A Lifetime on the Water
My passion for fishing began at the age of eight when my father introduced me to the waters of Lake Erie in the 1970s. Back then, we spent our days casting Erie Dearies and trolling Hot-N-Tots, learning the lessons that only time on the water can teach.
Born and raised in Strongsville, I have spent the last 27 years living along the Western Basin of Lake Erie. My son was born and raised in Huron, where our family has built a life centered around faith, family, and the outdoors. Today, at 56 years old, I still spend nearly ten months of every year pursuing fish and game across the Great Lakes region. My season begins with pre-spawn walleyes in the spring and often ends with waterfowl hunting in January.
Experience You Can Trust
I am a United States Coast Guard Master Captain with experience operating on four of the five Great Lakes. Over the years, I have fished countless days on Lake Erie and throughout the Great Lakes system, developing a deep understanding of seasonal patterns, fish behavior, weather conditions, and safe boat operation.
Competitive fishing has also been an important part of my journey. Alongside a great team of local friends, I have participated in numerous tournaments, earning top finishes and first-place victories, including events such as the Huron Hog Fest and other local Lake Erie tournaments. I have also proudly participated in the Hooks for Hunger event in recent years, helping support our local community through fishing.
More Than Just Catching Fish
Before becoming a charter captain, I spent nearly three decades as a physical therapist, educator, and healthcare leader. Throughout my career, I was privileged to help people improve their lives through knowledge, encouragement, and service. That same philosophy guides every charter I run today. My goal is to provide every guest with professionalism, knowledge, experience, and passion.
What You Can Expect On Board
Whether you are a seasoned angler looking to fine-tune your skills or a first-time fisherman hoping to catch your first Lake Erie walleye, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over a lifetime on the Great Lakes.
Memories That Last A Lifetime
It is my absolute privilege to help you and your family pull in the catch of a lifetime. Here are just a few of our recent successes on the water.
Expert Local Guides
Three experienced local captains coming together to provide unmatched charter services at Cranberry Creek Marina. From trophy Lake Erie walleye to late-season waterfowl, our team delivers results, safety, and lifelong memories.
Capt. Kenny Lewis
USCG 100 GRT Master Licensed Captain | Senior Military ChaplainWith more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning military service, religious ministry, and outdoor recreation, Capt. Kenny brings a profound commitment to service, safety, and mentorship to every charter. As a Senior Army Chaplain, he provided strategic advisement and spiritual support across combat deployments and Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO).
Simultaneously, he built and operated premier hunting and fishing businesses on Lake Erie— Capt. Ken’s Wild Wings LTD and Capt. Ken’s Walleye Pursuits. Specializing in trolling, jigging, casting, and drift fishing, he educates anglers on advanced techniques and conservation while operating professionally maintained vessels equipped with top-tier electronics.
- Decades of Lake Erie Walleye & Waterfowl Outfitting
- Expert in Open-Water Hunting Strategies
- Dedicated to Mentorship, Morale, and Safety
Capt. Chuck DiSanto
USCG Master Captain | Educator & Tournament AnglerCapt. Chuck’s passion for fishing began in the 1970s, casting Erie Dearies with his father. Now 56, he spends nearly ten months a year pursuing fish and game across the Great Lakes. Operating heavily out of the Western Basin, his season runs from pre-spawn spring walleyes straight through to January waterfowl hunting.
Before becoming a charter captain, Chuck spent three decades as a physical therapist and healthcare leader. That philosophy of helping people through knowledge and encouragement defines his boat. A proven competitor, he has earned first-place victories in local Lake Erie tournaments like the Huron Hog Fest, and is an active participant in community events like Hooks for Hunger.
- Four Decades of Great Lakes Experience
- Tournament-Proven Walleye Tactics
- Family-Friendly, Instructional Environment
Capt. Nate Greiner
Owner, Captain Nate’s Guide ServiceNow entering his 6th professional season, Capt. Nate has hunted and fished the waters of Lake Erie his entire life. Driven by a relentless work ethic and deep local knowledge, he is focused on delivering exceptional results—whether you are chasing late-fall ducks or targeting trophy fish on the open lake.
"I’m driven to deliver great results on every trip while making sure you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience," says Nate. "Let’s make some great memories on Lake Erie!"
- Specialist in Fall Duck Hunting & Trophy Fishing
- Deep Knowledge of Local Huron & Sandusky Waters
- Commitment to an Enjoyable, Safe Customer Experience
Safety First: Our charter fleet is meticulously maintained by Cranberry Creek Marina's on-site team. As a Suzuki Certified Dealer Repair Shop, our expert technicians—including EHOVE marine mechanic graduates Luke and Troy, who hold advanced Yamaha and Mercury certifications—ensure every vessel is running at peak, safe performance.
Fishing Ruggles Reef
Just off the coast between Huron and Vermilion, Ohio, lies Ruggles Reef. This submerged, 5-mile-long rocky structure sits in 5 to 32 feet of water and is one of Lake Erie's premier habitats. Launching directly out of Cranberry Creek Marina puts you right on top of the action.
Target Species & Seasons
- Walleye: Spring pre-spawn/spawn brings them onto the reef. Summer pushes them to the edges. Fall triggers aggressive shallow feeding.
- Smallmouth Bass: Stage near edges in Spring. Topwater and drop-shots rule the Summer. Blade baits trigger vicious Fall strikes.
- Yellow Perch: Massive schools gather around rocky formations during Spring and Fall.
Proven Techniques
- Jigging: Blade baits, Jigging Raps, and bucktails dominate the early and late seasons.
- Casting: Tubes, Ned rigs, and jerkbaits are essential for smallmouth bass.
- Trolling: Planer boards, deep divers, and crawler harnesses locate scattered Summer walleye.
- Drifting: Classic live bait rigs and bottom bouncers for steady perch and walleye action.
Local Knowledge
- Current & Wind: East/Northeast winds stack baitfish heavily on the western edge of the reef.
- Water Clarity: We adapt daily—using natural colors in clear water and high-contrast lures when stained.
- Key Landmarks:"The Castle" estate is a prominent visual marker used by our captains to pinpoint prime drift locations.
