How do I book a trip?—Call or email Ross to discuss options, rates and availability. A deposit is required to hold a date. With the large amount of inquiries and questions it can be very difficult to respond to and keep track of social media messages. Don’t be afraid to call, Ross is very good about calling back in the late afternoons to early evenings. We’ve found that a brief call does wonders to getting on the same page and nearly eliminating any confusion.

What do we need to know Just before your trip? — When your travel to Lake Erie requires leaving a day or two in advance make sure to touch base with Ross prior to leaving your house to make sure weather is still good. Please understand that weather, water clarity and fish movements change constantly and therefore we rarely know where we will launch the boat more than the night before. In most cases we will depart no more than a 30 minute drive east or west of Port Clinton, Ohio and that is where lodging should be reserved unless your Captain specifies differently. The night before our fishing trip we will touch base on meeting specifics.

Do you do this fulltime?– We have been a full time year round guide service for more than 20yrs with some of the most experienced and versatile Lake Erie guides around on staff. By doing this fulltime we are able to stay on the fish, understand daily movements and have sponsors that allow us to have cutting edge and new fishing equipment and boats. We are fully licensed, insured and a drug free vessel.

When do we book? —A majority of our desired spring dates are booked well in advance, typically booking up solid before the season starts. A majority of these trips are booked from our email list. To be added simply sign up for our newsletter. (HERE) This is also a place where we will keep in touch with cancellations or additional availability. We typically begin this process in the late fall to early winter before that given spring. When in doubt give us a call for availability, but don’t wait till the last minute or you might be out of luck!

Deposit Policy— If your trip is canceled due to bad weather then you will be given the opportunity to either receive a refund on your deposit or move to a future trip. This decision can ONLY be made by the captain of your trip. Weather conditions such as rain is not cause to cancel a trip. On the other hand, if you choose to cancel your trip due to a personal, work, financial or other issues including ALL COVID-19 complications (Except on our end) the deposit will be kept and the remaining additional funds are owed to Bigwater Fishing LLC, depending on the situation and the amount of notification

How many Guests can you accommodate?—We can comfortably accommodate up to 3 guests total per boat. In the early and late seasons many of our guests prefer two per boat. If you have a larger party we have additional boats to accommodate much larger parties.

What do I need to bring?—We provide all of the fishing tackle but you’ll need a valid fishing license. A 48qt or larger cooler to leave in your vehicle when fishing to transport fish after the trip. A small cooler for your lunch and drinks (please no glass bottles or alcohol), sunglasses, sunscreen. MOST IMPORTANTLY—Dress in layers and have top and bottom rain gear. It is often much cooler on the lake and it doesn’t need to be raining to require rain gear. Regardless of the forecast bring it!

How long is a trip?—We don’t really clock watch, but most trips can extend up to 6 to 7 hrs. While by guidelines fishing is to be concluded when your limit is reached, if weather conditions and ability to responsibly catch and release fish is possible talk with your captain to continue. We don’t really have set departure times because we only run one trip per day and will leave when optimal fishing or weather conditions dictate. In the summer this generally means leaving earlier than in the spring and fall.

Should we tip our captain?—Your captain works hard for you not only during your trip, but puts in long hours before and after to make sure we are as dialed in with gear and conditions as possible. Tips are not required, but are accepted and greatly appreciated!

When in doubt with any questions or concerns give Ross a Call