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Lake Erie Fishing Guides

You Choose the Guide, leave the Fishing Experience to US

You Choose the Guide, leave the Fishing to US

Lake Erie Fishing ★★★★★ 4.9 57 reviews
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Choosing a Lake Erie Fishing Guide near me

Fishing might initially appear challenging, particularly for novice anglers, but it doesn’t have to be. Equipped with a touch of knowledge, you’ll swiftly grasp which gear to invest in, acquire essential fishing license details, and embrace the techniques required to hook and reel in your favorite catch. The solution is as simple as engaging the services of a local Pennsylvania fishing guide, without enduring the frustration of trying to figure it out on your own time and again.

The value of such a service lies in both the money it saves you, by avoiding unnecessary equipment purchases, and the time it shaves off your learning curve after just a single trip. Opting for an experienced fishing guide means you’ll be out on the water, instructing your family and friends, and landing fish like a pro in no time—perhaps even before the weekend is over.

Education is Key

When using Lake Erie fishing charters, they specifically cover fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait casters. Teach you to understand when to use one rod over another, how to properly cast spinning reels and lures, or even specifics about live bait. Get a quick understanding of how to target each species, whether bass fishing for smallmouth bass, fly fishing for brown trout, or fun fishing for flathead catfish, channel catfish, northern pike, steelhead walleye, stripers, crappie, or perch. For new fishermen, it’s one of the easiest ways to get up to speed and outside with minimal investment, utilizing and learning different options that may interest you down the road.

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Education is Key

When using Lake Erie fishing charters, they specifically cover fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait casters. Teach you to understand when to use one rod over another, how to properly cast spinning reels and lures, or even specifics about live bait. Get a quick understanding of how to target each species, whether bass fishing for smallmouth bass, fly fishing for brown trout, or fun fishing for flathead catfish, channel catfish, northern pike, steelhead walleye, stripers, crappie, or perch. For new fishermen, it’s one of the easiest ways to get up to speed and outside with minimal investment, utilizing and learning different options that may interest you down the road.

Featured Local Lake Erie Fishing Guides

Local Erie Fishing Guides

Capt Mark Rose

Capt Mark Rose

Mark Rose ★★★★★ 4.9 337 reviews
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Capt Mark Rose If you’re seeking a professional Lake Erie fishing guide and charter expert, look no further than Capt Mark. With years of valuable experience under his belt  [Read More]

Capt John Miller

Capt John Miller

Tom Goodrich ★★★★★ 5 5 reviews
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Capt John Miller is a full-time smallmouth bass fishing guide out of Erie, PA with 15+ years of a professional angler with incredible experience and knowledge to share with all  [Read More]

Capt John Miller is a full-time smallmouth bass fishing guide out of Erie, PA with 15+ years professional angler with incredible experience and knowledge to share with all of his clients [Read More]

Capt Tom Goodrich a local fishing charter captain in Erie, PA area and surrounding water. Specialize in Walleye fishing, but well versus in catching smallmouth bass, Lake Trout, and more. [Read More]

Capt Jonathan Polanco

Capt Jonathan Polanco

Jonathan Polanco ★★★★★ 5 10 reviews
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Capt Jonathan PolancoYour Premier Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide Capt Jonathan Polanco, hailing from Erie, PA, is a dedicated full-time fishing guide specializing in smallmouth bass with over[Read More]

Capt Jonathan Polanco is a full-time smallmouth bass fishing guide out of Erie, PA with 15+ years of local experience as a native angler with incredible knowledge to share with all of his clients [Read More]

Capt Tom Goodrich

Capt Tom Goodrich

Tom Goodrich ★★★★★ 5 5 reviews
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Capt Tom Goodrich a local fishing charter captain in Erie, PA area and surrounding water. Specialize in Walleye fishing, but well versus in catching smallmouth bass, Lake Trout, and more. [Read More]

Capt Tom Goodrich a local fishing charter captain in Erie, PA area and surrounding water. Specialize in Walleye fishing, but well versus in catching smallmouth bass, Lake Trout, and more. [Read More]

Local PA Conventional & Fly Fishing Guides Needed

BassOnline the world’s largest online bass fishing company!

Based on the Overall Satisfaction rating from Actual Customers!

Lake Erie Fishing Guides ★★★★★ 4.9 3453 reviews
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4.95 Overall Satisfaction rating

Captain BusinessInterested in a Career as a Fishing Captain?

We have a 98% Success Record

PA FISHING GUIDES REVIEWS

Buchholtz

Lake Erie Fishing
★★★★★
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.
- Kevin

Great Day on Lake Erie!

