Pappy’s Charter Service

Specializing in The Detroit River, Lake Erie, Walleye and Perch

About Captain Joe Pappas

“Come experience one of the best walleye fisheries in the world.” – Captain Joe Pappas

I grew up in Wyandotte MI and have spent my whole life fishing the Detroit River, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair. I attended Ferris State University where I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in HVAC Engineering Technology, and played 4 years  of football. “Go Bulldogs”

I began my Fishing career right after college, on the Bass Fishing tournament trail FLW Everstart/Stren series, traveling the country and fishing many local walleye and bass tournaments.

After winning a major tournament on Lake Erie in Buffalo New York FLW Everstart Series and many local tournaments, I decided to go after my dream of becoming a Charter Boat Captain. This has been the best decision of my life to be able to meet new people, share all of my fishing experience, and create life long memories with new friends.

On Pappy’s Charter’s my clients come first! This day is about You and it is my job and pleasure to provide you with the most memorable day on the water as possible.

Boat and Equipment – NEW BOAT for 2020!

We will be fishing out of a 2020 Lund 2175 Pro V Sport with a Mercury Pro XS 300hp and Lowrance HD Live fish finder/gps units in console and bow. This boat is very stable and can handle any type of situation that arises. Safety is my number one priority!

This boat is is rigged perfectly for jigging in the river or making those long runs out into the lake.
In the Detroit river boat control is the single most important thing. That’s why I have a MotorGuide XI5 36v 105# thrust trolling motor., this enables me to maneuver the boat in high winds and be able to keep us on the fish all day long.

Of course electronics plays a very important tool as well GPS/Fish finder. Detailed maps, contour lines, and fish finder are very important for locating fish, being able to stay on them and adjust to the fishing conditions.

My rods/reels are very well maintained, so your not fighting with your equipment only the fish on the end of your line. These combos are tournament grade and perfectly matched for what ever species or types of fishing, we have planned for the day.

Tackle: I am very particular when it comes to my tackle line, jigs, hooks, baits, etc… That is why I make my own jigs with Gamakatsu hooks. Many jigs on the market have substandard hooks. There is nothing worse than losing fish all day and possibly that trophy fish of a life time due to cheap hooks.
I also make stingers for my jigs and a Pappy’s special walleye plastic bait that crushes walleye all spring long.