What to Expect and Bring

Tips on maximizing your Fishing Charter experience

What to Expect on our Fishing Charters

High Speeds - Our Jet Boat has a 315 horsepower marine diesel engine that can propel the vessel up to speeds of 30 knots (55 Km/h) on the water. This speed is what minimizes transit time, giving you an exhilarating ride out to the fishing grounds and maximizes your charter time with lines in the water.

Water Spray - Water spray from waves and wakes may come up over the bow. We can adjust speeds to keep you dry but the potential exists to get wet. We recommend leaving anything that can’t get wet ashore.

Winds over the Deck -Lake winds coupled with the high speeds on the transits and you’ll experience some strong wind over the deck (relative wind). This is great for that “go fast” feeling, but is not great for hairdos or accessories. We recommend securing anything loose to prevent it from flying off during the transits.

Jostling and Bumps - Speed, waves and boat manouvers may make for a bumpy ride during the transits. We can make the ride as “mild or wild” as our passengers would like (keeping it safe) but the quick transits may jostle you around a little bit.

Age & Physical Condition - While there is no upper age limit, we maintain that participants of any age should be of good health, free of heart, neck, back or respiratory issues and not be pregnant or suffering from osteoporosis or any other similar injuries.

Children should be at least 44” tall and 60 lbs (approximate age 7) to participate. Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests under the age of 18 need a parent or guardian present to sign waivers.

Waiver and Release - We require all guests to sign a waiver and release prior to participating. Waiver can be found on our Policy page and is part of our booking process.

What we Provide

Fishing Tackle - We provide all fishing rods, reels, lines, downriggers, tackle and lures necessary for catching Walleye and Trout in Lake Erie. We will primarily be using Dipsy divers, planner boards and downrigger systems to get your lines to depth and where the fish are.

Sensors and Equipment - Using sonars, temperature sensors and our electronic navigation equipment - coupled with the experience and expertise of our Captains - we deliver what it takes to get onto the fish!

Life Jacket - All passengers and crew onboard the boat are required (mandatory) to wear a Transport Canada certified personal flotation device or Life Jacket. We provide life vests of various sizes for adults and children.

Seating - Up to 4 passengers is optimal for seating configuration, vessel handling and room for fishing. We have bench seating on the forward deck and two upright seats back aft with the Captain. Capacity and seating on the vessel is always up to the discretion of the Captain based on the nature of the passengers and the weather conditions.

Transport Canada Certified Crew - Our captain and crew members are fully licensed as professional mariners and hold extensive safety and first aid training to keep you safe onboard and throughout the tour.

Safe Vessel - Our boat “Erie Guardian” is an internationally approved Fast Rescue Craft that has a history of Search and Rescue and lifesaving activities. The boat is fully equipped, well maintained and very stable, capable, tough and safe. Coupled with our highly experienced crew and you’ll be riding in one of the safest vessels on Lake Erie.

Safety Briefing - Before each voyage begins, our crew will provide you with instructions on what to do and what not to do during the charter, a detailed safety briefing about the lifesaving equipment onboard, and procedures in case of an emergency. The safety of all participants and crew is our top priority.

Fun - We’ll give you an exhilarating experience on the water, get you on the fish and give you a charter experience you’ll be talking about for years!

What to Bring

Fishing Licence - Participants over the age of 18 (but younger than 65) will need to be in possession of a valid Ontario Fishing Licence before the day of the charter. Fishing Licences can be obtained from a Service Ontario location or online at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents

Small Cooler for Snacks - Please feel free to bring a smaller lunch bag or cooler for your snacks and drinks for your group.

Large Cooler for your Fish - You’ll need a larger cooler to transport your prized catch home. We recommend a larger cooler to keep your fish on ice right away.

Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen - There is no shade on the open lake, so you’ll want to shade your eyes, protect your head and skin from sunburn. We highly recommend polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and your choice of sunscreen.

Motion Sickness Medications - If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend you bring an over the counter anti-nausea medication, such as Gravol. We recommend Gravol Ginger as a non-drowsy option.

Warm Clothing - During the cooler months (April, May, September) the high speeds experienced on the transit and lake winds may make the trip a little bit chilly for some. Add in some water spray and the relative wind, and you may get cold. It is suggested that you layer up (sweaters, rain coat, windbreaker), especially on colder days.

Shoes - We require all guests to wear some form of shoe while onboard for their own safety and protection - you cannot be barefoot. You’ll want shoes to gain traction when embarking and disembarking and throughout the charter. Sandals or soft sole running shoes are acceptable onboard.

Cameras - The beauty of Lake Erie, the stunning coastline around the harbour and the wild ride is the ultimate backdrop for your perfect photo or video. You’ll also want to capture that perfect big fish photo! Passengers are welcome to bring their cameras, phones or GoPros with them, however we recommend a protective case, wrist straps or a way to keep your camera attached to you should you choose to bring one along. Bring and use your cameras at your own risk!

Enthusiasm and Smiles - You are going to have fun on our fishing charters - from the high speed boat ride out to the fishing grounds and the exhilaration of getting a “fish on”, you’re going to enjoy your time with us! Joining us with a great attitude and a big smile will make the experience even better. We love what we do, we’re sure that you’ll love it too!