Lake Erie Fishing
★★★★★
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!
- Brian Homer

Super day on Presque Isle Bay

Lake Erie Fishing
★★★★★
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
- Craig Gordon

Mark Rose

Lake Erie Fishing
★★★★★
Mark came through again. I needed to end the year with a picture worthy fish. The fishing gods were not kind to me this year with big fish. A 25 pound lake trout did the trick. Last year Mark helped me finish the year with a 5 pound smallie. Plus you always learn something spending time with him on the water. Thanks Mark.
- Dave Naklicki

Big Lake Erie Bass in the rain

Lake Erie Fishing
★★★★★
I was scheduled to fish Lake Erie with Captain Mark Rose on 11/11 but the remnants of hurricane Nicole was moving through the area with heavy record setting rainfall. After debating if we should go out in that weather we decided to give it a shot, I'm glad we did. I had a great morning of fishing. I caught a personal best 6 pound small mouth and quite a few 4 to 5 pounders. Captain Mark is an awesome guide and will put you on the fish regardless of conditions.
- RK

Great Father and Son trip

Lake Erie Fishing
★★★★★
My son and I went bass fishing with Captain Mark and had a great time. What a beautiful boat, quality gear and great advice. We were challenged by the unpredictable Lake Erie weather but Captain Mark really put in the extra effort to put us on the fish. We both had a fun and productive trip. In fact, we’re already looking forward to our next trip to Erie PA!
- Kevin and Ryan McGuinn
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Pennsylvania Fishing License Guidelines

If you’re 16 or older and planning to fish, make sure to have a valid PA fishing license. You can conveniently obtain one online or at various locations, including licensed outdoor Retailers, County Treasurer offices, and Fish & Boat Commission offices.

For fishing in Lake Erie, an additional Erie stamp is necessary, even when booking Lake Erie fishing charters. Some specific species may require additional stamps. For example, if you’re targeting Trout, don’t forget to secure a Trout stamp. Whether you’re exploring the lake’s tributaries or embarking on a freshwater adventure, Pennsylvania offers fantastic fishing opportunities!

Becoming a Licensed Fishing Guide in Pennsylvania

Are you an angler with a passion for sharing your skills? Consider becoming a licensed Pennsylvania fishing guide. To offer commercial fishing guide trips, you must register as a Pennsylvania fishing guide, a process overseen by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. There are specific requirements to meet if you aim to lead fishing excursions in the state.

Essential Steps for Pennsylvania Fishing Guides

Here are the necessary steps to become a licensed charter boat operator and fishing guide in PA:

  1. Obtain a USCG license and complete boater safety training if you’ll be using a boat.
  2. Secure general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $250,000.
  3. Obtain CPR and first aid certification.
  4. Ensure you have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

Resident Lake Erie fishing guides are subject to an annual fee of $100, while nonresidents are charged $400. To initiate the process of becoming a licensed guide service, review the information sheet for required charter boat operators. When you’re ready, submit your application through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website.

Lake Erie Fishing Charters

We are not a booking service where no one fishes…but the complete opposite. A group of Lake Erie fishing guides that have gotten together as a TEAM, under the best conditions to provide you with the finest service the Lake Erie fishing charters industry has ever seen. We specialize in working with experienced bass anglers, who are looking for prime waters and new techniques but also cater to novice bass anglers who are out for a true fun learning experience.

We will provide everything you need for your big day, reliable equipment, and the finest boats on the water for your enjoyment. The elite bass fishing guides in the country on “Lake Erie,” you have come to the right place, Lake Erie largest and #1 rated guide service in PA…, so why shouldn’t you fish the best fishing holes in Lake Erie…let’s go fishing!

More on Our Lake Erie Fishing Charters Captains

Capt Mark Rose hometown is Pittsburgh PA. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring and summer for smallmouth. He runs a detail shop in his hometown during the summer, spring, and fall and heads to Florida during the winter months to do what he loves, guides on Lake Okeechobee. Mark has had a passion for fishing since he was 11 and his passion and love for the sport have grown over the years. As a Lake Erie fishing guide, he can make a bad day of fishing still be an awesome day out on the boat!

Mark guides out of Erie PA, in Presque Isle Bay of Lake Erie. Mark’s biggest bass was 12 lbs 11 oz. it was caught on Okeechobee in Feb of 2012. Mark’s biggest smallmouth bass is 7.2 lbs caught on Lake Erie. Whichever you choose, he will get the job done for you.
When not guiding, Mark fishes FLW, RAYOVAC series, BFL, and Presque isle Bassmasters. He also participates in Fishes Fishers Of men.

Mark is sponsored by the following- McEllwains Motors, Ranger Boats, Bass Online, Bass Assassin lures, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Spiderwire, Columbia sportswear, Minnkota, and Hummingbird.
Captain Mark is 30 years old and is married to a wonderfully supportive wife. The two have a baby on the way and have a loving and strong-willed beautiful black lab!

Want a great day on the lake? Mark Rose is your guy!
To fish with Capt Mark Rose, fill out the request form!, book online, or call (888) 629-2277 and request him!