This Quirky Ohio Spot Built Its Reputation On A Massive Perch Plate
Perch lovers, I found your happy place. Tucked along the Sandusky River at 420 Sandusky Ave in Fremont, Ohio, Tackle Box II serves up what might be the most talked-about perch plate in the entire state.
This waterfront spot has turned a simple fried fish dinner into something of a local legend, drawing hungry crowds from all over northern Ohio who come for one thing: that massive perch platter that keeps people coming back month after month.
Walking into Tackle Box II feels like stepping into your eccentric uncle’s fishing cabin, if that cabin happened to serve some of the best freshwater fish you’ve ever tasted.
The walls, ceiling, and every available surface overflow with fishing memorabilia, vintage signs, and random collectibles that give you something new to discover with each visit.
But make no mistake, people don’t drive 40 minutes just to look at the decor. They come for the perch.
The Legendary One-Pound Perch Dinner
Friday nights at Tackle Box II mean one thing: the one-pound perch special that has become the stuff of local legend. I ordered it on my first visit without really understanding what I was getting myself into, and when that platter arrived, my jaw dropped.
A full pound of lightly breaded, perfectly fried perch fillets covered the plate, flanked by a mountain of hand-cut fries and a generous scoop of homemade coleslaw.
The perch itself is what dreams are made of. Each piece is flaky, tender, and coated in just enough breading to add crunch without overwhelming the delicate fish.
The coating stays remarkably crispy, never greasy, which tells me the kitchen knows exactly what temperature to keep that fryer at.
Even splitting this dinner with someone leaves you with leftovers. The portion size is genuinely shocking for the price point.
Multiple reviewers mentioned taking food home, and I completely understand why. This is not your average fish fry, it is a commitment to freshwater fish excellence that has earned Tackle Box II its stellar reputation across northern Ohio.
The Riverfront Location and Hidden Approach
Finding Tackle Box II is half the adventure. You turn off Sandusky Avenue and immediately wonder if your GPS has lost its mind.
The narrow, steep driveway takes you down to a gravel parking area that opens onto the river, with what looks like a collection of random buildings clustered together. Then you look up at the embankment and see it: a visual explosion of touristy memorabilia that signals you’ve found something special.
The waterfront setting puts you right on the Sandusky River, offering views that change with the seasons and weather. Summer visits mean you can snag a spot on the outdoor deck, watching boats drift by while you work through your perch platter.
The enclosed porch area gives you river views even when the weather turns.
That unusual approach actually adds to the charm. It feels like you’re discovering a secret that locals have been keeping to themselves.
The location might seem random, but it works perfectly for what Tackle Box II offers: an escape from the ordinary, a place where excellent fish and quirky atmosphere combine into something memorable and worth seeking out.
The Eclectic Interior That Demands Exploration
Step inside Tackle Box II and prepare for sensory overload in the best possible way. Every single surface holds something interesting: fishing lures, vintage signs, sports memorabilia, random antiques, and collectibles that span decades.
The ceiling is covered. The walls are packed.
Even the spaces between other spaces have something tucked into them.
I’ve been three times now, and I still spot new items each visit. One reviewer perfectly described it as feeling like being in their grandpa’s garage, and that captures the vibe exactly.
It’s nostalgic without being stuffy, cluttered without feeling cramped. The collection gives you endless conversation starters and things to point out to your dining companions.
Some might call it too much, and honestly, one review did mention feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff. But for most visitors, this maximalist approach to decoration is part of the draw.
It transforms a simple fish dinner into an experience. You’re not just eating, you’re exploring.
The atmosphere tells you immediately that this place doesn’t take itself too seriously, which somehow makes the excellent food even more impressive.
The Hand-Cut Fries That Accompany Every Plate
Tackle Box II doesn’t mess around with frozen fries. Every order comes with thick, hand-cut potatoes that arrive golden brown and substantial.
These are real potato fries, the kind that actually taste like the vegetable they came from, with irregular shapes that prove someone in that kitchen took the time to cut them fresh.
The texture leans toward softer rather than super crispy, which some diners love and others find less appealing based on personal preference. I happen to enjoy the substantial, potato-forward quality.
They’re cooked to a nice brown color and never come out pasty or undercooked, showing consistency in the kitchen.
The portion of fries that arrives with your perch dinner is generous enough that you’ll likely take some home. They reheat reasonably well, though like all fries, they’re best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Some plates offer the option of onion rings instead, giving you a choice. But those hand-cut fries have their own following among regulars who appreciate the effort that goes into making them from scratch daily.
