Put-In-Bay Charter Fishing Service

CAPTAIN BRUCE

Captain Bruce learned to fish the right way—by spending his early years on Lake Erie with his dad, chasing Walleye and Perch long before he ever ran a charter. That time on the water turned into a lifelong passion and over 30 years of professional charter experience.

Today, he’s a trusted name on the lake. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of fish patterns and seasonal movement, Bruce has a proven track record of getting clients on fish.

He’s fully licensed by the State of Ohio and the U.S. Coast Guard, fully insured, and extremely familiar with Lake Erie’s Western Basin, the islands, and Canadian waters.

Bruce runs a laid-back, professional boat where everyone’s welcome—from families with kids to bachelor parties and experienced anglers. No matter the group, the goal’s the same: catch fish and have a great time doing it.

First Mate Brett

Brett’s been fishing Lake Erie with Captain Bruce and his grandfather since he was five years old. He’s spent just about every summer on the lake, learning the ins and outs of Walleye fishing from the two guys who know it best. It’s in his blood.

As first mate, Brett’s job is to make sure the charter runs smoothly from start to finish. He’s hands-on with everything—untangling lines, baiting hooks, helping beginners, and keeping things organized on deck so everyone can focus on fishing. Whether you're new to the lake or a seasoned angler, Brett’s there to make your day easier and more successful.

But Brett’s not just assisting—he’s fishing too. He keeps a line in the water during the trip to help locate the fish, figure out how they’re biting, and pass that info on to customers to help them catch more. If they’re near the surface or tight to the bottom, Brett’s paying attention and adjusting right along with the group.

When the trip wraps up, he cleans and preps the boat to make sure it’s in top shape for the next charter. From cast to clean-up, Brett’s all in.

The I-Lander

Our charter boat, The Islander, is a 30-foot Island Hopper built for fishing. With a wide 12-foot beam and a big open deck, there’s plenty of room for up to six anglers to move around comfortably and fish without bumping elbows.

Powered by a dependable Cummins diesel engine, The Islander gets us to the bite quickly and handles rough water with ease. Its solid fiberglass hull and stable ride make it a reliable platform, even when the lake gets choppy.

It’s equipped with modern navigation and fish-finding electronics, plus all the required safety gear. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, The Islander is a tough, comfortable, and well-equipped boat ready to get the job done.

Rods & Reels

At Put-in-Bay Charter Services, we equip our guests with top-quality gear to ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

Reels: We use Shimano spinning reels, renowned for their smooth operation, durability, and reliability. These reels are designed to handle the challenges of Lake Erie fishing, providing consistent performance trip after trip.

Rods: Our rods are 6-foot Daiwa models, selected for their balance of strength and sensitivity. These rods offer excellent control and responsiveness, making them ideal for targeting Walleye and other local species.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, our equipment is maintained to the highest standards to help you make the most of your time on the water.