It was a pleasure to see many of you on Saturday, March 21, at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Pleasant for our Annual MCBA Spring Educational Expo and Membership Meeting. Whether you joined us in the room or dialed in via our online stream, your engagement is what keeps this association moving forward.
Events like these are only possible through the support of our industry partners. I want to extend a sincere thank you to our featured vendors: Big Jon Sports, Mascot Reel Service, Dunigan Marine Group, and Mallard Bay. Your presence in the hall adds immense value to our gathering and keeps our members equipped with the best equipment and services in the business.
We were fortunate to have key representatives from the Michigan DNR join us to provide critical updates for the 2026 season. Jay Wesley, MDNR Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator, walked us through the Great Lakes Basin reports, specifically focusing on the latest fishery stocking numbers and management plans.
Association Goals
Donator Spotlight
MCBA Aprons for sale
Scholarships
From the Transom
Following Jay, Kendra Kozlauskos, MDNR Charter Program Technician, provided essential updates on FACTS reporting, ensuring our members remain compliant and informed on the digital side of harvest documentation. Thank you Marc Gaden, Executive Secretary the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, for your Presentation, Marc was also the recipient of the MCBA Pistis award. The Pistis Award is the MCBA’s most prestigious award.
Beyond biology and reporting, our voice in Lansing is more important than ever. We are proud to announce that the MCBA has officially joined the Michigan Angler’s Consortium (MAC). Their mission is presenting anglers interests at the state legislature level is critically important, not only for individual fishing enthusiasts but for professional charter captains as well.
Dear Members,
As we move into a new season on the water, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and outline our priorities for the months ahead.
The past season presented a mix of challenges and opportunities for charter operators across Michigan. Fluctuating weather patterns, evolving fisheries conditions, and shifting customer expectations required all of us to stay adaptable. Despite this, our members continued to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality experiences for our clients.
One of the Association’s key goals this year was strengthening communication among members. Through regular updates, informal networking, and increased engagement, we’ve built a more connected community that shares knowledge and supports one another. This has been especially valuable in navigating regulatory updates and industry changes.
We also continued our efforts in advocacy. Representing the interests of charter captains at the state and regional levels remains a top priority. Whether addressing licensing concerns, fisheries management policies, or access to waterways, the Association has worked to ensure that your voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Safety and professionalism remain at the core of what we do. This year, we encouraged continued education around best practices, equipment standards, and customer service. Maintaining high standards not only protects our businesses but also strengthens the reputation of Michigan’s charter industry as a whole.
Looking ahead, our focus will include:
We also recognize the importance of sustainability. Protecting Michigan’s fisheries and waterways is essential to the long-term success of our businesses. As an Association, we will continue to support responsible practices and conservation efforts.
Finally, I want to thank each of you for your dedication and participation. This Association is only as strong as its members, and your involvement makes a real difference. I look forward to working together in the coming year and wish you all a safe, successful, and productive season.
Sincerely, Captain John Milbourne
President, Michigan Charter Boat Association
Captain Bruce Shane Northern Lake Michigan
MCBA Director
Is it Spring Yet?
The winter weather in Northern Michigan has lasted well into Spring this year, as I wrote this in early April the forecast high temperatures for several days was only in the thirties. Plenty of snow fell this winter in most of Northern Michigan and also in
most of the upper Great Lakes which hopefully will help raise the water levels which are forecasted by the US Corp of Engineers to be 4 to 7 inches below last year and 11 to 12 inches below long-term averages on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
It was a pleasure to participate in the MCBA annual conference and Expo in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday March 21st. We had a full agenda that included personnel from the DNR fisheries, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, andseveral others, certainlya meeting that was well worth attending. Special thanks to all MCBA members, speakers, exhibitors and also the suppliers for the tackle raffle that all together made this event a success.
Lake Michigan basin coordinatorJay Wesleyspoke aboutthe declining size in KingSalmonin2025. While population numbers are up It seems like the average was about 2 pounds below last year and has been declining for the past few years. Jay suggested that you can debate the predator prey balance in Lake Michigan but size is size. Jay also stated that there are about 700,000 Kings planted in Northern Lake Huron split between Nunns Creek in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and the Swan River near Rogers City and that a substantial number of these stocked Kings along with the natural spawned Kings from Lake Huron spend most of their adult lives foraging in Lake Michigan due to more abundant Alewives but they still find their way back to Lake Huron for spawning. This and the fact that most of the Kings in Lake Michigan are naturally spawning would suggest to me anyway that mother nature has more to do with the status of the King Salmon fishery than anything else.
