%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F15858%2Fimages%2F1717200841966image-2024-06-01t081352.839.png&w=1200&q=100)
Kid-Friendly Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie
- Published Date: September 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Erie
- $350 - $500 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F1923c853-eaad-4a25-b882-fc363d6c974f%2Fratecard%2F511012095_730160652740829_2194590261305601128_n-mfvtyzkh.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Kids' Catch of the Day
Big fish, great friends, endless Lake Erie memories.
Every cast on Lake Erie tells a story.
Walleye hunters know Erie is the place to be.
Nothing beats a boat ride at Erie sunrise.
Sunset over Lake Erie makes every cast worthwhile.
Calm waters, tight lines, and Lake Erie smiles.
Lake Erie walleye: the catch of the season.
Vermilion sunrise sets the tone for walleye action.
From sunrise to limit, Lake Erie delivers.
Chase walleye where Lake Erie meets the horizon.
Big fish, great friends, endless Lake Erie memories.
Every cast on Lake Erie tells a story.
Walleye hunters know Erie is the place to be.
Nothing beats a boat ride at Erie sunrise.
Sunset over Lake Erie makes every cast worthwhile.
Calm waters, tight lines, and Lake Erie smiles.
Lake Erie walleye: the catch of the season.
Vermilion sunrise sets the tone for walleye action.
From sunrise to limit, Lake Erie delivers.
Chase walleye where Lake Erie meets the horizon.
Big fish, great friends, endless Lake Erie memories.
Every cast on Lake Erie tells a story.
Walleye hunters know Erie is the place to be.
Nothing beats a boat ride at Erie sunrise.
Kid-Friendly Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie
Get ready for a fishing adventure that's tailor-made for the little anglers in your life! This half-day trip on Lake Erie is all about introducing kids to the joys of fishing in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Captain James knows just how to make fishing exciting for youngsters, with plenty of patience and hands-on instruction. Whether your kiddos are first-timers or budding fishing enthusiasts, this trip is designed to spark their passion for the sport and create lasting family memories.
Trip Overview
Climb aboard the 21' Seahawk for a 6-hour journey that's all about the kids. This spacious boat can accommodate up to 5 guests, so mom and dad can join in on the fun too. Captain James has a knack for working with young anglers, showing them the ropes at a pace that keeps them engaged and excited. From casting techniques to reeling in their catch, kids will learn the basics of fishing while having a blast out on Lake Erie. The calm waters near Vermilion, OH provide the perfect backdrop for this family-friendly adventure. It's not just about catching fish – it's about building confidence, creating bonds, and maybe even starting a lifelong passion for fishing.
Fishing 101 for Kids
On this trip, we keep things simple and fun. Captain James starts with the basics, showing kids how to bait their hooks and cast their lines. We use kid-friendly equipment that's easy for small hands to handle. Trolling is our main technique – it's perfect for youngsters because it keeps the action constant without requiring too much technical skill. As we cruise along, Captain James points out interesting sights and shares cool facts about Lake Erie and its inhabitants. When a fish bites, that's when the real excitement begins! Kids learn how to reel in their catch, with plenty of cheerleading from the captain and family. And don't worry about tangled lines or missed catches – that's all part of the learning experience, and Captain James is there to help every step of the way.
Why Families Love This Trip
This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's an experience designed from the ground up with kids in mind. Parents rave about how Captain James keeps the little ones engaged and excited throughout the trip. There's no pressure to catch the biggest fish or the most fish – the focus is on having fun and learning together as a family. The 6-hour duration is just right for kids' attention spans, and there's plenty of time for snack breaks and even a bit of splashing around (safely, of course). Many families tell us this trip was the highlight of their vacation, with kids talking about their "big catch" for weeks afterward. It's a chance to unplug from screens and connect with nature and each other in a way that's increasingly rare these days.
Walleye: Lake Erie's Star Catch
Walleye are the superstars of Lake Erie, and for good reason! These fish are not only delicious but also put up a great fight that's exciting even for young anglers. Walleye typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, making them manageable for kids to reel in with a little help. They're known for their large, glassy eyes (which is how they got their name) and sharp teeth, which always get a reaction from the kiddos. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons on Lake Erie, but we can catch them year-round. These fish love cooler water and tend to hang out near the bottom, which is why trolling works so well. When a walleye hits the line, kids get to experience the thrill of the catch – feeling the tug, reeling it in, and maybe even holding their prize for a quick photo before we release it back to the lake.
What to Bring for a Day on the Water
Prepping for a day of fishing with kids is all about comfort and fun. Make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the Lake Erie sun. Layers are key – it can be cooler out on the water, especially in the morning. Don't forget snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up. Captain James provides all the fishing gear, but if your kids have their own rods they're comfortable with, feel free to bring them along. A waterproof camera or phone case is great for capturing those proud smiles when they reel in their catch. And speaking of catches, bring a cooler if you want to take home any keepers (within legal limits, of course). Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and be ready for some laughs – fishing with kids is as much about the experience as it is about the fish!
Safety First, Fun Always
When it comes to taking kids out on the water, safety is our top priority. The 21' Seahawk is equipped with all required safety gear, including life jackets sized for children. Captain James gives a thorough safety briefing at the start of the trip, making sure everyone knows what to do in any situation. We keep things calm and controlled, choosing fishing spots that offer the best combination of fish activity and smooth waters. The captain is always watching the weather and will adjust plans if conditions change. Parents can relax knowing their little ones are in good hands, leaving them free to enjoy the experience alongside their kids.
