Hello, I’m Don from North Lawrence, Ohio. After graduating high school, I enlisted in the Navy, where I served as a hydraulics mechanic working on F/A-18 Hornets. Following my time in the military, I spent the past three decades employed in a steel mill. I am set to retire in March 2025.
The outdoors have always been a significant part of my life. I spent several years filming and bow hunting with a local Ohio group. In 2005, I shifted my focus from bow hunting to the incredible sport of walleye fishing on Lake Erie. Since then, I’ve enjoyed everything from competitive tournament fishing to guiding for the past eight years.
As I approach retirement, I want to continue working doing something I love. What better way than to guide people on walleye fishing adventures in what many call the walleye capital of the world? Over the years, I’ve owned a number of boats, but I’ve settled on a 2019 Warrior 2121 as my preferred charter vessel. It’s compact yet fully equipped with the latest Lowrance electronics, a 250-horsepower Suzuki outboard, a 9.9 kicker motor, and a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor.
When you join me on a charter, you can expect a fun and relaxed day focused on fishing and enjoying the water. I prefer to take our time rather than rushing from the dock to limit and back. Throughout the year, I move my boat to follow the walleye migration, primarily fishing between Huron and Cleveland. However, I’m flexible and can meet you at any location you prefer.
I’m excited to connect with you and share some memorable fishing experiences. Get ready to catch some fish and have a great time out on the water!
Captain Don
Your guide can accommodate different starting points depending on your preference. Don was an excellent captain on our trip; his boat was clean and well maintained. He patiently guided our group, all new to walleye fishing, and provided clear tips on how to improve our experience.
You can cancel without any charges up to 5 days prior to your trip and get a credit added to your account. If you cancel within 5 days before the trip, your deposit will be retained by the guide. Cancellations on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in the full trip amount being charged to your card.
This trip is specifically crafted to target trophy walleye, offering an all-day adventure where we'll explore various techniques I've mastered throughout my tournament fishing career. Unlike typical outings that follow the crowd to quickly fill limits and head back, we focus on a dedicated, hard-working approach to exceed your expectations on Lake Erie.
Everything you need is included, though we suggest bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate attire, and any personal items you might want during the trip. We'll be fishing aboard the top small boat on the market—the Warrior 2121—built to handle whatever Mother Erie throws our way. Travel to the fishing spots in comfort, relaxing in the best seat available: a cozy bean bag.
Fish cleaning services are available for an additional fee. If you plan to clean your own catch, please bring a large cooler. Feel free to bring your own lunch, drinks, and beer to enjoy throughout the day. Smoking is allowed aboard the boat; however, marijuana is strictly prohibited as the vessel is drug-free.
Thank you for visiting my page. I look forward to joining you on the water and helping you land a giant Lake Erie walleye!
Fish on!
Capt. Don
The name of this trip speaks for itself—it’s a full-day experience focused on targeting trophy-sized walleye. Drawing from my extensive tournament experience on Lake Erie, I’ve landed my fair share of big fish and know the techniques that increase the chances of a catch. Our approach involves trolling key locations where large walleye are known to hang, adjusted by the time of year to maximize success.
My goal is to ensure we have an incredible day on the water, which means aiming for plenty of walleye throughout the trip. If you’re not interested in a quick dock-to-dock run, this trip is perfect for those who want a thorough and rewarding fishing adventure. Thank you for visiting my page—I’m excited to join you and help reel in some giants!
Fish on!
Capt. Don