Another topic that Jay covered was the green slime we find washed up on the beaches, on rocks, and now fouling our spread when trolling for lake trout especially in the summer months. The depths I personally have found the slime issues are up to 130 ft. The slime is a native green colored algae called Cladophora and is caused by sunlight penetration due to increased water clarity which is due to quagga mussels filtering the water. The mussels also excrete waste which provides nutrients for the algae.
Tightlines for Troops will take place in Manistee on May 15-16. As of April 1st they are still looking for a couple more boats and other volunteers. Go to the Tightlines for Troops website for more info
Finally, this report is to cover updates from Manistee to the bridge so anyone that would like to volunteer as a port captain or otherwise provide news for the Cannonball please contact me at rigandrollcharters@gmail.com or 419-356-4317. Tight lines to all in 2026.
As requested by many, a closed f/b group page has been created. Please click on the link, or type the link into your browser to find the page, to join the group click the button that says join group in the upper right corner of the page. You will be asked your member number (last 4 of S.S.#), you will be asked to read and accept the rules.
The intention of this Group is a private communication avenue for the association members. Members only, no advertising, no BS, just useful information.
Michigan HB 5093 aims to improve the management of the state’s fisheries by increasing accountability and transparency. The bill encourages responsible practices to help protect and maintain Michigan’s fish resources for the long term.
HB 5093 also promotes collaboration among anglers, officials, and lawmakers, working together to create a sustainable framework for sport fishing. By supporting these efforts, Michigan seeks to preserve its fishing heritage and ensure opportunities and pride for future generations. Take Action
Contact your local House of Representative and urge them to support HB 5093. Your voice can help ensure a strong, sustainable future for Michigan’s fisheries.
Urgent, Call Your Legislator to Vote NO on HB 5801 and 5802 HB 5801 & 5802 proposes to give a handout to the commercial fishing industry — for the first time in modern history allowing commercial harvest of lake trout, walleye and perch Take Action!
Contact your local House of Representative and urge them to support HB 5093. Your voice can help ensure a strong, sustainable future for Michigan’s fisheries.
Wednesday -July – 22 – 6pm
Wednesday – Oct – 21 – 6pm
Questions about attending 888-872-0294 ext. 4
With these generous donations the MCBA raised over $800.00. John Milbourne also donated $240.00 he won at the 50/50 raffle. The raffle proceeds will be donated to Tight Lines for Troops, Fish for Freedom and Walleye for Warriors fishing events in 2026.
Dreamweaver – Shane Ruboyianes – MCBA member
Silver Streak – Chip Cartwright – MCBA member
Sandpiper Charters – Kevin Hughes – MCBA member
Acme Tackle – Amy Conner
Off Shore Tackle – Nick DeShano
Bechhold – Jay Bechhold
Michigan Stinger – Justin Dirado
Jays – Scott Lutz
Charter Lakes Insurance – David Graham
Beaver’s Lures – Katelyn Beaver
Nova Tackle – Heather Novelli
Steelhead Connection Custom Flies – Jeff Bonin
Church Tackle – Nichole Ginter
One of our tackle donors, Jeff Bonin, is the owner of Steelhead Connection Custom Flies Company, maker of Rapture Trolling Flies and has been tying flies as a family business in Michigan for over 40 years. Jeff started out on flies for trout and steelhead and for the last 20 plus years his business has been focused on Rapture Salmon and Coho trolling Flies as well as Rapture Lake Trout flies and teaser flies for meat rigs. His products are sold in many retail outlets in the Great Lakes states as well as online, and through Fish USA. Jeff stated that his product development starts with extensive field testing on colors and configuration and one of the things he loves about the business is the feedback he gets from customers, and he makes a point of attending the Ultimate Sport Show with his retailers and visiting as many retailers as he can during the year.
A former member as a first mate in the Michigan Charter Boat Association Jeff has participated in several tournament trail Salmon events. Jeff taught school for 28 years, and coached football during that time. When not manufacturing flies or doing field trials, Jeff loves fly fishing, waterfowl hunting, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Thanks again Jeff.
