Starting at $650 | 5 Hour | River | 4 People | Trip #3616
About Your Trip
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
... Read More 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!
About Your Boat
Boat Type
Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer
Bayliner
Year Built
1985
Boat Length
22
Engine Manufacturer
Volvo
Total Horsepower
230
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Outriggers, Ice Box
About Your Guide
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
... Read More 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!
Start Location
Ft of Port Access road, Erie, PA 16503, United States
Amenities and Information
Water Type
River
Skill Levels
Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Tackle
All rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Fish Cleaning
This guide will clean your catch for you.
Boat Restroom
Available
Live Bait
Yes, Included
Weather
You will get a refund if the trip is canceled due to weather.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Cancel for free up to 1 day before the trip.
Pricing & Availability
To check pricing, please select a trip date, duration, group size and start time.
Cancel for free up to 1 day before the trip.
Total
Reviews
Dennis B.
Fishing
Capt. Jim put us on the fish. All had a great time. We are planning on booking some more trips in the future.
First Time Booking with Us?
Captain Experiences is the home of over 1000 Damn Good fishing and hunting guides. Our mission is to unlock the outdoors for everyone, and we want to help you get out there through our no-hassle online booking experience and our team of outdoors experts.
We vet our guides to make sure they are the best of the best. We want guides who not only put you on 'em, but show you a great time, keep you safe, and give you a memorable experience with your group.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the case of inclement weather, our guides will make the call and we'll work with you to reschedule your trip or issue a full refund. Your safety is our top concern.
Once you book the trip, we will connect you directly with the guide to go over any additional details. In the meantime, our location specialists are always available to answer your questions via email, text, chat, or call!