The Homemade Coleslaw That Completes the Trio
Every fish dinner at Tackle Box II comes with a side of homemade coleslaw that earns its own dedicated mentions in customer reviews. This is not the watery, flavorless slaw you get at chain restaurants.
The kitchen makes it fresh, with a balanced dressing that doesn’t drown the cabbage and a texture that maintains some crunch.
I particularly appreciate how the coleslaw provides a cool, crisp contrast to the hot, crispy fish and fries. That temperature and texture variation makes the meal more interesting and helps cut through the richness of fried food.
The serving size is appropriate, enough to enjoy throughout your meal without overwhelming your plate.
Several reviewers specifically called out the coleslaw as a highlight, which tells you something. Side dishes often get overlooked, but when a simple slaw earns dedicated praise, it means the kitchen is paying attention to details.
The coleslaw might seem like a minor player compared to that massive perch platter, but it’s these small touches that elevate Tackle Box II from good to genuinely memorable.
The Walleye Option for Variety Seekers
While perch dominates the conversation at Tackle Box II, the walleye deserves serious attention too. This freshwater favorite gets the same careful treatment as the perch: lightly breaded, perfectly fried, and served in portions that leave you satisfied.
You can order walleye by the pound, just like the perch, making it easy to feed a group or ensure you have leftovers.
Walleye has a slightly different flavor profile than perch, with a mild, sweet taste and firm, flaky texture that holds up beautifully to frying. Some diners prefer it for exactly these qualities, finding it a bit meatier and more substantial than perch.
The kitchen treats both fish with equal respect, maintaining the same high standards.
Having both options on the menu shows Tackle Box II understands its audience. Great Lakes region fish lovers have strong opinions about their favorites, and offering both perch and walleye means everyone leaves happy.
The walleye might not get as much spotlight as the famous perch platter, but it has earned its own loyal following among regulars who know quality freshwater fish when they taste it.
The Service That Makes or Breaks the Experience
Service at Tackle Box II earns consistent praise, with multiple reviewers calling out their servers and bartenders by name for making visits memorable. The staff brings a friendly, engaged energy that matches the quirky atmosphere.
They joke with customers, check in regularly, and clearly take pride in the place they work.
Like many restaurants, Tackle Box II sometimes struggles with staffing, which can lead to longer wait times. A few reviews mentioned meals taking over an hour during busy periods.
But the available staff works hard to keep things moving, and most diners find the wait worthwhile once that massive perch platter arrives.
The bartenders double as servers in the more casual setting, creating a relaxed vibe where you feel like a regular even on your first visit. One reviewer specifically mentioned how their waitress made the evening memorable with her wonderful engagement and humor.
That personal touch transforms a good meal into an experience you want to repeat. The service style matches the restaurant perfectly: unpretentious, warm, and genuinely hospitable without any stuffiness.
The Menu Beyond Fish for Picky Eaters
Tackle Box II built its reputation on perch, but the menu offers plenty for diners who don’t eat fish. The mushroom Swiss burger earns high marks from reviewers, and the chicken tenders provide a familiar option for kids or fish-averse adults.
You’ll find typical American cuisine options that round out the offerings beyond seafood.
Loaded fries and loaded tater tots appear on the appetizer menu, giving you shareable options to start your meal. The bologna sandwich even gets a mention in the popular topics, suggesting it has its own cult following.
Frog legs show up frequently in reviews too, appealing to adventurous eaters looking for something different.
Having these alternative options means you can bring friends and family with different tastes without anyone feeling left out. The kitchen clearly focuses its energy on the fish that made them famous, but they maintain quality across the menu.
This versatility makes Tackle Box II work for group outings, family dinners, or those situations where one person wants perch and another wants a burger. Everyone leaves satisfied.
The Value Proposition That Keeps Regulars Returning
Tackle Box II operates in the moderate price range, marked by two dollar signs, but the value proposition goes way beyond the menu prices. When you’re getting a full pound of quality perch with all the sides for a reasonable cost, you’re looking at a deal that’s hard to beat in today’s restaurant landscape.
Multiple couples mentioned splitting the one-pound dinner and still having leftovers.
The generous portions mean you’re essentially getting two meals for the price of one, especially with those dinner platters. The hand-cut fries and homemade coleslaw show attention to quality that you’d expect at higher price points.
You’re not paying for fancy decor or white tablecloths, you’re paying for excellent fish prepared right and served in quantities that satisfy.
Regulars talk about making the trip once a month, which speaks volumes about the value. When people build Tackle Box II into their routine and drive significant distances to get there, price clearly isn’t a barrier.
The combination of quality, quantity, and unique atmosphere creates value that goes beyond simple cost calculations. You leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.