Embark on your next fishing, sailing, diving, or adventure excursion with a seasoned pro and elevate your experience to new heights. With a professional captain at the helm, success is virtually guaranteed.
Here’s why: Pros are equipped with the best gear, ensuring optimal performance and reliability throughout your journey.
Years of Expertise: Benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over years of navigating the Great Lakes.
Your captain’s expertise paves the way for a seamless and enjoyable trip every time. Don’t settle for anything less than excellence. Choose a professional charter captain and make your next adventure on the Great Lakes an unforgettable one.”
Q: How do I choose a captain?
A: Once you decide what port you want to fish you can choose from a selection of captains. All captains have phone numbers and will let you know about fishing, available dates, and everything you will need to make your charter enjoyable.
Q: Where do Michigan Charter Boat captains operate?
A: Michigan has over 100 ports and five Great Lakes with various marinas and launch ramps. Charter captains operate from these locations. See:Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | Lake Huron Fishing Charters | Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Charters | Lake St. Clair Fishing Charters | Lake Superior Fishing Charters , or Shipwreck Dives, Sailboat Charters, or Sight Seeing Cruises. The entire coast of Michigan is over 3000 miles long.
Q: What requirements do MCBA captains need?
Michigan charter captains are required by federal law to have a United States Coast Guard (USCG) license. In addition, and for your safety, the USCG requires all licensed operators to be enrolled in a random drug testing program. USCG also requires all vessels for hire to be documented. The state of Michigan also requires charter vessels to pass state inspections.
Q: Who could enjoy a charter boat?
Fishing charters can be enjoyed by a single person, a family with young children or any type of group. Many charter services are also willing to give handicapped clients special consideration.
Q: Are charter boats licensed?
Yes…fishing charter boats of six passengers or less are state inspected. Seven passengers or more are U.S. Coast Guard inspected. All captains listed in the Michigan Charter Boat directory are U.S. Coast Guard licensed operators.
Q: When using a fishing charter, do I need a fishing license?
Yes, Michigan law requires that anyone over the age of 17, fishing in Michigan waters must be licensed. Licenses are available online (CLICK HERE). Or visit a local license retailer.
Q: Can I bring marijuana aboard a charter boat?
No… The waters of the Great Lakes fall under Federal jurisdiction. Marijuana is strictly forbidden.
Q: What type of fish can be caught on fishing charter?
Depending on whether you choose your Michigan Fishing Charter on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie , or Lake St. Clair, you can catch chinook salmon, steelhead, (rainbow trout), coho salmon, brown trout, lake trout, pink salmon, and warmer water species like walleye, perch, musky, bass. See Michigan Fish species for types of fish you can catch on your next Michigan Fishing Charter.
Q: When I make Michigan charter boat reservations, what type of questions should I ask?
It’s wise to ask questions about…
Q: What about other Michigan lakes and rivers?
In some cases, charter captains’ fish in land lakes and rivers as well as on the main Great Lakes. Be aware that there may be different licensing requirements for inland charters and guides.
Q: I still have questions, can I call the MCBA office?
Yes, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 1-888-872-0294
Michigan Charter Boat Association has over 600 Captain members.
Explore Michigan’s thousands of miles of shoreline.
Marketing of Michigan Great Lakes sports fish through a partnership with the charter fishing industry and local restaurants.