The best in the game Captain Johnny are truly the best. Caught a lot of small mouth bass. Has a lot of knowledge and a fun person to be around. 100% recommend him.
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Artem Kulakov8/11/2025
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Artem Kulakov
8/11/2025
The best in the game Captain Johnny are truly the best. Caught a lot of small mouth bass. Has a lot of knowledge and a fun person to be around. 100% recommend him.
Jonathan Polanco 1st time out, He put me and my son on some hogs!! No need to search for other guides, Jonathan was awesome!!
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Taylor Tully6/08/2025
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Taylor Tully
6/08/2025
Jonathan Polanco 1st time out, He put me and my son on some hogs!! No need to search for other guides, Jonathan was awesome!!
First Class We booked a trip for two boats with Capt Jon Polanco and Capt John Miller for a day of smallmouth fishing. The weather couldn't have been much worse but these two guys were exceptional. Not only did they put us onto fish they were so much fun to spend a day with fishing. The two boats competed against each other and Jon and John made that experience so enjoyable. We will book with them again and highly recommend both Captains.
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Troy Erdman6/03/2025
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Troy Erdman
6/03/2025
First Class We booked a trip for two boats with Capt Jon Polanco and Capt John Miller for a day of smallmouth fishing. The weather couldn't have been much worse but these two guys were exceptional. Not only did they put us onto fish they were so much fun to spend a day with fishing. The two boats competed against each other and Jon and John made that experience so enjoyable. We will book with them again and highly recommend both Captains.
This guy is 5 star Captain Jonathan put me on fish when the other guides weren’t having a great day. We moved and found fish and used several methods. Had a good time. I did a half day and I got 4 hours on the water fishing . If I were you I would ask for Captain Jonathan. Thanks
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Doug High5/22/2025
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Doug High
5/22/2025
This guy is 5 star Captain Jonathan put me on fish when the other guides weren’t having a great day. We moved and found fish and used several methods. Had a good time. I did a half day and I got 4 hours on the water fishing . If I were you I would ask for Captain Jonathan. Thanks
This guy is 5 star Captain Jonathan put me on fish when the other guides weren’t having a great day. We moved and found fish and used several methods. Had a good time. I did a half day and I got 4 hours on the water fishing . If I were you I would ask for Captain Jonathan. Thanks
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Doug High5/17/2025
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Doug High
5/17/2025
This guy is 5 star Captain Jonathan put me on fish when the other guides weren’t having a great day. We moved and found fish and used several methods. Had a good time. I did a half day and I got 4 hours on the water fishing . If I were you I would ask for Captain Jonathan. Thanks
Awesome my first time at Lake Okeechobee and I had Jonathan and he was absolutely point on professional personable a lot of fun and put me on fish which was the main goal. He will forever be my future guide and I plan on bringing several buddies down for their bucket list trip as well, it was nice to have a guide that I was comfortable with and by the middle of the trip you would’ve thought we have known each other for 10 years absolutely amazing day and I will be back
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Tim Evans3/01/2025
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Tim Evans
3/01/2025
Awesome my first time at Lake Okeechobee and I had Jonathan and he was absolutely point on professional personable a lot of fun and put me on fish which was the main goal. He will forever be my future guide and I plan on bringing several buddies down for their bucket list trip as well, it was nice to have a guide that I was comfortable with and by the middle of the trip you would’ve thought we have known each other for 10 years absolutely amazing day and I will be back
Great experience! Lake Erie Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
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Kevin Williams11/05/2023
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Kevin Williams
11/05/2023
Great experience! Lake Erie Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Smallies We had a great trip. Cap. Jonathan was very knowledgeable and polite. Worked very well with children. And put us on fish despite windy unfavorable conditions.
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Rich10/27/2023
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Rich
10/27/2023
Smallies We had a great trip. Cap. Jonathan was very knowledgeable and polite. Worked very well with children. And put us on fish despite windy unfavorable conditions.
