MEET DESTIN
From a little kid fishing the banks with his grandfather in Western Pennsylvania for every fish species, to competing with the best bass anglers in the world, Destin’s passion for fishing has taken him on an amazing adventure that he continues to this day. Destin’s career in the tournament ranks began at the local club level in Western Pennsylvania late in college after suffering a serious knee injury on the football field in Erie, PA. As a lifelong athlete, Destin has always loved competition and working towards a goal.
After four successful seasons as a co-angler at the national level, Destin made the jump to the pro side. It was trial by fire that first year with some great success and great lessons learned. That first season he finished eighth overall in Angler of the Year for the Bassmaster Northern Open Series, narrowly missing his goal of reaching the Elite Series; he also qualified for the FLW Costa National Championship.
Destin qualified for the Bassmaster Elite Series (the top level of the sport) through the 2019 Bassmaster Eastern Opens ultimately finishing second overall in Angler of the Year for the season. He completed his rookie year on the Elites with a Top Ten finish at Santee Cooper Lakes and a top twenty finish at Lake St. Clair. In 2021, he had his best finish in his two seasons on the Elite Series, a sixth place finish at his favorite fishery, Lake Champlain.
He enjoys spending time with his family, running, hanging out with his friends and fishing for fun in his free time.
Destin has operated a charter service/guide business (Big Fat Bass Guide Service) for bass on Lake Erie since 2015 and currently lives by the shores of Lake Erie in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania with his family.
ANGLER PROFILES
Big Fat Bass GUIDE SERVICE
LET'S GO FISHING ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE ERIE!
Fish With A Pro On Lake Erie
Come join former Bassmaster Elite Series Pro and USCG-Licensed Captain Destin DeMarion, your premier Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay bass fishing guide, for an unforgettable fishing trip. Whether you are on a quest for your personal best smallmouth bass or just looking for a memorable day on the Great Lakes, we make it happen for you at Big Fat Bass Guide Service on Lake Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Our Lake Erie fishing season is broken up into three parts:
Spring Fishing Season – Typically March or April-June
This time of year is an incredibly fun time to fish. The smallmouth are migrating to their springtime haunts and generally feeding up heavily. We fish Presque Isle Bay heavily as it’s largely protected from the winds of spring and the fish are flocking to it. The main lake can also be excellent. Techniques are wide open, as each day presents new opportunities to catch trophy class smallmouth bass on a variety of techniques. We also catch and target some largemouth bass as applicable. The early perch fishing is great for those who want to fill the freezer and learn how to use electronics to target this tasty fish. Catching walleye on FFS is also a fun option.
Summer Fishing Season – July-September
For those that like to fish deep and utilize electronics, this is a very unique and fun time to target smallmouth bass on Lake Erie, proper. Finesse techniques dominate and we are constantly refining new, cutting edge, deep water tactics to target these big Lake Erie smallmouth bass. We also flip and fish grass for largemouth as weather dictates and the client prefers. This is also a fun time to target walleye deep on FFS, casting for them.
Fall Fishing Season – October-November
Fall is our favorite season of the year for trophy Lake Erie bass. There is a lot less boat pressure and much like the spring, the big bass are migrating and feeding heavily before winter. Many techniques play once again, as we chase big, Lake Erie fall smallmouth on the open water. We also fish for largemouth and have a mixed bag while bass fishing that sometimes includes perch, walleye, and lake trout on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
*Also, ask us about our Spring/Fall Perch, FFS Summer Walleye, and Fall Lake Trout Jigging Trips!
For latest news and Lake Erie fishing reports, click here.
What To Bring
-Appropriate Clothing for conditions (sunglasses, rain gear, buff, fishing cap)
-Sunscreen
-Food and Drinks
-Pennsylvania Fishing License with Lake Erie stamp (purchase on-line here)
What Is Provided
-Fully Rigged Phoenix Bass Boat with a Yamaha 250 equipped with top of the line Humminbird and Lowrance electronics
-Life jackets and safety equipment
-Douglas Fishing Rods, Daiwa Reels, Tackle (feel free to bring your own equipment if preferred)
WHERE TO MEET US
We meet at several different boat ramps depending on the season and the bite. But, more often than not, we meet at Chestnut Street boat launch, which is at 402 West Bayfront Parkway, Erie, PA 16507.
Some alternative launches include:
-Shades Beach Boat Launch, Shades Beach Road, Erie, PA 16511
-East Avenue Boat Launch, The Foot of East Avenue, Erie, PA 16507
CHOOSE YOUR TRIP
(Rates are for 1-2 people - +$100 for a 3rd)
$100 Deposit Required to Reserve Dates. For checks, please mail to:
PO BOX 66
Harborcreek, PA 16421
ON THE WATER ELECTRONICS CLASS
We get on your boat and help you dial in your electronics to help you understand and get the most out of your graphs and transducers.
$225 for 2 HR Trip
Contact | BOOK TRIP
Fill out the contact form with your information and/or questions about dates you’re interested in for a guide trip and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m off the water
— Captain Destin – 724-790-4232 (4BFB)
Lake erie Fishing Reports & Blogs
June Lake Erie Fishing Report: Weird Spring, Hot Start to Summer Smallmouth
We’ve made it to June! Through the wind, rain, and cold of spring 2025 here in Erie, PA, summer is finally knocking. As I write
A Fish, A Prayer, and a Lost Rod: One Wild Smallmouth Story
Some days on the water, something happens that reminds you just how unpredictable — and incredible — fishing can be. I took my friend/client Gary
Lake Erie Fishing Report: Wrapping Up May and Looking Ahead to June
As May winds down and June rolls in, Lake Erie smallmouth bass are finally getting that signature spunk back. After a brief cooldown, we’re seeing
THE TRAIL
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