Capt Jonathan Polanco

81 Reviews

Meet Captain Jonathan

FULL-TIME ERIE GUIDE

PA NATIVE

INSTANT BOOK

Capt Jonathan Polanco

Erie, PA

21' RANGER BOAT

1 TO 3 PEOPLE

Fishing Reports

Service Areas:

Book Lake Erie

Oil City

Amenities:

Fishing Chairs
GPS & Fishfinder
Life Jackets
Catch and Release Allowed
Cooler, Ice, Bottled Water

About this Tour:

Boat Specs: 1+ ft
Boat Capacity: 3 People
All Fishing Equipment
Boat & Fuel
Photos

Fishing Techniques:

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Live bait
Fly Fishing
Artificial Lures

Fishing Equipment:

Spinning Rods
Baitcasting Rods
Left & Right Handed
Fly Rods (request only)
Braid & Mono Line

Species Capt Jonathan catches

Smallmouth Bass

SPECIES

Largemouth Bass

See all fish species >>>

CAPT Jonathan 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.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING ABOUT CAPT JONATHAN

						Jonathan Polanco 1st time out, He put me and my son on some hogs!! No need to search for other guides, Jonathan was awesome!!			
read moreread less
Taylor Tully		6/08/2025
×
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.			
read moreread less
Troy Erdman		6/03/2025
×
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			
read moreread less
Doug High		5/22/2025
×
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			
read moreread less
Doug High		5/17/2025
×
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 Trip!! Had an awesome Bass fishing trip with Captain Jonathan on Okeechobee! Saved our day and caught is our personal best. Thank you Jonathan!			
read moreread less
Dean		3/07/2025
×
Dean
3/07/2025

						Awesome Trip!! Had an awesome Bass fishing trip with Captain Jonathan on Okeechobee! Saved our day and caught is our personal best. Thank you Jonathan!
					
						Bass fishing Lake Okeechobee - Clewiston - 6 Hr Trip			
read moreread less
Tom Wilezynski		12/29/2023
×
Tom Wilezynski
12/29/2023

						Bass fishing Lake Okeechobee - Clewiston - 6 Hr Trip
					
						Great experience! Lake Erie Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)			
read moreread less
Kevin Williams		11/05/2023
×
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.			
read moreread less
Rich		10/27/2023
×
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)			
read moreread less
Rich Cook		10/27/2023
×
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			
read moreread less
Shane Clifford		10/13/2023
×
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.			
read moreread less
Kevin		7/19/2023
×
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!			
read moreread less
Brian Homer		7/09/2023
×
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.			
read moreread less
Marcus B		5/21/2023
×
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			
read moreread less
Craig Gordon		4/30/2023
×
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			
read moreread less
Craig Gordon		4/30/2023
×
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!!! 



#ioutdoor #Bassonline.Com #ErieFishing
					

						Jonathan Polanco 1st time out, He put me and my son on some hogs!! No need to search for other guides, Jonathan was awesome!!			
read moreread less
Taylor Tully		6/08/2025
×
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.			
read moreread less
Troy Erdman		6/03/2025
×
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			
read moreread less
Doug High		5/22/2025
×
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			
read moreread less
Doug High		5/17/2025
×
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 Trip!! Had an awesome Bass fishing trip with Captain Jonathan on Okeechobee! Saved our day and caught is our personal best. Thank you Jonathan!			
read moreread less
Dean		3/07/2025
×
Dean
3/07/2025

						Awesome Trip!! Had an awesome Bass fishing trip with Captain Jonathan on Okeechobee! Saved our day and caught is our personal best. Thank you Jonathan!
					
						Bass fishing Lake Okeechobee - Clewiston - 6 Hr Trip			
read moreread less
Tom Wilezynski		12/29/2023
×
Tom Wilezynski
12/29/2023

						Bass fishing Lake Okeechobee - Clewiston - 6 Hr Trip
					

						Great experience! Lake Erie Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)			
read moreread less
Kevin Williams		11/05/2023
×
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.			
read moreread less
Rich		10/27/2023
×
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)			
read moreread less
Rich Cook		10/27/2023
×
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			
read moreread less
Shane Clifford		10/13/2023
×
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.			
read moreread less
Kevin		7/19/2023
×
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!			
read moreread less
Brian Homer		7/09/2023
×
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.			
read moreread less
Marcus B		5/21/2023
×
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			
read moreread less
Craig Gordon		4/30/2023
×
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			
read moreread less
Craig Gordon		4/30/2023
×
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!!! 

#ioutdoor #Bassonline.Com #ErieFishing