Charter Fishing

All fishing equipment is supplied by the captain. Your catch will have a basic filleting included for you at our state-of-the-art fish cleaning station.

Passengers will be coached on the proper fishing techniques to help land the catch.

First mates work for tips only (20% gratuity is custom) and appreciate your support and consideration!!

6-Passenger limit.

What to bring:

Michigan Fishing License MI DNR Website

Appropriate layered clothing

Soft soled shoes

Healthy snacks (no bananas)

Water

Sunscreen (Applied at Home)

Camera

Cooler for your catch

1. Guest Arrival
   Guests should arrive approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Trips generally meet between 5:00am-6am, 2:00 and 4:00 PM, (depending on your trip), with the exact time determined based on the moon phase, seasonal sunset, fishing conditions, and recent fish activity.

2. Departure & Safety Briefing

   After boarding, Captain Troy will provide a brief safety orientation before departing South Haven harbor for the day’s fishing grounds.

3. Approximately 15–30 Minutes After Departure | Lines In

   Once productive water is reached, the trolling spread will be set. Depending on the season and conditions, target species may include Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and lake trout.

4. Morning, afternoon & Evening | Fishing Lake Michigan

   Enjoy a full five-hour or seven-hour, dock-to-dock fishing experience (depending on your trip). Captain Troy continually adjusts location, trolling direction, speed, depth, and presentations based on current conditions and fish activity.

5. Approximately 4½ or 6 ½ Hours After Departure | Lines Up

   Fishing concludes with enough time allowed for a safe return to South Haven harbor.

6. Return to Dock
   Your return time will be approximately five hours or seven hours, depending on your selected trip. Final photos, fishing cleaning, and packaging.

7. Important: Departure times vary throughout the season. The captain will determine the best departure time based on moon phase, sunset, weather, lake conditions, seasonal fish patterns, and recent fishing activity. Your final meeting and departure time will be confirmed before your trip.

   Big Gills Charters — Safety First. Fish Hard. Make Memories.