Great time! Lake Erie Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Afternoon Session (Private)
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Rich Cook10/27/2023
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Rich Cook
10/27/2023
Great time! Lake Erie Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Afternoon Session (Private)
Watch a catch Jon is great. With his knowledge, I caught a bunch of smallmouth bass.. I highly recommend him
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Shane Clifford10/13/2023
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Shane Clifford
10/13/2023
Watch a catch Jon is great. With his knowledge, I caught a bunch of smallmouth bass.. I highly recommend him
Buchholtz I fish for smallies all over the Great Lakes. Did an evening trip with Capt Johnathan while traveling for a buisness trip to Erie PA. We battled wind and summertime patterns and still managed to boat both smallmouth and largemouth. By the end of the trip I felt like I was fishing with a fishing buddy vs a fishing guide. Bonus sunset while ramping out over the bay!! Awesome evening on the water. I will book with Captain Johnathan again.
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Kevin7/19/2023
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Kevin
7/19/2023
Buchholtz I fish for smallies all over the Great Lakes. Did an evening trip with Capt Johnathan while traveling for a buisness trip to Erie PA. We battled wind and summertime patterns and still managed to boat both smallmouth and largemouth. By the end of the trip I felt like I was fishing with a fishing buddy vs a fishing guide. Bonus sunset while ramping out over the bay!! Awesome evening on the water. I will book with Captain Johnathan again.
Great Day on Lake Erie! My daughter and I had an awesome time on the water with Captain Jonathan. We caught some really nice largemouth. My daughter caught a 3.5lb on top water! Looking forward to going back out soon when the small mouth are hitting!
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Brian Homer7/09/2023
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Brian Homer
7/09/2023
Great Day on Lake Erie! My daughter and I had an awesome time on the water with Captain Jonathan. We caught some really nice largemouth. My daughter caught a 3.5lb on top water! Looking forward to going back out soon when the small mouth are hitting!
Had a great time! Capt Johnathan Polanco was outstanding! Friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the lake. He got us on some nice smallmouth. Can’t wait to go again.
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Marcus B5/21/2023
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Marcus B
5/21/2023
Had a great time! Capt Johnathan Polanco was outstanding! Friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the lake. He got us on some nice smallmouth. Can’t wait to go again.
Super day on Presque Isle Bay What a day of fishing on Presque Isle Bay yesterday. On his maiden voyage as a full-time guide, Jonathan Polanco and the Erie smallmouth did not disappoint. Despite not being peak season, some rain and the 2-3 ft rolllers we dealt with most of the day (and could have used some Dramamine) we caught approximately 30 smallmouth and one surprise largemouth. best 5 smallmouth went 24.20 as shown on scale and I’d say the next best 5 would have been 22+. Nat and I both had our PB smallmouth on lures and a great father-daughter dance on the water. I’d highly recommend Jonathan, who grew up in Erie and who’s first language is bass - just like mine. When he hands me a rod with an Architect reel…that’s catering to your clients!!! #ioutdoor #bassonline.com #ErieFishing
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Craig Gordon4/30/2023
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Craig Gordon
4/30/2023
Super day on Presque Isle Bay What a day of fishing on Presque Isle Bay yesterday. On his maiden voyage as a full-time guide, Jonathan Polanco and the Erie smallmouth did not disappoint. Despite not being peak season, some rain and the 2-3 ft rolllers we dealt with most of the day (and could have used some Dramamine) we caught approximately 30 smallmouth and one surprise largemouth. best 5 smallmouth went 24.20 as shown on scale and I’d say the next best 5 would have been 22+. Nat and I both had our PB smallmouth on lures and a great father-daughter dance on the water. I’d highly recommend Jonathan, who grew up in Erie and who’s first language is bass - just like mine. When he hands me a rod with an Architect reel…that’s catering to your clients!!! #ioutdoor #bassonline.com #ErieFishing
Super Day on Erie with Captain Jonathan Polanco What a day of fishing on Presque Isle Bay yesterday. On his maiden voyage as a full-time guide, Jonathan Polanco and the Erie smallmouth did not disappoint. Despite not being peak season, some rain and the 2-3 ft rolllers we dealt with most of the day (and could have used some Dramamine) we caught approximately 30 smallmouth and one surprise largemouth. best 5 smallmouth went 24.20 as shown on scale and I’d say the next best 5 would have been 22+.
