Charter Fishing FAQ's - Answers to common questions.
Ready to Schedule a Charter Fishing Trip?
What to Expect and What to Bring?
How and where do we clean the fish?
The Crew will filet and bag your fish for salmon trips. Custom Cleaning will have a small fee such as steaking etc.
Are alcoholic beverages permitted?
Yes, But if anyone in your party becomes overly intoxicated the charter will be cut short and the full rate will be incurred by your party. Your safety is my responsibility. Absolutely no drugs are allowed, including marijuana, Per Maritime law.
Will I need a fishing license?
Yes, the DNR requires anyone 17 or older to have on their person a valid all species fishing license or a one day charter fishing license if you are fishing for Salmon or Trout. Click here to get a fishing license.Does the boat have a bathroom?
Yes, there is an enclosed toilet in the cabin.
What equipment do I need to bring?
None! We furnish all fishing equipment including tackle.Do I get my own rod?
I offer a personal “get your own rod” approach to charter fishing. You can do as little or as much as you choose, its up to you. Sit back and reel em in or help set the gear and hook your own fish. First time fisher folks? Not to worry, I will show you what to do. Already have 20 years of experience? I can deal with that too.What about motion sickness?
Over the counter products such as Dramamine can be found at most Pharmacies. If you have concerns about these products consult your physician.What about bad weather or rough water?
If charter must be canceled for weather related problems, we will reschedule if possible. The boat can handle rough water, but it’s not very fun for most. Once the decision to fish is made, if we must come back due to sea sickness as long as the Lake and conditions have not changed for the worse you will be responsible for the minimum charge for the trip.
How much should I tip?
As with any service industry tips are an important part of the crews wages. Tips are optional but much appreciated. If you feel the crew worked hard for you, the average tip would be 20 %.
What should I bring?
- A valid Michigan all species fishing
license for salmon and trout trips. Click here to get a fishing license. - Layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses – Sun Screen
- Hat
- Soft soled shoes
- Food and beverages: please limit coolers onboard to 12 pack style coolers (NO GLASS PLEASE)
- Motion sickness medication if needed (read a WebMD article on the subject)
- Empty cooler for your fish – Ice is available at the Marina store.
- Children under 12 have to wear a life vest while on deck by law. I can provide them but they will be more comfortable if they bring one that fits them personally.
What are your rates?
Why Hire a Charter Captain?
If you own your own boat it is a rewarding experience, you are the captain or guide and have the option of fishing when and where you want. For many people, owning a boat is not an option for a variety of reasons. Trying to justify owning a boat with the dollar value of the fish you expect to catch in a season is a lesson in bad economics.
A research survey of the Great Lakes Charter Fishing Industry found that the average charter operator had to make more than 41 trips per year just to break even. For Salt-Water Charters the break even point will be much higher because of the need to use larger boats, heavier gear and longer travel time to the fishing grounds.
If we examine the cost of ten six-passenger charters which would be divided among you and five other anglers. One share of these ten charters would not come close to the cost of docking a boat at a marina for one season. After farther examination, the value of experience gained in boat handling and angling that is provided by a charter captain is priceless due the amount of time he or she puts onto the water. Yes it is hard to argue that owning your own boat has a lot of personal advantages and rewards that are difficult to place a dollar value on, however, the cost of a fishing charter is truly a real bargain.