VISION QUEST SPORTFISHING & Dream Steelie Guide Service

Captain Pete Alex Bio

I believe when you hire a skipper, it is good to know with whom you are dealing with and what their background is. After all, you will be stuck with me on a boat for 9 hours.

Your Captain was born in Erie, PA in 1965. I have logged over 29 years of open water trolling experience on Lake Erie, Ontario, Michigan and Huron. I started trolling in Lake Erie in 1980 near the beginning of the highly successful Coho Salmon in Erie, PA and have been trolling around ever since. I have seen the start and end to many things on Lake Erie.

I obtained my captains license in 1987 and started my charter career in 1988. My service did very well after just a couple short years and I was booking 80 to 100 trips per season in just a short time.

Eventually, I decided to take over the family roofing business and operate a part time charter service. However, I had to retire from the charter business as I grew the roofing company from 10 employees to 50 employees and started my family. In 1997, I opted to start another roofing company in New Castle PA which had as many as 40 employees. However, I missed the charter business although I continued to fish during these years.
After taking a few years off from the charter business, I decided to start my business again and sold my New Castle Company. Along the way, I re-committed my life to Jesus Christ, married and found time to have 4 children and a step child. I am very proud of my wife and children. They help keep me on that straight path and they remind me what life is truly about.

The Family

I am a very competitive person. I love to beat the fish and find it very rewarding to provide my customers a successful day on the water. Success in the late 80’s and 90’s was a box full of fish; I guess that was just my youth which created that attitude. Now, a successful day on the water for me and my clients is first being comfortable, safe and having a good experience. The experience and the time well spent can more that offset a tough day on the water because “there will be tough days”, no matter how good I am or any Captain is. It is often how you handle those days that separate Captains. However, the plan is still to go for that box full of fish and my motto “Leave No Fish Behind” is proof. Vision Quest is one of the most successful fishing operations in operation today.

I love to fish tournaments and in 2005 I started to fish these more regularly. Success was not fast at first because we often traveled to foreign waters to compete and with little practice time. It was extremely hard to dial in the fish on another Lake. However, Team Vision Quest has compiled an impressive record by cashing in over 30 times in 50 events since 2003. Many of these have came since 2005 when I made a commitment to tournament fishing and many more will hopefully follow. This is also a testament to my competitive nature and desire to be successful. In 2007 and 2008, Team V.Q. finished in the top 10 in 22 out of 27 events that we participated in. Not many fishing operations can relate to that kind of success.

I have been associated with several fishing product companies over the years as a member of their Pro-Staff and am involved with lure design. It seems I am always trying to find that “perfect” lure or fishing program. Currently. I am proud to be associated with: Gamma Fishing Lines, Big Jon Sports Equipment, Dreamweaver Lures, Daves Lures and Ridge Back Rattler.

I consider myself a well rounded skipper and the most overall experienced Captain in Erie, PA. Why? Because I fish from April to December and do not specialize in one species. I fish every month for all species and have learned much and have gained vast experience over the years. I am currently the only Captain in our area that fishes this type of schedule and can put my customers on fish during any given month.

Currently, I own (2) fishing boats that are well maintained, clean and equipped with professional tackle. I do not skimp when it comes to tackle or equipment. Both boats are made by Tiara. Tiara has the reputation for making the best fishing boats on the Great Lakes and I would have to agree. My latest addition, the 3600 Open is the gem of the charter fleet in Erie, PA. I use the 2700 open to travel and fish tournaments but she is a fine charter boat for 1 to 4 passengers and crew. The 3600 is designed more for 4 to 6 passengers or those looking to experience the ultimate big boat fishing experience.

I have also served as a director on a local charter captain organization, fishing club and am current president of the Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing Association. An association I initiated in 2006 to improve and protect the fishery in Erie, PA.

This brief autobiography should help you know your Captain in a better manner. I look forward to meeting you at the dock.

Captain Pete Alex

Captain Mike Hinkel Bio

I was born in Erie, PA in 1979 and have grown up fishing here all my life. There was hardly a time when I wasn’t out in a local farm pond, tributary, or Lake Erie catching everything that would bite. While in high school, I started to fish competively after I became a first mate on a few charter boats for the summer. I quickly learned all the necessary skills to become a successful charter captain. In 1999, I obtained a 50-ton US Coast Guard Masters Charter License at the age of 20. Since then, I have strived to better my skills each and every time. I have 12 years of professional fishing experience.

In 2002, I graduated with a Masters in Environmental Science from Gannon University in Erie, PA. This degree has allowed me to understand the complexity of the Great Lake’s ecosystem and the ability to give my clients a very well-rounded fishing experience.

Trolling has always been my favorite way to fish and I have a lot experience in perch fishing as well. Back in 2005, I was involved with the complete overhaul and remodeling of one of the main perch boats in Erie. After rebuilding the old steel boat during the winter months, I was the captain during the summer fishing season. Fortunately the experience I gained on the perch fishing boats, allowed me to pilot vessels up to 65 ft. Since I have had the opportunity to pilot so many vessels, I have obtained the experience needed to provide safe and memorable trips on Lake Erie.

Currently, I am a full time employee at LORD Corporation in Erie. I work a flexible schedule that allows ample time for fishing. All of my weekends and evenings are free. This schedule has given me the opportunity to be part of the Visionquest Fishing Team. I started fishing with Capt. Pete Alex as a first mate in early 2007. After he purchased his second boat, I captain this boat when we have multiple boat trips. Being part of the Visionquest Fishing Team has also allowed me to compete in many tournaments both in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Competing in these tournaments allows our fishing team to hone our skills and learn new techniques. In 2009, I won the Spring Trout Challenge and Gamma Walleye and Steelhead Pro-Am sponsored by the Erie PA Sport Fishing Association. These tournaments were held in Lake Erie and represent significant wins. I am a member of the Dreamweaver Lures Pro-staff and on the board of directors for the Erie PA Sportfishing Association.

If you happen to chose one of the Visionquest boats with me as your skipper in 2010 you can expect nothing but the best. I look forward to meeting you at the dock and working hard to make your fishing trip special.

See you on the water,
Captain Mike Hinkel