erie drifter sportfishing

I met Captain Tom Straus and Captain Mark Beard at the Indianapolis “Boat, Sport and Travel Show” in February (2014). After listening to their presentation, I decided that our charter fishing group (we do a 1 to 2-day charter a month mostly on Lake Erie and Lake Michigan from about March thru September) would take Captain Straus up on his offer to fish Lake Ontario in the great state of New York. Captain Straus was absolutely correct about the salmon and steelhead consistently being much bigger than what is found in Lake Michigan. In fact, most of the fish we caught were downright HUGE. The downside is you are only allowed 3 fish for each person per day, and the boat was really sized for four of us, Captain Tom, and Captain Mark who was the acting first mate. We did a 2-day charter (July 21 and 22). On the first day the guess was wrong (50/50 chance), we went west like most and should have went east. The one boat that went east caught 11. Our boat ended up with just three keepers on the first day. Some of the boats that went west had zero. Second day we went east. We ended up with 8 keepers. Other boats that went east (same boat that went east the day before) had 7. Boats that went west pretty much got skunked. The best months to fish Lake Ontario are July and August. This year, I’ve since learned that the fishing in July has been “hit and miss” on Lake Ontario. Most believe it is due to the freaky harsh winter all the Great Lakes had with most of them freezing up almost completely and then thawing out slowly, which has made everything fishing wise on the Great Lakes late this year. But, it was obvious these two Captains know their stuff. My core team guys and I who went were very impressed, and we’ve done enough charters over the years to know what to look for in a Charter, the Captain, and the first mate. The only negative was that we wish they would have separated the King Salmon fillets from the Steelhead fillets. They bagged it all up together and it was difficult to tell which was which when we got back home (and when the fillets have been on ice for about 10 hours). Even though we didn’t catch as many as we hoped (that is how it can be sometimes with fishing), it was still a lot of meat to divide up due to the size of the fish. Check out the pics I and others have sent to the website. Look, the price is right (better than some charters in that area for an all-day charter), the lodging accommodations recommended by Captain Straus were perfect, and the location is beautiful. I have already booked to go back next year. Hopefully I’ve guessed right on the timing this time.Best Regards and Fish Onnn..!!!!Jim Lyons, Indianapolis

This tradition began about 7 years ago with Erie Drifter and Tom has never let us down since. There's lots of charter services at Erie, but once you find the best, stick with the best. After this weekend and "two" Fish Ohios and full limits caught on both days, Erie Drifter proved once again well worth your fare. Awesome experience for we "Vets" and the kids as well. Our 14 year old was tentative at best when she first got on board, but after about two hours of catching some Wallies, she was calling the shots for us. Whatever it takes to put you on fish is Erie Drifter's motto. Always a blast and always a full cooler of fish! Kudos Tom.

Excellent guide, my family and I learned tons about fishing and we were able to catch a lot of walleye on Lake Erie. His lodging is also the best out of all of the other fishing services around. We are now thinking about coming back for a fall perch trip.

I usually never write a review unless it's negative. I was so happy with our trip. CAPT.Tom was knowledgeable, instructive, and down right a good time!This is the first time I've written a positive review and I'm glad to do so.I followed instruction and caught my limit. All the time never feeling like a begginer. He knows the lake, people. Highly recommended.

What an experience! Had the best time with Erie Drifter Sportfishing! We always catch our limit when we fish with them. Captain Tom & Captain Mark are the best captains on the lake! They know where to find the fish & it is "Fish On" all day long. I recommend this charter to anyone heading to Lake Erie, you won't be disappointed. And if the weather is bad rescheduling is not a problem! Thanks for a great fishing trip!!

Not only have we found the experience with Erie Drifter Charters to be a great one, I have also recommended them to many of my friends and clients. I have never heard of one single un-satisfied customer, whether they got their limit or not. Anytime the weather was not ideal, or the fish just weren't biting, everybody says that these guys will burn fuel to go to the ends of the earth, or to bring back fish. I made the mistake twice of going somewhere else, or recommending the suggestion of some other chowder heads. That was a big mistake. One I will never make again. "Thanx Tommy"PS. I can't wait for the season to begin, no matter what the weather is like.

While vacationing from Washington state, we utilized Erie Drifter guide service and Captain Tom did a great job. The experience was top notch and great for my entire family. We found the total package to be a bargain for what we got out of it. We appreciate Tom and his team.Thanks,The Richards FamilyCamas, WA

Captain Tom and Mark know how to put you on the fish! From the Big walleye in the spring to trolling walleyes into the summer every year we go up we catch a bunch! Most times when my group goes up for the weekend we limit out EVERY time we leave the dock. Tom likes to get moving early in the morning around 5:30 so get a cup of joe ready lol. i can remember more than a couple occassions where we limited out and were back at the dock to clean fish by 9:00 AM!!!!!!!! The 2 mobile homes that he has for lodging are in the best condition of all the mobile homes in wild wings marina, the man cares and it shows! Truly a top notch outfit, you wont be sorry! I have been taking fishing trips to Lake Erie for walleye smalleys and perch for 25 years and i have never fished with an outfit that will put you on em like these guys can. Jeff R. in Hamilton