Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Lake Erie Fishing Charters in Port Clinton
Coe Vanna Charters has been delivering premium Lake Erie fishing experiences since 1973. Founded by Captain Dave Whitt and now including his son Captain Coe Allen, our family-owned business combines over 55 years of cumulative expertise to ensure unmatched success on the water. We specialize in guided walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch charters aboard our custom-built Island Hopper vessels, which offer 25% more deck space than standard 30-foot boats. Our captains undergo rigorous training and apprenticeship to meet our exacting standards, ensuring every guest receives personalized attention from seasoned professionals.With a proven track record of catching over 14,000 walleye annually, we maintain the highest industry standards through continuous equipment upgrades, real-time fishing report analysis, and adherence to sustainable practices. Our commitment to excellence extends to our accommodations, featuring modern mobile home lodging units with full amenities just steps from the marina. We pride ourselves on making fishing accessible to all ages and abilities, including handicapped accessibility and family-friendly options, while maintaining strict safety protocols and transparent pricing.
Services
Walleye Charters
Bass Charters
Perch Charters
Combo Trips
Ice Fishing
Lodging Packages
Gift Certificates
Fishing Reports
Equipment Rental
Fish Cleaning
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1973 with 40+ years of captain experience
- Custom 30' Island Hopper boats with 25% more deck space
- Guaranteed limits of walleye, bass, or perch or return for free
- Handicapped-accessible vessels with specialized safety equipment
- Real-time fishing report integration for optimal catch locations
What people say
Expert captains
Modern spacious boats
Consistent limits
Family-friendly
Handicapped accessible
Services
Walleye Charters
Our expert-guided walleye charters target Lake Erie's legendary western basin, where 180 million walleye create world-class opportunities. Using specialized drift-fishing techniques with spinners and nightcrawlers, our captains consistently deliver limits within hours. Trips run March-October with peak trophy season April-June. All equipment, bait, and licenses included.
Bass Charters
Target trophy smallmouth bass in their natural habitat near the Bass Islands. Our 30' Island Hoppers access prime reef structures holding 5-7 lb. giants. We provide soft craws and minnows while teaching proven techniques for battling these acrobatic fish. Best months: June-October.
Perch Charters
Experience Lake Erie's famous perch runs with our guided deep-water anchoring trips. Using hand-tied rigs with emerald shiners, we regularly catch 30+ perch per person. Ideal for families, these July-October charters include perch bait and cleaning services for immediate preparation.
Lodging Packages
Our fully-equipped mobile homes sleep 6-10 guests with kitchen amenities, AC, and satellite TV. Located at Wild Wings Marina, accommodations include fishing gear storage and direct boat access. Packages combine lodging with charter discounts for multi-day fishing adventures.
Combo Trips
Maximize your Lake Erie experience with customized combo trips catching walleye, bass, and perch in one day. Our captains strategically navigate reef complexes to optimize multiple species catches. Available July-September with specialized bait packages included.
People
Captain Dave Whitt
Owner/Captain
With 40 years of Lake Erie experience, Captain Dave established Coe Vanna Charters in 1973. A recognized authority on Erie fisheries, he pioneered drift-fishing techniques that consistently produce limits while mentoring new captains through rigorous apprenticeship programs.
Captain Coe Allen
Charter Captain
Third-generation captain Coe Allen brings 15 years of specialized knowledge in Lake Erie's changing ecosystems. Trained under his father's exacting standards, he combines traditional techniques with modern sonar technology to locate fish concentrations other boats miss.
Questions
What fishing licenses do I need for Lake Erie trips?
We provide Lake Erie Charter 1-Day Fishing Licenses valid for Ohio waters. Canadian trips require separate online-purchased Ontario licenses. All necessary equipment and bait included.
Can we keep our catch?
Yes! Ohio allows 6 walleye, 5 bass, and 30 perch per person daily. Our onboard cleaning services prepare your catch immediately, with coolers provided for transport.
What's included in charter rates?
Rates include premium rods/reels, bait, tackle, safety gear, captain services, and fish cleaning. Executive packages add lunch, snacks, and premium beverages.
Do you accommodate special needs guests?
Our 30' Island Hoppers feature wheelchair accessibility with wide decks and secure railings. Captains receive specialized training to assist guests with mobility challenges.
What's your cancellation policy?
Deposits are refundable for weather-related cancellations. 30-day advance notice required for rescheduling with credits valid 12 months. Last-minute openings available at 10% discounts.
How do combo fishing trips work?
Our July-October combo trips target multiple species in one day. Captains adjust techniques hourly between walleye, bass, and perch locations, providing specialized bait for each target species.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Brandon Glusak
Nov 21, 2021
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Couldn't have had a better a better captain! Definitely would recommend! Maxed out on perch and walleye was on fire. Doesn't matter where we fished, he made it happen!
Jared Schlabach
Sep 25, 2021
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Wow wow. Coe Vanna did an amazing job at taking us fishing. Highly recommend taking this charter. Big plus is they are one of the only charters that takes more then 6 people. Thanks Captain Dave for accommodating us.
Anthony Parsons
Sep 23, 2021
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My 13 year old son and I, who has cerebral palsy and is partially disabled, went fishing with Captain Shawn today and caught our limit! Captain Shawn was very polite and patient. Would highly recommend using Captaun Shawn for your walleye charter. THANK YOU Captain Shawn for a fantastic trip! This was out second trip of the yr with him, and it's always a pleasure.
Brian & Mary Davis
Sep 21, 2021
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We could not have had a better experience than with Captain Shawn. We were immediately on fish each morning. Caught great size walleye and filled our daily limits within a few hours each day. Also, we are fishers and want to be involved in more than just reeling. Captain Shawn showed and explained everything that was going on. We felt like part of a team, like crew.