Durable – adjustable -Made to last – $40.00 @ plus $5.00 shipping
Contact: Capt. Tony 888-872-0294 – ext. #2
The MCBA is a non-profit organization for which charitable giving is one of its foundational tenets. All MCBA members need to be aware that MCBA sponsors scholarships at both Michigan State University and Lake Superior State University for students enrolled in the Fisheries and Biology programs. Currently, these scholarships are fully funded by the earnings of the endowment funds at each University that were created by MCBA donations. MCBA also support our members by supporting other charity work in which they are involved. MCBA was issued a charity raffle license from the State of Michigan, which was used at our March 21, 2026, Expo. Due to generous sponsors MCBA had many prizes offered in our fishing tackle raffle and many attendees participated in the 50/50 raffle as well. All the proceeds from these two raffles are going to charity. Some Board members have suggested that the MCBA should support a few veterans fishing trips. In fact, member John Milbourne, who won the 50/50 raffle, donated the winnings to the Tight Lines for Troops veterans fishing event later this year. The tackle raffle brought in over $700 that will be donated. A big Thank You to all that participated and helped to raise $1,190.00 for charity.
The Michigan Charter Boat Association (MCBA) provides annual scholarships to support students pursuing careers in fisheries, wildlife, and natural-resource management. Awards are available at both Michigan State University (MSU) and Lake Superior State University (LSSU). Students with a strong interest in Great Lakes fisheries, conservation, or sportfishing are encouraged to apply.
MCBA Denny Grinold Scholarship
Eligibility
How to Apply
MCBA Endowed Rich Haslett Scholarship for Fisheries Students
Eligibility
How to Apply
MCBA scholarships offer both financial assistance and recognition from a respected Great Lakes organization committed to fisheries protection. These awards benefit students who are passionate about conservation, fisheries science, and protecting Michigan’s natural resources.
It was an honor to present this year’s Denny Grinold MCBA scholarships to Zoe Kilbourn and Braydon Sprik.
Captain John Milbourne
An article from Michigan Sea Grant on the changes to Lake Huron that may affect our future:
Regular maintenance is key to safe and reliable operation on the Great Lakes. One often-overlooked area is the propeller shaft and rudder packing. Over time, packing can wear, leading to leaks or steering issues, while shafts may develop alignment problems that affect performance.
Spring commissioning is a great time to schedule routine inspections and replace rudder packing as needed. A simple check can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure your passengers enjoy a safe, smooth ride. Don’t wait—keep your vessel in top condition and your charter business running strong.
Average density (number of fish per hectare) of select forage sized fish captured during the Michigan trawl survey. Age group for each species presented in first row. Yr/Yr% is the percent change in 2024 compared to 2023. Yr/2014–2023% is the percent change from 2024 to the 2014– 2023 average. White Perch Mimic Shiner Gizzard Shad Troutperch Round Goby Spottail Shiner Silver Chub Emerald Shiner
White Perch 1,628.9 (young of the year) – Mimic Shiner 132.1 (all year class) – Gizzard Shad 124.2 (young of the year) – Troutperch 44.4 (all year class) – Round Goby 70.9 (all year class) – Spottail Shiner 93.1 (all year class) – Silver Chub 39.0 (all year class) – Emerald Shiner 0.50 (all year class).
Michigan initiated a trawling program to assess the forage and age-0 sportfish community in Michigan waters of Lake Erie in August of 2014.
Our gill net survey occurred from September 30th to October 2nd, 2024. The 2024 trawl survey captured 2,621 foraged sized individual per ha trawled, up just over 7% from 2023 . White Perch were up about 5% year over year from 2023, and Yellow Perch were up about 3% compared with 2023. Spottail Shiner catch decreased about 16% from 2023, but remained over 141% higher than the survey average, and 2024 represented the second highest catch of Spottail Shiners in our time series. Gizzard Shad catch was up nearly 21% from 2023, though slightly below (about 3%) the 2014–2023 series average.
We observed a sharp increase in Round Goby catch rates, up 437% from 2023 and 27.7% from the long-term time series. Age-0 Walleye catch was 11.9 fish per hectare, down 53% from 2023 and 54% below the 2014–2023 mean
2.2.3 Walleye West Basin – Michigan (J.-M. Hessenauer) During August trawls, 46% of Walleye sampled had stomach contents (Table 2.2.3.1). Digested liquid (38%) was the most abundant diet item followed by unidentifiable fish remains (33%) and White Perch (21%). During the October gillnet survey, 57% of sampled Walleye contained food items (Table 2.2.3.2). Digested liquid was the most abundant diet item (41%), followed by Gizzard Shad (40%).
The Michigan Anglers Consortium (MAC) wishes to extend a huge thank you to the Michigan Charter Association for their generous gift of support. This contribution will greatly enhance our efforts to protect, promote, and strengthen fishing throughout Michigan, supporting initiatives that benefit anglers across rivers, inland lakes, and the Great Lakes. Michigan’s fishing community is as diverse as its waters—rivers, inland lakes, and the Great Lakes all support unique traditions, challenges, and opportunities. The Michigan Anglers Consortium (MAC) has been formed to bring these voices together under one unified organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, and strengthening fishing across the state. MAC’s mission is simple but powerful: to support the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the State Legislature by fostering open communication, ensuring broad stakeholder engagement, and advocating for policies that benefit all anglers. By uniting individuals, fishing clubs, charter captains, and fishing-related businesses, MAC ensures that every sector of Michigan’s angling community has an equal seat at the table.
