Charter fishing is an ideal way to experience Michigan’s world-class fishing. Licensed charter captains, who provide the boat, the equipment and the knowledge needed to pursue fish, can make a full or half day of fishing easy and enjoyable. Charter businesses around the state help children and adults make great Michigan memories – from reeling in that first fish to targeting a brand-new species.

“Within Michigan’s waters last year, nearly 80,000 people participated in more than 19,700 charter fishing trips on Great Lakes and specific navigable waters,” said Donna Wesander, a DNR fisheries technician who tracks charter fishing data. “Different waters and areas of the state provide diverse fishing experiences. In 2018, charter anglers caught more than 284,000 fish, including salmon, trout, walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, whitefish, cisco and lake sturgeon.”

For catch-and-keep fishing, the fun doesn’t have to end when you arrive back at dock. Some charter businesses provide “catch and cook” options. Upon returning from a fishing trip, customers take their cleaned, fresh fish to a participating local restaurant that will prepare and serve the catch. Ask in advance whether charter businesses offer this option.

When hiring a professional charter to fish the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, a large river or a small lake or stream, customers need only provide personal supplies and fishing licenses, which can be purchased online or through a DNR customer service center or license agent.

Explore your options by searching online for charter operators and regional charter fishing organizations, contacting area chambers of commerce or tourism offices, or visiting MichiganCharterBoats.com.

Questions? Contact Donna Wesander, 231-547-2914, ext. 223 or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839.