Those who consider themselves angling enthusiasts could give you a hundred reasons why taking a fishing charter on Lake Michigan is a bucket list item. Still, even if you’ve never gone fishing a day in your life, you may find the idea of going out in search of salmon, steelhead, and trout with a seasoned pro intriguing. The cool thing about charter fishing is you don’t have to be an avid angler to have a valuable experience out on the water.
Being out on the big lake gives you a new perspective of the Third Coast in an immersive setting to make memories. And if you get hooked on the thrill of reeling in fish, you may have found a new favorite pastime to enjoy with friends and family the next time you stay with Bluefish Vacation Rentals. So, to help you find the best option for your group getaway, we put together five top-rated Lake Michigan fishing charters.
Fire Drill Charters
Captain Kevin Malcer at Fire Drill Charters in Michigan City sets the bar high if you’re looking for a great crew in Indiana. Based on several reviews, they’ve left many customers happy with full limits before lunchtime. The informative and helpful team will bring you to their secret spots and teach you a thing or two along the way. You may need to go to the appliance store for a new freezer for all the fish you bring home!
Fisher of Men Charters
With over 20 years of Lake Michigan salmon fishing under his belt, Captain Dave Torma at Fisher of Men Charters in New Buffalo is a friendly and professional guide who will give you an excellent chance at pulling up some monsters. As one of the few multi-boat charters in the area, Fisher of Men is an excellent option for large groups.
Get Hooked Charters
Another premier fishing charter in New Buffalo is Captain Steve Parson’s Get Hooked Charters, offering year-round (weather permitting) guided fishing adventures on Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. In addition to providing an excellent fishing experience, Steve prides himself on teaching new anglers the basics of rod setup and effective techniques for landing big ones.
Coldwater Charters
One of the more relaxing charters out there is Coldwater Charters in St. Joseph, run by Captain Mike Boyd. As one of Lake Michigan’s more luxurious fishing boats, the Tiara Yacht Salmon Express II features a relatively spacious mid cabin with a comfy couch and dinette for when you just want to escape the elements while cruising to the next spot. But don’t spend too much time down there, or you’ll miss out on all the angling action!
Dustin’s Dream Fishing Charters
Captain Sean Gaul of Dustin’s Dream Fishing Charters in St. Joseph is known to consistently put his customers on fish, specializing in Lake Michigan king salmon. He’ll make you feel at home with endless stories, pro tips, and plenty of laughs. As one reviewer put it, “When no one seems to be catching fish, he has his limit.”
Lake Michigan Vacation Rentals in St. Joseph and New Buffalo
It’s no secret that there are a ton of Lake Michigan fishing charters to choose from, so we hope we were able to help you narrow down some good options. If you’ve never been fishing before, getting out on the water with a highly experienced professional will give you a new appreciation for the sport—and if you’re an avid angler, it’s a chance to stick a new pin in your fishing map. In the meantime, you can find the perfect base camp for all your Third Coast adventures by browsing the collection at Bluefish Vacation Rentals.