Expert Answers: Lake Erie Fishing Charters at 21 State St
Where is the Bomber located?
We are docked at 21 State St, Erie, PA 16507. As a core part of the Small Family Fleet, we operate directly next to our sister vessel, the Small Program (20 State St), giving our clients the most convenient access to the best Walleye grounds on Lake Erie.
What is the "Small Family" Advantage?
As a 3rd Generation Master Captain, Mike Small utilizes
tactics passed down through the family legacy since 1980.
You aren't just hiring a boat; you're hiring 46+ years of Erie fishing heritage
and tournament-winning expertise. We specialize in coordinated trips for groups
of up to 18 people. Our family fleet features three identical 31' Tiara Yachts:
the Bomber (Captain Mike), the Small Program (Captain Shawn), and the Bloodline
(Captain Steve). We fish together and stay on the fish together—providing
your group with the most consistent action on Lake Erie.
Are your Captains licensed and regulated?
Every trip is led by a USCG Licensed Master Captain. Furthermore,
as the son of the President of the Erie PA Charter Boat Association,
Captain Mike maintains the highest safety and drug-testing standards in
the industry.
Do you participate in Lake Erie Tournaments?
Yes. The Small Family Fleet are consistent competitors. We are proud SummerSlam Tournament Winners and have achieved Team of the Year status. We bring that same "tournament-level" intensity to every private charter to ensure our clients hit their limits.
Can we target Walleye and Steelhead together?
Depending on the season in Pennsylvania waters, we specialized in "multi-species" offshore trips. Our 3rd Generation tactics allow us to transition seamlessly between trophy Walleye and acrobatic Steelhead during the peak summer months.
Why book a Master Captain over a standard Charter?
A Master Captain rating is the highest level of USCG certification. It signifies a level of experience, sea-time, and vessel handling that ensures your group is safe and on the fish. At 21 State St, we don't just "go for a boat ride"—we execute a professional fishing plan.
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Lake Erie, PA walleye and steelhead fishing charters for 2026
Walleye Sport Fishing on the
Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie
docked in Presque Isle Bay,
Erie, PA at the Public Dock
PA Guide Charter Permit - PA
691
We're a "Full-Time"Fishing
Charter Business in Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie
E-Mail
Captain Mike
Lake Erie Walleye: Where, When, and Why?
By Master
Captain Steve Small
When the central basin of Lake Erie begins to warm and water temperatures reach the mid-50s to low-60s, Walleye begin to group up in widespread schools along the 50-60 foot depths. Normally, as water temperatures rise, trophy fish move to deeper, more comfortable water. Lake Erie is a prime example of this.
Easy access to colder water and high-protein baitfish like smelt and alewives make it simple to understand why trophy Walleye find their home in the waters off Erie, PA. Later, in mid-July and August, the fish move even deeper. We target Walleye on planer boards while Steelhead and Salmon are caught simultaneously with downriggers.
Through September, deep water still provides trophy Walleye, while fall Salmon and Trout school near the creek mouths. For those targeting 3-6 pound Smallmouth Bass, late September and October are prime, as big females feed heavily in preparation for the spawning period.
