Tight Lines Sport Fishing LLC in Erie, Pennsylvania
Guided by Jim Stasko
Lake River
Guided by Jim Stasko
Lake River
Captain Jim has had his passion for the water from an early age. As a young child growing up in Alaska and Cape Cod, his parents and grandparents would often take him to the docks to watch the fishing boats. The first fish he remembers catching was a sunfish off the coast of Cape Cod, MA. He used kite string tied to a wrench with a nut for weight and a shiny hook without any bait, just fooling around as a way to keep a child occupied—which it did, as he landed a sunfish. A short time later, Jim moved to Pennsylvania. His father had a run-a-bout and they fished the rivers south of Pittsburgh. It was on these local rivers and lakes that he learned a lot about basic fishing techniques. In his teen years, he picked up his fathers fly rod and learned to flyfish. 30 years later he is still flyfishing as well as fishing the lakes and rivers of his youth and has moved into Lake Erie and its tributaries.
After high school, he landed a job on the inland river systems as a deckhand on the “barges”, as most call them, riverboats pushing product from the Gulf to St. Paul and to Pittsburgh. Having worked his way up in rank since he started working the river 1997, in 2007, he applied for a USGC license. Once he received the license he began operating these boats and became a Pilot and in time the Captain. Captain Jim operates a 710GRT (gross ton) vessel pushing 15 to 20 barges along the narrow rivers. The boat and tow combined is 1168 feet long and 110 feet wide. In 2018 he applied for a Masters OUPV 100GRT near coastal license. As per date, 11+ years operating a boat/vessel with a USCG license he has zero incidents on his record. During that time, he also owned his own personal pleasure and fishing boat. As of spring of 2019, Captain Jim has applied for the additional license and permits to get fisherman out on the water doing what he really loves to do… fishing. Get out there with him and catch some fish with one of Lake Erie's most knowledgeable captains!
If you've been looking for a top-tier sportfishing trip here on Lake Erie, you're in the right place! Many people don't know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest, baddest freshwater sportfish in the USA, and there's no better way to hook some up than a trip with Captain Jim. On this trip, you'll explore the tributaries of Lake Erie, where big Steelhead run. You'll be chasing the fish on flyfishing gear. Steelhead are really a lake-run Rainbow Trout, but due to their diet of baitfish (rather than bugs), they get much larger and fiestier than their river-living cousins. Hunting Steelhead on fly tackle is a real thrill, and these fish provide a challenge for every level of angler! When one of these fish takes the hook, expect a big fight. With strong runs and big jumps, Steelhead are the hardest-fighting fish in the Great Lakes. Captain Jim runs his trips aboard his 22' Bayliner cuddy cabin, a beautiful vessel that's ideal for families or groups of up to four. She's fast, with a 230-HP Volvo inboard engine, and comfortable, with seating and an enclosed cabin area. She also has all the electronics and gear you could want! Your captain will come prepared with everything you need for an awesome trip. Just bring your fishing licenses, proper clothing, and a cooler for your keepers! Read More
If you've been searching for the Lake Erie Walleye trip of a lifetime, look no further. Captain Jim is a pro when it comes to fishing Lake Erie for these gamefish, and he'll make sure that you and yours have a great time and go home with a trophy, a full cooler, or both! In order to maximize your chances of success, Captain Jim follows the fish as they migrate around the lake. In the spring, you'll fish the western basin, then move east as the water begins to warm up. In the fall, the fish head back west and eat like crazy as they prepare for the long winter. If you're looking to catch a trophy, spring and fall are the times to do it! On this trip, you'll be using a variety of lures to draw bites. Depending on the time of year, there are a several different techniques to choose from. In the spring, you'll employ diving crank baits that can find Walleye down in the deep, cold water. Towards the middle of the summer, you'll focus on trolling higher in the water column. As the season progresses, you may switch to spoons or other lures depending on what's getting the bite. Captain Jim will make sure to get you set up with the best tackle, no matter the season! Although Walleye arent known as huge fighters, they're widely regarded as some of the best freshwater eating fish out there! When you're fishing with Captain Jim, he'll make sure you head home with a cooler full of dinner. You'll be fishing out there aboard his 22' Bayliner cuddy cabin, a fast boat that's ideal for trolling, with an enclosed cabin to keep you comfortable all day. She also runs a 230-HP Volvo inboard engine so you'll be out there in the blink of an eye! You'll be provided with everything you need for a blue-ribbon fishing trip; all you need to bring is proper clothing for the weather, your Ohio fishing licenses, and a good attitude! Read More
Steelhead, Walleye
Artificial Lure Fishing, Bottom Fishing, Fly Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, Trolling
Lake, River
Ft of Port Access road, Erie, PA 16503, United States | Bodies of water fished: Lake Erie
