A FAMILY BUSINESS

In the early 80’s John & Pat Sawyer moved to Port Clinton, OH and started a charter fishing business. They started out with one 27ft Sportcraft and then added a second when Pat received her license. In 1988, the 30ft Sportcrafts became the norm, and they purchased two. These quickly became the perfect fishing boat for what we do here. Almost everyone running casting charters are using these because of the space in the back.

The lake was booming back then, and it was some of the best years that the lake has seen. Anyone around back then will be quick to tell you their stories about the 80’s. Although John passed away and Pat is no longer running charters, Mike is carrying on with the business. In 2021 we upgraded to a much newer and faster 1999 30ft Sportcraft. They no longer make Sportcrafts, as they priced themselves out of the market, and a ’98-2000 was our goal.

We are currently at a time that the lake is as good or better than it’s ever been at producing walleye, especially for those who wish to cast!

Licensed, Insured & Experienced

US Coast Guard 100-ton License
Ohio Licensed Guide
Member of a DOT Drug Testing Program
CPR and First Aid Certified
Fully Insured
National Association of Charter Boat Operators Member
Multiple Top 5 Tournament Finishes
40+ Years of Experience
Generational Family Business
Member of St. Croix’s Guide Program

What we do

Erie Express fishing charters & guide service has over 75 years of family experience fishing for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass in the western & central basin of Lake Erie. Captain Mike Sawyer offers an 8-hour fishing charter for up to six people with reasonable rates. The fishing charter leaves from the dock on Catawba Island, in Port Clinton, Ohio, out onto Lake Erie. Charters can be arranged in many configurations and extra boats can be added if needed.

Testimonials