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Lake Erie Walleye & Perch From Ashtabula, Ohio

Eye Detective Charters

I started fishing the central basin of Lake Erie out of Ashtabula with my dad Ray back in 1989 at the age of 12. My dad started fishing up there with Erie Dearies and light tackle. We quickly discovered that to catch volumes of fish that we had to invest in trolling tackle, planner boards down riggers etc. I like to say that we both learned together how to fish the area in the early years. My dad who was not a charter captain enjoyed bringing friends and family along on the boat for a day of fishing. In the early years drove the boat all day while trolling. When I got older and not able to be able to get up to the lake that often I was replaced by an autopilot.

I was fortunate enough to witness the incredible walleye catches in the 1990’s where it seemed like there were walleye for miles upon miles in the lake. We also enjoyed several perch fishing days also. Growing up there was never a shortage of walleye and perch in the freezer at home.

Sadly my dad past away in August of 2011. Though he was sick through most of 2011 I did take his boat, “The Sandman” up to the lake that year.  I continued to fun fish Lake Erie on his boat until the 2013 season. I knew that if I was going to continue to have a boat up at the lake something needed to change.

In the winter of 2014 I received my 6 pack Captains License and purchased the “Eye Detective”. The first year in business was slow and most of my customers that year were by word of mouth. Many of my customers that year had never fished for walleye like that on Lake Erie. In the beginning of chartering on Lake Erie, I did not run a first mate. Due to the excellent walleye hatches the last couple of years I got to the point that I was unable to keep up with the fast pace of catching fish. Having a first mate on board makes for a more enjoyable day for all involved including myself. Please keep in mind that whomever the first mate is on your fishing date works for tips. These guys work very hard to make sure your fishing trip is memorable and enjoyable. Even though I run with a first mate now, you the customer are still a part of the crew assisting in running lines, netting fish etc.

In closing, I would like to say that the last couple of years the walleye fishing has been simply amazing. Many days the last couple of years limit catches have been had almost every time the boat returned to the dock. Due to the great fishery that we enjoy in the Central Basin of Lake Erie I look forward to many years of great fishing. So come with us for a fun day of fishing on the Eye Detective, and remember “No Fish, No Pay!”

~ Capt. Jeff Lansberry

(724) 624-0662

1098 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004, United States