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Premium Lake Erie Bass Fishing with Freespirit 2

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Port Clinton, OH
  • $500 - $700 price range
  • Updated Date: October 5, 2025

Summary

Get ready for some serious bass action on Lake Erie with Freespirit 2 Charters. We'll take you out for a half-day trip targeting trophy smallmouth bass in Port Clinton's prime fishing spots. Our guides know all the best rocky reefs and shallow waters where these fighters like to hang out. We've got top-notch gear ready for you, so just bring yourself and be prepared to reel 'em in. Whether you're a pro angler or it's your first time, we'll make sure you have a blast on the water. Lake Erie is known for its epic bass fishing, and we'll put you right in the middle of it. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Just keep in mind there might be a fuel charge for longer runs. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best bass fishing around – book your trip with us and get ready for a day on the lake you won't soon forget!
Premium Lake Erie Bass Fishing with Freespirit 2

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Perfect evening for jigging and drift fishing. Cloudy skies rolling in but still productive waters.

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Lake Erie's Bass Bonanza: Port Clinton's Hotspot

Ready to tangle with some of the biggest, baddest smallmouth bass in the Great Lakes? You're in for a treat with our half-day guided trip out of Port Clinton. We're not just fishing – we're chasing trophies in Lake Erie's world-class smallmouth fishery. Our local pros know exactly where these bronzebacks are hiding, and we've got all the gear you need to land a true Lake Erie giant. Whether you're a die-hard bass fanatic or just looking to bend a rod, this trip's got something for everyone. Let's get out there and see what Erie's got in store!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on Erie's crystal-clear waters, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and your line goes tight with that unmistakable smallmouth headshake. That's what we're all about on this half-day bass bash. We'll hit prime spots like rocky reefs and shallow flats where the big ones lurk. Our seasoned guides have been putting clients on fish for years, and they're itching to share their local knowledge. We provide top-notch rods, reels, and all the bait and lures you'll need – so just bring yourself and get ready for some serious action. Keep in mind, if we need to run far for the fish, there might be a small fuel surcharge, but trust me, it's worth it when you're into the bass of a lifetime.

Gearing Up for Greatness

When it comes to tackling Erie's smallmouth, we don't mess around. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on where the fish are and what they're biting. Some days, it's all about finesse – drop-shotting soft plastics or working tubes along rocky bottoms. Other times, we might be power fishing with crankbaits or spinnerbaits. Our boats are decked out with the latest electronics to find those fish-holding structures, and we've got a arsenal of rods suited for every situation. Don't worry if you're new to bass fishing – our guides will walk you through each technique and have you fishing like a pro in no time. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to swap some stories and maybe learn a new trick or two from our local experts.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

Lake Erie's not called the "Walleye Capital of the World" for nothing, but let me tell you, the smallmouth fishing here is just as legendary. Anglers come from all over to tangle with our hard-fighting bass, and for good reason. The clear water, abundant structure, and hefty forage base make Erie a smallmouth paradise. We've had days where four-pounders seem small, and five-plus pounders are a real possibility. But it's not just about size – these fish fight like nothing else, and the strikes can be explosive. Whether you're used to fishing southern reservoirs or northern lakes, Erie's smallies will show you a whole new level of bass fishing.

Bass Breakdown: What's Biting

Smallmouth Bass: The star of the show, Erie's smallmouth are some of the biggest and baddest you'll find anywhere. These bronze bombers typically range from 2-5 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 6 or even 7 pounds not unheard of. They love to hang around rocky structure and can often be found in surprisingly shallow water. Spring and fall are prime times when these fish are feeding heavily, but summer can produce some epic topwater action. When you hook into one, hold on tight – their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs will test your skills and leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Sea Bass: While not our primary target, Lake Erie is also home to white bass, often called "sea bass" by locals. These scrappy fighters school up and can provide fast action when you find them. They're smaller than their smallmouth cousins, typically weighing in at 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. White bass are great for keeping the rods bent between smallmouth bites and are a blast on light tackle. They're most active in late spring and early summer, often found chasing baitfish near the surface – a perfect chance to break out those topwater lures!

Time to Get Your Bass On

Listen, if you're even thinking about a Lake Erie fishing trip, you owe it to yourself to get out there and tangle with these world-class smallmouth. Our half-day trips are perfect for fitting some serious fishing into your schedule, whether you're a local looking for a quick fix or a visitor wanting to experience Erie's best. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the spots – all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a camera for those trophy shots. Don't let another season slip by without checking this off your bucket list. Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready for some of the best bass fishing you'll ever experience. The smallies are waiting – are you ready to take them on?

Learn more about the species

Sea Bass

Sea bass are ocean dwellers, usually hanging around hard-bottom areas like reefs and wrecks. They're not huge – most run about a foot long and weigh up to 9 pounds – but they make up for it in fight and flavor. You'll find them from Massachusetts down to Florida, with peak season typically in the warmer months. These fish are aggressive eaters, which makes for some exciting fishing. They'll hit on cut bait like squid or clams, but more and more folks are having luck with artificial lures. If you're after sea bass, go with a light, sensitive rod and braid line to feel those bottom bites. Here's a tip: try a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid. Bounce it off the bottom – that's where these guys like to feed. Sea bass are prized for their taste, so they're great for catch-and-cook trips. Just remember, they're strictly ocean fish, so you won't find them in Lake Erie.

Sea Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description 

Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers.  Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown.  They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays. 

Smallmouth Bass

Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass Habitat 

Smallmouth Bass Map of Habitat

This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms.  Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.

Spawning

Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year. 

Diet

The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass 

A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.

Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended. 

There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers.  A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook. 

Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.

Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat

Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on.  What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing.  Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.

Smallmouth Bass

About the Free Spirit II

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 22

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 330

Get ready for an awesome day of bass fishing on Lake Erie! We'll take you out on our well-equipped boat to some prime spots where the smallmouth bass are biting. Our guides know all the best places, from rocky areas to shallow waters, to help you reel in some trophy-sized fish. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the bait and lures you'll need. This half-day trip is perfect for experienced anglers looking to land a big one, or newcomers wanting to learn the ropes. Lake Erie is known for its amazing bass fishing, and we can't wait to show you why. Book your trip with us and get ready for a fun day on the water. Just remember, there might be a fuel charge for longer trips. Don't miss out on the chance to fish one of the best bass lakes around - reserve your spot now and get ready to make some great fishing memories!
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Premier Lake Erie Fishing Guide!

Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime with Freespirit 2 Charters and Captain Terry Robinson in Port Clinton, Ohio! Book your fishing excursion today and experience the thrill of reeling in the catch of the day. Hurry, spots are filling up fast – don't wait to make memories that will last a lifetime!

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