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
Nicole N.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour trip with Captain Doug

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on August 5, 2023
We had a great time on our 4 hour trip trolling for Walleye.ย  We got our limit, everything was fun and easy, learned lots...
Nicole N. recommends Reel King Charters
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Ryan C.
Des Moines, IA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on May 28, 2023
Great experience with Capt. Craig right from meeting him at the marina!ย  He was very knowledgeable and taught my 11 yr old...
Ryan C. 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

Awesome Time

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on June 8, 2024
Shout out to Captain Doug
JEROME H. recommends Reel King Charters
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Marquita B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Made the trip about us

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on May 11, 2024
I highly recommend this company
Marquita B. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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Chante C.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Craig was relentless!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on July 25, 2023
He is top notch! Not only is is hard working and knowledgeable, but heโ€™s also very kind to us first timers!ย  Thank you so...
Chante C. recommends Reel King Charters โ€“ 20โ€™ Lund
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