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
(61 reviews)
Lakeside Marblehead
 Last booking: 2 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 87 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (165)
Captain was super friendly and we caught a bunch of fish
Captain was super friendly and we caught a bunch of fish
Captain was super friendly and we caught a bunch of fish
+162
Angler rating
85
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 87 reviews
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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Cherie B.
Maumee, Ohio
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 (AM) on July 26, 2023
My kids had the best morning with Captain Craig. He was very patient with them, and they caught SO MANY fish! Craig was patient...
Cherie B. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Mike L.
Hudson, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Could not have gone better!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on May 21, 2023
Doug was our captain and did a fantastic job.ย  We were able to start catching fish within minutes of getting all of the trolling...
Mike L. recommends Reel King Charters
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Luke H.
Fort Wayne, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain Doug

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 22, 2023
Doug was fantastic and did a wonderful job with my 9 year old son. He did a such a good job continuing to build on a young...
Luke H. recommends Reel King Charters
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Broc B.
Auburn, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day evening tip with the Craig and the crew!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on May 27, 2023
Awesome day fishing with a group for us for my buddyโ€™s batchlor party!ย  Craig, Doug, and Camran were awesome!ย  They put...
Broc B. recommends Reel King Charters
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