Nat and I both had our PB smallmouth on lures and a great father-daughter dance on the water.
I’d highly recommend Jonathan, who grew up in Erie and who’s first language is bass - just like mine. When he hands me a rod with an Architect reel…that’s catering to your clients!!!
#ioutdoor #bassonline.com #ErieFishing
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Craig Gordon4/30/2023
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Craig Gordon
4/30/2023
Super Day on Erie with Captain Jonathan Polanco What a day of fishing on Presque Isle Bay yesterday. On his maiden voyage as a full-time guide, Jonathan Polanco and the Erie smallmouth did not disappoint. Despite not being peak season, some rain and the 2-3 ft rolllers we dealt with most of the day (and could have used some Dramamine) we caught approximately 30 smallmouth and one surprise largemouth. best 5 smallmouth went 24.20 as shown on scale and I’d say the next best 5 would have been 22+.
Nat and I both had our PB smallmouth on lures and a great father-daughter dance on the water.
I’d highly recommend Jonathan, who grew up in Erie and who’s first language is bass - just like mine. When he hands me a rod with an Architect reel…that’s catering to your clients!!!
Captain Jonathan Polanco is a lifelong resident of Erie, PA, who has grown up fishing the local waters and is known for his deep passion for teaching others about fishing.
What types of fishing trips does Captain Polanco offer?
Captain Polanco offers guided trips specifically for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, lake trout, perch, crappie, and bluegill on Lake Erie, using a 21-foot bass boat for groups of 1 to 4 people.
What can clients expect on a trip with Captain Polanco?
Clients can expect attentive service, expert local knowledge, and a focus on creating enjoyable and memorable fishing experiences surrounded by Erie’s natural beauty.
Do I need a fishing license to fish with Capt Jonathan Polanco?
A valid state fishing license is required in most cases. Check your state wildlife agency for the latest rules and license options before you go.
Are guided trips available at Capt Jonathan Polanco?
Yes, you can book a fishing trip with instant confirmation with Capt Jonathan Polanco on Lake Erie in Erie, PA. Use the modules on this page or give us a call to book your fishing trip today!
Captain Bio
Meet Captain Jonathan Polanco, your dedicated full-time fishing guide for epic smallmouth bass adventures on the stunning Lake Erie. As an Erie, PA native, Captain Jonathan offers you a wealth of local knowledge and over a decade of fishing expertise. If your goal is to explore Lake Erie to its fullest, Captain Jonathan is your ideal companion.
Take your Lake Erie experience to the next level by booking a fishing trip with this passionate local guide. Captain Jonathan thrives on teaching and sharing fishing wisdom with both friends and family. While fishing offers no guarantees, one thing is certain with Jonathan—you’ll savor a fantastic day on the water, and that’s a promise. Your adventure on the waters of Lake Erie will become an enduring memory!
Once you step aboard his 21′ Ranger bass boat, you’ll find room for groups of 2, 3 or 4 anglers to fish simultaneously. The boat is outfitted with comprehensive safety and navigational equipment, ensuring your fishing journey unfolds in complete security. All the essential rods, reels, and tackles are included in the package. With Captain Jonathan being sponsored by renowned brands, you can trust that this gear is up to the task when pursuing sizable fish.
To prepare for your trip, be sure to obtain a PA fishing license and Lake Erie stamp prior to the day’s adventure. Feel free to bring your preferred food and beverages, as there’s ample space in the captain’s built-in cooler.
Don’t miss the chance to book an unforgettable fishing excursion with Captain Jonathan and create lasting memories with your friends and family. If you’re new to fishing charters, take a moment to review the pros and cons and read the fantastic reviews that attest to our commitment. For any inquiries, you can reach out directly to Captain Jonathan below.
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