Lake Michigan Charter

are often the most economical and efficient means of experiencing the great fishing and waters of Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. Experience the tremendous fishing opportunities for coho salmon, king salmon and steelhead. Bring the kids along for a relaxing day of perch fishing. or hire a charter for a dive adventure to one of the many great lakes shipwrecks. The information below can help you in your decision making process.

Questions you need to ask before hiring a Lake Michigan Charter

Q. Do I need to hire a charter?

A. Absolutely not, but consider that the charter boat captain is on the water all the time so he will know where to go and what to use. Even if you have your own boat, it may be wise to go for a 1/2 day charter to find out this information. In my opinion, well worth the money spent.

Q. Is the charter boat captain licensed?

A. Some may not be so insist on a US Coast licensed charter boat captain. If the vessel holds 7 or more people, it has to be Coast Guard approved and inspected.

Q. Do I have to have a fishing license?

A. If you are under the age of 17, you do not need a license in Michigan. Everyone else needs a fishing license. The license is good from March 1st - March 31st of the following year.

Q. How much does a Lake Michigan Charter trip cost?

A. Most charters average between $60-70 per hour. Half day charters are 4-5 hours and full day charters are 7-8 hours.

Q. How do I find a licensed charter?

A. The Michigan Charter Boat Association has a list of licensed Charters.

Q. What lakes are available to fish?

A. Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake St. Clair. The most popular area is Lake Michigan with its ports on the western side of the state of Michigan near Ludington.

Q. What kinds of fish can we catch?

A. The most popular is the King Salmon, also know as Chinook Salmon. Other species caught are Coho Salmon, Walleye, Lake Trout, Brown Trout and Steelhead. There are also Perch charters where the whole family can enjoy a relaxing day fishing for the tasty Lake Perch.  Walleye charters are popular in Lake Erie.

Q. What should I bring?

A. Your boat captain can provide you information on this. At the very least, I would bring some food and drink and warm clothes in case the weather turns bad. Also, bring some motion sickness pills such as dramanine. Why take a chance on ruining your trip. A good alternative to prevent motion sickness is is ginger pills which can be found in health stores such as GNC. A camera also would be a wise choice to bring.

Q. Is Michigan the only place to fish?

A. No, Lake MIchigan charters are not the only place to fish.  You can fish out of ports from Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin besides the numerous ports in Michigan. 

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