Howdy!

We are thinking of getting a fishing charter mainly targeting small mouth. Heard that Lake Erie is known for really good SMB. Most of the charters online seem to be steelheads trouts and walleyes. Does anyone have recommendation for small mouth fishing charters?

Last year based on recommendations here we did SMB fishing in Maine, on small 3 person boat. It was a blast! We also did a salmon charter for land locked salmon in NH (not fun, mainly trolled and we caught one fish). We prefer the "cast and catch fish" not trolling boats that basically have you do nothing until fish is caught. Not sure if its due to larger body water that most offer trolling options?

It would be me and my 12 year old on this charter. Have been fishing for a few years but compared to most folks here we are novices  

We are looking in June if it helps. We are from Boston area and depending on the charter would fly or drive there.

Hire a guide, not a charter.

Highly recommend Cory with XTR Fishing Charters fishing out of Erie PA. 

https://xtrfishingcharters.com/

22 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Hire a guide, not a charter.

What is the difference

 

17 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Highly recommend Cory with XTR Fishing Charters fishing out of Erie PA. 

https://xtrfishingcharters.com/

Thank you! I will send them a note.

1 hour ago, dovii said:

What is the difference

Guides generally fish on or two guys. I think of charters having several guys and mostly

trolling not casting.

On 5/10/2022 at 10:51 AM, roadwarrior said:

Guides generally fish on or two guys. I think of charters having several guys and mostly

trolling not casting.

Aah gotcha! Yes that makes sense to me in that case.

Lake Erie has some of the best small mouth bass fishing in the world.  The area around Pelee Island is especially good.  Pelee Isalnd is on the Canadian side.  If you ever get a chance to fish there, do it. 

1 hour ago, Captain Phil said:

Lake Erie has some of the best small mouth bass fishing in the world.  The area around Pelee Island is especially good.  Pelee Isalnd is on the Canadian side.  If you ever get a chance to fish there, do it. 

 

Capt. my experience last week would suggest the PA waters are especially good as well. 

Presque Isle Bay is a pretty awesome spot.

I second Presque Isle Bay, check into Erie Bass Charters.  Danny the guide knows where they are and how to catch them.

I’m currently sitting on the shores of Lake Erie! No fishing but I’m feeling very Bavarian 

45 minutes ago, FishinBuck07 said:

I second Presque Isle Bay, check into Erie Bass Charters.  Danny the guide knows where they are and how to catch them.

 

Danny likes to fish the bay because it is easy & he doesn't have to burn any gas. There are lots of smallies in the bay but there also lots of fisherman in the bay chasing them & bed fishing. Danny catches lots of numbers if that is your thing but few trophy fish. 

On 5/22/2022 at 4:55 PM, Dwight Hottle said:

 

Danny likes to fish the bay because it is easy & he doesn't have to burn any gas. There are lots of smallies in the bay but there also lots of fisherman in the bay chasing them & bed fishing. Danny catches lots of numbers if that is your thing but few trophy fish. 

 

In case you don't believe me. 

https://www.the-daily-record.com/story/sports/outdoors/2022/05/23/fishermen-use-skills-make-three-days-presque-isle-good-trip/9804821002/?fbclid=IwAR1D5zkzyMVXfrgNJBwtzBz7Nfwg8czec3t6o0t7qvReKToKTv1EFdQcZsw