What MAC Does:
The Consortium serves as a collective voice for anglers in legislative and regulatory matters, helping decision-makers understand the real-world impacts of policies on fisheries and fishing opportunities. To ensure Michigan anglers have a respected and professional presence in Lansing, MAC engages a contracted lobbying firm to monitor legislation, build relationships with lawmakers, and pursue proactive initiatives aligned with the Consortium’s mission. This approach combines grassroots input from members with expert representation, strengthening anglers’ influence where it matters most.
Looking Ahead:
MAC is envisioned as a long-term partner to the DNR, legislators, and advisory committees, while remaining firmly grounded in the angling community it. By working together, Michigan anglers can protect fisheries, promote sustainable practices, and preserve the state’s fishing heritage for generations to come.
The Michigan Charter Boat Association is a building block of the Michigan Anglers Consortium, laying the foundation for future success. However, it will ultimately be your voice—when you are called to action to email or call your legislators—that will help us secure the passage of HB 5093 and other important fisheries bills and legislation. Your engagement is essential to making a real impact for Michigan’s angling future.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Michigan Anglers Consortium!
As a retiree, I have continued to be an active supporter of the MCBA as a member of the ‘retired Captain’ category.
There’s been a lot of changes over the years since I retired, including among others; many new board members, revised by-laws, changes to the drug plan, changes to the website, the addition of a facebook page, and particularly a new digital newsletter.
The MCBA knows that most members want a newsletter, so it’s making a strong effort to create a new and informative digital version. If you do find it informative and useful, you can thank Secretary John Giszczak for all the hard work he’s done to make it happen.
I attended the recent spring Expo in Mt. Pleasant on March 21. I loved this meeting for several reasons: first, even though I’m not an active Captain, I like to keep up with the issues that current Captains must handle. The Expo helps to keep me informed. I get a chance to renew my friendships and connections with the various
speakers, and the DNR personnel who are usually there. Many are old friends I wouldn’t get to see otherwise. And to see and be with many old personal friends who are present from all over the state. Many are still working Captains, others like myself, are retired and are here for the same reasons. During this meeting, I was able to chat with many Captains, including at least four past-presidents, starting with Denny Grinold, Harold DeHart, Eric Andersen, and our most recent, Bill Winowiecki. Great to see these Captains still working for, and caring about, the MCBA. Their combined wisdom and knowledge of the MCBA history and issues is a thing to behold.
I was also able to meet and chat with two newer board members who are from the Central Lake Michigan area that I used to represent: John Milbourne, of Manistee who represented the district before becoming VP, and Scott Van Hoven, of Ludington who is the current CLM director. I wished each of them success in their new positions.
The program was interesting and informative. Active Captains greatly appreciated the information presented by Kendra Kozlauskos, DNR Charter Program Technician regarding inland guide licenses and the FACTS reporting system, which has many new features and rules. She answered many questions patiently and accurately.
I was very impressed by the Award Presentations. Dr. Marc Gaden, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission was a great choice for the Pistis Award. I was happy to see him recognized for his good works for all who fish in the Great Lakes. I was especially pleased to see that the Annual MCBA award went to my good friend and very deserving person, Secretary John Giszczak. Many of you will recognize him as the guy with the deep voice who answers the phone and
handles all your membership, drug program and licensing questions. A true wealth of knowledge; freely given in a friendly way.
Over the past few years John has become the hardest working, most deserving, board member I can remember in my 40+ years in the Association. He is the voice of the Association that works every day. I can’t stress too much; how much he deserved the Award. So happy to add his name to the list of past winners, which includes the many who have given so much to the Association over the years. Congratulations Captain John. His award announcement topped off what I consider was a very successful conference.
I understand the new website is nearly done, and this will make the task of joining and keeping the information accurate much easier. I hope it really works as planned. I’m happy to be part of the newsletter. I’m looking forward to more new and informative newsletters in the future. I hope you will be also.
Capt. Jim Fenner, retired.
Thanks Again to all the members, speakers and vendors who attended the 2026 MCBA Spring Educational Expo
Michigan Charter Boat Association has over 600 Captain members.
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Marketing of Michigan Great Lakes sports fish through a partnership with the charter fishing industry and local restaurants.