Summer is in full swing in Michigan, and with it comes great opportunity for outdoor activities – including fishing. The state’s waters provide ample opportunity to catch a variety of fish, and Great Lakes and inland fishing charter businesses are a perfect way to experience those angling adventures first-hand.
Licensed fishing charters make a full or half day of fishing easy and enjoyable as they provide the boat plus all other equipment and knowledge necessary for a day on the water. Fishing charters are perfect for anyone, children or adults, from the first-time angler to those more experienced.
Different waters and areas of the state will yield different fish species and fishing experiences. Whether on one of the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, a larger river, or a smaller lake or stream, charter captains know the waters, where the fish are and what to use to attract them. Anglers can fish for Chinook or coho salmon, lake trout, steelhead (rainbow trout), lake whitefish, walleye, perch, muskellunge, large or smallmouth bass, and panfish.
When hiring a professional charter, customers need only to provide personal supplies and a fishing license; although many charters will assist the customer in purchasing the latter (whether that is a 24-hour, 72-hour or annual fishing license). Licenses also can be purchased online at mdnr-elicense.com.
Find a fishing charter for a specific location by visiting the Michigan Charter Boat Association website at michigancharterboats.com, contacting the local area Chamber of Commerce or city tourism office, or looking for brochures in local establishments. For an even more individual experience and enjoyable end of the fishing trip, customers can try a “Catch & Cook” charter. Upon returning from a fishing trip, customers take their cleaned, fresh fish to a participating local restaurant that will prepare and serve the catch for the customer. Participating “Catch & Cook” charters can be viewed at michigancatchandcook.com.
Charter businesses in Michigan can help anglers have the experience of a lifetime – whether it’s reeling in a fish for the first time or catching a new species. Start planning a trip by visiting michigan.gov/fishing.