Trophy Specialists Fishing Charters Homepage
Michigan Sportfishing:
Saginaw Bay
Walleye Charters
at Au Gres (AuGres)
Walleye Capital
of the World!!!
Lake Erie
Walleye Charters
at Monroe,
Toledo and
Port Clinton
Lake Michigan
King Salmon Charters
at Manistee
Lake Huron Trophy
King Salmon Charters
at Rogers City
Charter Fishing Information
Book Charters Online
lunkers are taken every year by Trophy Specialists. With
20+ years of experience chasing Lake Erie's spring walleyes, your chances
of catching a genuine double-digit walleye are very possible with us indeed,
especially on the early spring trips. Because the weather and fishing
conditions are so unpredictable during the early spring, customers must sign
up for an "On Call List" to fish with us from March through April 14. When
conditions are favorable for fishing, Trophy Specialists will phone customers
on the "On Call List" and they will get to fish during the best possible
conditions thus increasing our overall success rates. After April 14,
charters will be conducted by reservations only.
We fish the Michigan and Ohio waters departing from Monroe targeting both the Michigan waters and Ohio waters of the Western Basin. Key areas are off Monroe, Toledo Beach, Luna Pier, Maumee Bay, Toledo, Reno Beach and we have even run as far as Port Clinton and West Sister Island at times. Since Trophy Specialist is a licensed charter boat in both Michigan and Ohio we can certainly cover a lot of water. Trolling body-baits, crank-baits , spoons and crawler harness using mostly in-line planer boards is the most consistent producer of Erie's hawg, spring walleye. At times, jigging, casting and drifting techniques are also used, especially during the spawning period from April 10 through April 25. An average Lake Erie sport fishing charter during early spring typically yields a dozen or more walleyes with an average size of about 6-8 lbs. From mid-April on through the end of spring the trips typically produce higher numbers of walleyes, but the average size tends to be somewhat smaller averaging around 2-5 lbs. During favorable weather conditions, it's not uncommon to limit out on walleyes. The biggest walleyes of the year, those pre-spawn lunker females are caught during March and early April. Since it is close by, we can also fish the Detroit River should clients desire that experience. The Detroit River is also a backup spot in case the conditions on Lake Erie are not favorable. Make sure to dress warm on these early spring trips.
Trip Planner for Lake Erie Walleye Trips
Meeting Place - The meeting place is at the Bolles Harbor DNR Boat Launch at Monroe, Michigan. To get there take I-75 to to Exit 11, La Plaisance Rd. Proceed south on La Plaisance Rd. about 1/4 mile and turn left heading east on Waters Edge Dr. where you will see a brown DNR access site sign. Take Waters Edge Dr. about 1/2 mile to the boat launch. The Trophy Specialist boat is a big, red, Lund Barron Magnum with a white top pulled by a black, regular cab Chevy Silverado 4X4.
Monroe Information and Lodging: The small town of Monroe, Michigan hosts Trophy Specialists Fishing Charter's spring walleye trips. Besides fantastic walleye fishing, Monroe also offers museums, the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, Custers Memorial, golf courses, ample shopping opportunities, parks, camping, motels/hotels, bait/tackle, antique shops, a full complement of bars and restaurants and the Cabela's retail store is just 10 miles away. Monroe is located about 37 miles south of Detroit. If you're flying in, it is suggested that you fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport near Romulus located about 20 miles north/west of Monroe. From there, a vehicle can be rented and you can drive to Monroe. Trophy Specialist Fishing Charters has worked out a special lodging package with the Americas Best Value Inn and Suites at 1885 Welcome Way, Monroe, MI 48162, 734-289-1080. If you mention that you are fishing with Trophy Specialists Fishing Charters (or Mike Veine) then you will receive a special discounted room rate. The Best Value Inn features free high speed wireless internet, free local calls, kitchenettes, in room Jacuzzies, pool privileges, HBO +80 channels, gym, free dinner on Tuesdays, free continental breakfast every day, refrigerators and microwaves in ever room, safe, close parking, meeting room and more. It is located right next to Bob Evans right off exit 15. There are many restaurants in the immediate area to satisfy all budgets and tastes.
Warning - Do no book a room with the Baymont Inn & Suites (Formerly the Amerihost Inn) in Monroe, Michigan near Bolles Harbor. Myself and others that have stayed at this motel have been extremely dissatisfied with this establishment. Trophy Specialists Fishing Charters does not recommend doing business with Baymont Inn & Suites or Amerihost Inn.
Licensing - Customers will be responsible for obtaining the proper Michigan and Ohio fishing license prior to the prescribed meeting time. Both states offer a one-day license for a nominal fee. Youths under 17 do not need a fishing license. Both MI and OH licenses are available at a two bait shops located on La Plaisance Road just past the turnoff for the Bolles Harbor DNR Boat Launch. You can also purchase license on the Internet at: Buy Fishing Licenses On-line.
Bring Along - your fishing license, proper attire (warm boots and cloths), rain gear, brimmed hat, sunscreen, camera, sun-glasses, food and beverages. Drinking alcoholic beverages is allowed on board the boat, but only in moderation. Only small coolers that can fit under the seats are allowed on the boat. Basically, if your cooler is too large to be allowed on an airliner as carry-on baggage, then it shouldn't go on the boat either. A larger cooler should also be available off the boat for transporting your catch home. If you're flying into Michigan, be sure to check with your airline for any rules pertaining to transporting fish. To prevent spills and stains, coffee can only be consumed on the boat in a spill resistant container. Michigan law states that all youths under 16 year old must where a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times on the water. In addition, Trophy Specialist's encourages everyone to wear a PFD when the boat is underway and above trolling speeds. Trophy Specialists will make available comfortable life vests in various standard adult sizes (small to X-large) along with the required type III - PFDs. It is required that parties with children or adults smaller or larger than standard adult sizes (30" to 60" chest) bring their own Coast Guard approved PFDs.
Seasickness Precautions - If you're prone to motion sickness, standard over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine might be a good idea. When taken as directed at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time, those nasty symptoms can usually be controlled. If you've suffered from sea-sickness in the past or have never been exposed to big water fishing, it's recommended that acidic or alcoholic beverages be avoided and eating in moderation both before and during the trip is also a good idea.
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