Don Ruppert

Captain Don Ruppert was born and raised in Blasdell, New York in the small town of Hoover Beach. Captain Ruppert has spent his entire childhood growing up on Lake Erie; with his first job being at his uncles bait and tackle store- Herb's Tackle Shack. Don served in the United States Coast Guard for 8 years between active and reserve duty, with stations to include both Station Buffalo and Station Niagara. He was a certified coxswain with primary job duties of search and rescue and marine law enforcement. Don has fished Lake Erie walleyes for over 30 years learning the in and outs of the every changing walleye fishery here. Sponsored by several major companies (OKUMA, TraxsTech, Garnin, Fish Hawk, Yamaha) with the sportfishing industry, he has contributed to several rod and reel designs, lure developments and technique-application research, as well as participating in equipment evolution which has been a staple in within professional fishing boats. Having over 20 years in fishing competitive tournament on both national and regional levels; the experience being brought to the school is diverse and detailed. Several wins in his career include the Ameri-Can, NCCC, Western NY Walleye Classic and countless top ten finishes within many other. Don has also developed anlong with his team the Sunset Bay Walleye Shoot Out, which has grown to be the largest walleye shoot out within the country. Volunteering when possible has been something Capt Ruppert enjoys doing; participating in over a decade of events with Cystic Fibrosis and other special groups. Don enjoys the charter side of the fishing world as owner of WaveTamer Sportfishing and being able to spend time with a wide range of people and personalities. Capt. Ruppert enjoys share his knowledge and experiences with anglers of all levels and advancing their overall experience that our Lake Erie Walleye fishery provides.