More Than Just Fishing
While catching fish is exciting, this trip offers so much more. It's a chance for kids to connect with nature, learn about lake ecology, and develop an appreciation for the outdoors. Captain James loves to share his knowledge about Lake Erie's ecosystem, pointing out different bird species or explaining how the lake changes with the seasons. Kids might spot a bald eagle soaring overhead or see a family of ducks paddling by. These moments of wonder are just as valuable as reeling in a big one. The trip also teaches patience, perseverance, and the importance of conservation – valuable life lessons disguised as a fun day out on the water.
Time to Cast Off!
Ready to create some unforgettable family memories on Lake Erie? This kid-friendly walleye fishing trip is more than just a day out – it's a chance to spark a lifelong love of fishing and the outdoors in your little ones. With Captain James's expert guidance, a boat that's perfect for families, and the excitement of Lake Erie's walleye, you've got all the ingredients for an amazing adventure. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Whether your kids are fishing newbies or already have the bug, this experience is sure to be a highlight of your family's year. So grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of fun, learning, and hopefully some impressive catches. The fish are waiting – are you ready to introduce your kids to the thrill of Lake Erie fishing?
Learn more about the species
Walleye
Walleye (Sander Vitreus) Description
Walleye are freshwater fish that is a part of the perch family. They are a very popular game fish for the angler in the regions where they are found, and also a favorite for the dining table. Walleye are long and thin and have a golden and olive coloring with white bellies. One predominant feature of the walleye is its eyes, which have a silver eyeshine called the tapetum lucidum. This eyeshine greatly aids the walleyes when feeding in low-light conditions.
Walleye Habitat and Distribution
Walleye live in a wide range of habitats. In small to large rivers, to deep and shallow lakes. They are fairly particular to where they like to be in these bodies of water and see out sand, rock, or gravel bottoms. Walleye will usually stay deeper in the water column during daylight hours and use weeds, timber, or other structures for cover. In River systems, they will likely spend their daylight hours in deep holes and drop-offs, and move out into the shallows to seek forage during the lowlight period. Walleyes can tolerate water temperatures from 32 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but are most comfortable when water temperatures are at 70 degrees. Walleye are nocturnal creatures that feed in shallow waters at night. Adult walleye primarily consume other fish. Small crustaceans and insects, primarily mayflies, are eaten by young walleye.
Walleye are found in the Arctic south of Canada down to the Great Lakes region and east to the St. Lawrence systems. Lake Erie is a well-known home of walleye anglers and great walleye fishing. The Midwest and Canada are the most popular areas with the best fishing, but over decades the species has been introduced artificially into lakes and reservoirs all over North America. The breathtaking waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River have earned the title of "Walleye Capital of the World." It has some of the best fishing in the world, and anglers come here year after year in search of that elusive record catch.
Typical Size and Weight
Walleye are reasonably large fish with a sleek and conical body shapes and a mouth lined with sharp teeth. the adult walleye can grow to 30 inches or more in length and top out at around 20 pounds in weight. Females generally grow larger than males.
Interesting Facts
The Walleye also has a European counterpart, the zander, that looks very similar but the zander can grow much larger and can reach a weight of 40 plus pounds.
The walleye can live for decades, with the oldest recorded fish being 29 years old. In areas with heavy fishing pressure however, Walleye usually don’t live past 5 or 6 years of age.
Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Walleye
Walleye can be a challenging game fish to pursue. Their location in a body of water and the tactics used to catch these fish can vary depending on certain times of the year. Walleye generally live at depths of 10 feet or greater, though in the spring and at night they can be found in shallow water areas. Freshwater fishing for walleye is best in the evening when minnow-style lures or jigs are fished near the bottom over rock piles or along the edges of weed beds.
Finding the fish is one of the biggest challenges for the walleye angler and the best place to start it by fishing structure. The angler should search multiple types of structure at varying depths to figure out where the walleye are on any given day. Be sure to check break lines, deep weed edges rock piles, and even in the middle of the basin for suspended schools of baitfish. With a little bit of time on water exploration, you will find the Walleye population.
Live bait is the key to successful Walleye catches such as minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches. One of the best techniques is a live bait rig, to which you troll your lure slowly along the bottom. These rigs include a ¼ or a ½ pound sinker, a swivel, a 3 - 6 foot leader of a 6-pound fishing line, and a No. 4 or 6 hook.
Is Walleye Good to Eat
Walleye is a delicious fish making it a popular choice among seafood lovers. The mild, flaky texture of the fish along with its sweet, buttery flavor is enough to make anyone's mouth water. This makes walleye an excellent ingredient that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Whether you fry or grill it, walleye never fails to impress with its delicious taste. So, if you're looking for a healthy and tasty addition to your meals, walleye is definitely the way to go!
Walleye meat has a firm texture that holds up well to cooking methods such as grilling, frying, or baking. Its mild taste can be enhanced by seasoning it with herbs and spices or marinating it in your favorite sauce. Walleye also has low levels of mercury and other harmful contaminants, making it safe to eat regularly.
When preparing walleye, remove the skin and bones before cooking. This will give you a clean fillet.
However, it's not just its flavor that makes it so popular. Walleye is also a very nutrient-dense food that provides numerous health benefits. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium, all of which are essential for maintaining optimal health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health, while B vitamins play a crucial role in energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Selenium is an important mineral that helps protect against oxidative damage and supports the immune system. By adding Walleye to your diet, you not only get the pleasure of savoring a delicious meal but also the nutritional benefits that come along with it. So, go ahead and indulge in this delectable fish to keep your body healthy and functioning at its best.
About the North River 21' Seahawk
%2F%2Fusers%2F1923c853-eaad-4a25-b882-fc363d6c974f%2Fvehicle_picture%2F20220713_133621.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
