MEET DESTIN
From catching anything that would bite as a kid on western Pennsylvania creek banks with his grandfather, to competing against the best anglers in the world, Captain Destin DeMarion has built a career rooted in passion, performance, and professionalism. Today, he brings that same high-level approach to his full-time work as a Lake Erie fishing guide.
Based in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie, Destin owns and operates Big Fat Bass Guide Service, offering spring-fall fishing trips targeting smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and lake trout on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Captain Destin knows where and how to find fish throughout the seasons.
Destin spent four seasons guiding in Florida in the winter and early spring at the St. John’s River. While there, he worked exclusively doing corporate trips for the likes of Norfolk Southern Railroad, CSX Railroad, and the Bass Pro Shops lodge owned by Johnny Morris.
He also operated a marketing program for his title sponsor, DuraEdge Products, for seven years, providing corporate fishing trips for MLB, MiLB, NCAA customers, as well as employees and distributors from Maine to Miami and even on the West Coast.
Destin’s tournament background sets him apart. After a college football injury shifted his focus to fishing, he quickly rose through the competitive bass ranks. Following four successful seasons as a national co-angler (including a 2013 Co-Angler of the Year in the BASS Northern Opens), he earned his way into the pro field and finished 8th in the 2015 Bassmaster Northern Open Angler of the Year standings in his first year — narrowly missing the Elite Series.
His breakthrough came in 2019, when he placed 2nd overall in AOY on the Bassmaster Eastern Opens and qualified for the Bassmaster Elite Series. Over two Bassmaster Elite Series seasons, he earned multiple top finishes, including:
Top 10 at Santee Cooper Lakes
6th place at Lake Champlain
Top 20 at Lake St. Clair
Destin continues to compete across multiple species and circuits, most recently achieving:
4th place at the 2023 Bassmaster Team National Championship (Harris Chain of Lakes, FL)
1st place at the 2024 BMCC Father’s Day Open (Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA)
3rd place at the 2025 Doc’s Tackle King of Spring Perch Tournament (Cayuga Lake, NY) — the largest perch event in New York state history
9th place at the 2025 Bay’s Edge/LEWT Walleye Casting & Jigging Open (Lake Erie, OH) — in his very first competitive walleye event
- 12th place at 2025 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open (Niagara Falls, ON) – a 100-boat international field
As a professional smallmouth bass/multi-species guide and electronics expert, Destin uses advanced technology like forward-facing sonar, 360 imaging, and precision mapping to consistently put clients on fish. He guides all skill levels, including beginners, serious anglers, families, and corporate groups — and is known for his down to earth attitude, clear teaching style, and attention to detail.
When he’s not on the water, Destin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, volunteering and mentoring, and working outdoors on his property.
Looking for a top-rated Lake Erie fishing guide? Whether you’re casting for smallmouth, jigging for walleye, chasing perch schools, or casting for trophy trout — book your next adventure with Capt. Destin DeMarion.
ANGLER PROFILES
GUIDE SERVICEs
Fish With A Pro On Lake Erie
Looking for a next-level fishing trip on Lake Erie or Presque Isle Bay? Join Captain Destin DeMarion, a Former Bassmaster Elite Series Pro and USCG-licensed captain, for an unforgettable experience casting and jigging for Lake Erie smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, lake trout, and more on one of the world’s greatest freshwater fisheries.
Whether you’re on a quest for you personal best, or just want a fun, hands-on day on the Great Lakes, Big Fat Bass Guide Service will put you on the fish and teach you how to catch them — using cutting-edge techniques and top-tier gear from our great sponsors like Doc’s Tackle and Douglas Rods.
Lake Erie Fishing Seasons
Each season brings its own unique patterns, techniques, and trophy potential – from shallow spring power fishing to deep summer finesse and trophy-class fall action:
Spring (March/April-June)
The season kicks off with explosive action in Presque Isle Bay and nearshore Lake Erie. This is prime time for pre-spawn to postspawn smallmouth bass, plus some of the year’s best early-season perch and casting bites.
- Target trophy smallmouth bass and occasional largemouths
- “Jumbolina” perch (as we call them) available for those looking to fill the freezer
- Learn seasonal transitions and technical fishing approaches
- Early-season Lake Erie walleye casting opportunities
When Erie warms up, the lake’s structure and electronics game come alive. If you love learning and precision fishing, this is your season.
- Deepwater smallmouth bass on humps, breaks, and rock piles
- Learn advanced forward-facing sonar (FFS) and 360 Imaging techniques
- Walleye casting and jigging trips – prime time bite
- Optional largemouth flipping and fishing in Presque Isle Bays grass beds
As the crowds this out, Lake Erie lights up again. Fall brings aggressive fish and some of the biggest catches of the year across multiple species.
- Giant Lake Erie smallmouth bass feeding before winter
- Big walleye jigging and casting trips – think Fall Brawl
- Excellent lake trout and jumbo perch action as temperatures drop
- Cool weather, fewer boats, and often the best bite of the year
What To Bring
- Weather appropriate clothing (rain gear, sunglasses, buff)
- Sunscreen, food, and drinks
- Valid PA Fishing license and Erie stamp available here.
- Motion sickness prevention (Dramamine, etc.)
What's Included
- Fully rigged Phoenix bass boat with Yamaha 250 SHO
- Top-tier Lowrance and Humminbird electronics (360 imaging and Active Target)
- Premium tackle from Doc’s Tackle: Douglas Rods, Daiwa Reels, and baits
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Expert instruction on fishing techniques and electronics
WHERE TO MEET US
Chestnut Street Boat Launch
402 West Bayfront Parkway, Erie, PA 16507
Alternate locations we use include:
- Shades Beach Boat Launch, Shades Beach Rd, Erie, PA 16511
- East Avenue Boat Launch, Foot of East Ave, 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)
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