Big congratulations are in order for the winner of our boating adventure giveaway: Amanda Eldridge!
Amanda and five guests will set sail on an amazing journey aboard a luxurious Tiara Yacht 37 Open, courtesy of Captain Kenny Lewis of Preacher: Capt. Kenny Lewis Waterfowl and Walleye Charters. Whether it’s a thrilling fishing trip or a breathtaking sunset cruise, the experience promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
To everyone who participated, thank you for making this giveaway a blast! Stay tuned for more fantastic opportunities and adventures brought to you by Sluss Realty.
Congratulations once again, Amanda – here’s to smooth sailing ahead!
Continue reading learn more about Capt. Kenny Lewis Waterfowl and Walleye Charters –
The man behind this incredible opportunity is Captain Kenny Lewis, of Preacher: Capt. Kenny Lewis Waterfowl and Walleye Charters on Lake Erie, who has not only been in business since 1994, but has spent the last 28 years in the military, serving two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.
Ken’s official retirement from the Army is July 1 and what an incredible gift he’ll be sharing with Amanda to celebrate!
Growing up on the southside of the Sandusky Bay, Ken was only 8 years old when he started fishing with his dad.
“I was definitely raised on the lake,” he said. “It was casting back in the 70s and 80s and when I returned home from the military – my first tour was in 1990 – I got more interested in things outdoors like fishing and hunting. I loved the challenge and thrill and adrenaline rush of being on a boat on the open water – learning the art of casting.”
And no matter where life took him, Ken kept fishing.
“I remember fishing in the Army in Fort Benning, GA,” he said. “I had two uncles who were charter captains since the 70s and they encouraged me to first mate for them.” Ken agreed and began assisting the pair in 1991 on Lake Erie. As first mate, he’d do everything from opening the boat in the morning and washing it down, starting the engine, pushing off, launching, docking and running lines.
In 1994, he began duck guiding, and a year later, he officially got his captain’s license.
“I actually had a lot of people wanting me to take them out duck hunting,” he said. “I ended up running an ad in Outdoor Sportsman and I had so many calls it was unbelievable.”
Ken would soon become “the guy” for duck hunting on Lake Erie and when asked why he believed that side of his business took off the way that it did, Ken immediately said, “Passion.” “I think people could really sense that,” he said. “It’s a great challenge and I’m an adrenaline junky. I really enjoy hunting and I enjoy taking people out and giving them a great experience. And I don’t mean to be braggadocios, but I’m good at it. I have a lot of knowledge and I like sharing it with people. The ability to quickly decipher a situation and make good judgements. Being agile, mobile – that’s how they train us in the army. How do you counter back in different situations? For me, so much has become instinctual. It’s also a service thing. I was raised in a Christian home and was a pastor from 1990 to 2005 and I’ve always loved serving and helping people. I take a lot of pride when people have a trust in me to take them out hunting or fishing, and I know I have to give them 100%.”
Not only does Ken offer fishing and duck hunting excursions, but he also provides sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, island drop offs and experiences for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Fishing trips are generally offered between March and mid-October and can be up to seven hours or until the maximum per person are caught. Duck hunting runs between October 15 and January 5.
For those interested in team building/development training, Ken also offers experiences that provide leadership and principles training, with activities based on team development training. Additionally, he offers an experience focusing on crisis and mitigation where he provides vignettes and scenarios from his experiences in the military. Ken was an advisor to generals and national defense leaders, providing input from his psychology and ministry, helping commanders to assess situations and make the best possible decisions.
When asked what sets him apart, Ken said, “On the duck hunting side, my competitive side has got to be a definable notch above others. In duck hunting, I am the oldest and longest standing on the lake. I know what I’m doing and, within ethical reasoning, I’m going to make sure we shoot more than others.”
Prior to 2005, Ken was getting deployed and decided to sell his fishing customers, and while he stays busy in the summer, he’s still working to build back up to the numbers he had previously been turning.
“What sets me apart me when it comes to fishing is everything from the equipment and boat to the customer service,” he said. “I treat people with respect. I really value and respect others and treat everyone I come in contact with with kindness. I want to build relationships based on value and trust, and I can confidently say that no other captain is going to have more respect and care out here for customers than Kenny Lewis.”
Then there’s the boat itself. Kenny operates a gorgeous Tiara Yacht 37 Open.
“You would be shocked at the difference between my boat and others,” he said. “I get a lot of calls from women because of the better quality of accommodations I’m able to provide. The kitchen, the full restroom, living room I have… I keep everything very nice.”
Whether below or above deck, “Preacher,” as Ken has fondly named his boat, is first class all the way.
“Tiara’s are made in Holland, Michigan and are made specifically for the Great Lakes,” he said. “They’re meant for big water and mine is one of the heaviest boats in its class. It’s one of the top two boats on Lake Erie. It’s extremely seaworthy.”
To have amazing living quarters below deck was important for Ken to provide.
“Especially for the women who want a nicer experience for their families, there is a full bathroom. You could even take a shower,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s a nicer bathroom on a boat than right here.”
“I also want people to get the most out of this experience,” he said. “I’m always explaining and coaching and mentoring and teaching. I’m informing customers what’s happening, what we’re doing, sharing knowledge of the operations. Just in general treating people the way that you’d want to be treated. If I’ve ever had a first mate who was short with a customer, he’s gone. I will not allow that.”
When guests step onto “Preacher,” they’ll also find state-of-the-art gear.
Ken’s provides Shimano Talora rods and Tekota reels, with each combo sets estimated around $350.
“It’s really important for me to provide high-level equipment,” he said. “For rods, there’s not a better rod out there for sensitivity. It’s all about speed and everyday I’m going for 36-48 fish on any given day – six per person is the limit.”
Level of fishing experience does not matter.
Guests need not have to bring anything aboard when taking a fishing trip with Ken.
Six guests is the limit for fishing excursions, but Ken’s boat can fit around 12-13 people comfortably.
Being an expert on Lake Erie, Ken enjoys the opportunity to share his love for the water with others.
“We’re so fortunate to have what we have here. Literally tens of thousands of people come here from all over the country for our walleye,” he said proudly. “There is an undeniable resource of walleye here. If you go to Wisconsin, their season doesn’t open until Mat 1, but we have 160 million walleye breeding in this lake. We stock many of the world’s lakes with walleye. Six a man, no possession limit and no slot limit. As long as they’re 15 inches, you can keep them. That’s unheard of. The hatchery here is amazing.”