
Had a great experience on our charter fishing trip. Captain Craig was an awesome host. Very informative and knew the spots...
Barry T. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Brian C.
Cary, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

Half Day Trip (PM) on June 1, 2024
Came a hour late captain was ready had 4 hour trip thinking that we were late it would be 3 hours but captain keep the trip...
Brian C. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Dennis T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great afternoon on the water

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on July 7, 2024
Great afternoon on the water with captain Doug. We were on the fish right away with steady fishing all afternoon. Would highly...
Dennis T. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Susan L.
Commerce, Michigan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip on Reel King

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on August 18, 2022
I canโ€™t imagine a better experience.ย  Captain Craig was great with all of us (from 8 years old with zero experience to 60โ€™s...
Susan L. recommends Reel King Charters
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Kyle B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Guide

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 30, 2024
Despite challenging wind and rough waters, Craig was able to put us on fish and make the best of a difficult day.
Kyle B. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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