Conversations with Mark Schoolcraft

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Schoolcraft.

Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started fishing with my grandfather when I was about 8 years old. We fished inland lakes out of a 12′ aluminum boat – some lakes you weren’t allowed motors – so I rowed him around with oars while he cast for bass. Before I was allowed to fish, I had to practice hitting a paper plate from 50′ in the back yard. Once I earned my stripes him and I fished for 10 years, mostly walleye fishing. After he passed away, I started fishing Lake Erie for walleyes. in 2020 I purchased a 35′ Viking Sport Cruiser and started charter fishing on Lake Erie. I started In Between the Lines Sport Fishing, and started fishing out of Port Lorain. Later, I added a second dock in Grand River, to stay on the walleye as the migrate around Lake Erie. In 2024 at the Cleveland Boat Show I was approached by someone interested in dive charters. I started running dive trips, and entered into an agreement with the Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (M.A.S.T), to take divers to the City of Concord wreck for a survey they were performing. Fishing is my main passion, and I thoroughly enjoy taking groups out on Lake Erie and fishing for Walleye and Steelhead. My business is growing every year, and it is a pleasure to host people and catch a lot of fish for them to take home and enjoy. It’s very gratifying to do something you truly love doing and have a passion for.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning the intricacies of catching fish in different conditions, and figuring out the optimum configuration on how to do that was a bit of a learning curve. My boat is a 1988 model, and needed to be restored from the engine room to the electronics. Plus learning how to operate a large boat with twin engines and how best to dock it and maintain it has been a challenge. Getting the word out and marketing the business in today’s world with social media and google and all of the other ways to advertise has been a large learning curve. Making progress. Building a team of people to assist me with things I don’t know how to do has both been a challenge and a blessing as people bring their talents to help my business grow.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a charter fishing and diving business on Lake Erie. I also have another business, a fractional cfo business that I am building. I have been a chief financial officer for over 30 years and retired from full time work last July. I launched my own consulting business helping small and mid-sized companies grow their businesses profitably.

I am very proud of my fishing/diving business. Building it from scratch, buying and restoring a 35′ fishing boat and offering premium trips sets me apart from other charter businesses. My boat has a full galley, full bathroom, comfortable fly bridge, dual air conditioners and heaters so we can go out in all conditions. Plus I give personal attention to customers and working the fish deck to teach them how to catch Walleye and Steelhead set’s me apart. I have a first mate who drives the boat, while I take care of the “catching” and customer enjoyment.

I am proud that I have a very good marketing team building creative ads and video’s that are unique. It take to build a business, and I think I am on the right track!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born in East Liverpool Ohio, moved to Canton when I was 12. I was very active in outdoor activities and sports. I am outgoing, enjoy life, have a positive mental attitude and outlook on life, and have a network of friends that I have stayed in touch with for many many years. I now have a home in Mentor Ohio so I am right on the Lake now, and can spend time running my charter business without the long commute from Canton. It’s a pleasure being on the Lake now.

My father was a Civil War historian, and I have an interest in world history as well as American history. I have travelled some of the world, exploring Canada, Ireland, Europe, and most of the Caribbean Islands. Still am curious about other areas of the world and hope to see as much as possible.

My grandfather was a World War II veteran who landed on the Normandy Beaches and marched across Europe shaking hands with the Russian’s to end the war. Along the way he liberated a concentration camp and survived the battle of the bulge. He was a huge influence in my life, a great outdoorsman and athlete in his own right. I spent a lot of time with him and will always remember him.

Pricing:

• $800 for a 6 hour fishing trip – up to six people. Veteran’s discount available
• $1,000 for a 8 hour fishing trip – up to six people. Veteran’s discount available
• $1,200 for a 10 hour fishing trip – up to six people. Veteran’s discount available
• $850 for a 6 hour dive charter – up to six people up to 30 miles round trip
• $900 for a 6 hour dive charter – up to six people up to 40 miles round trip

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inbetweentheline.com
• Instagram: @ibtlsportfishing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Captainschooly/