Trophy Specialists Fishing Charters Homepage
Michigan Sportfishing:
Lake Erie
Walleye Charters
(Monroe,
Toledo and
Port Clinton)
March/April/May
Lake Huron
Brown Trout, Lake Trout, King Salmon, Pink Salmon, Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon
Mixed-bag Charters
(Rogers City
Presque Isle)
May/June/July
Saginaw Bay Walleye Charters
(Au Gres)
June/July
Lake Michigan
Salmon Charters
(Manistee)
August
Lake Huron
King Salmon Charters
(Rogers City)
July/August/September
Charter Fishing
Information
Lake Michigan's kings are kicking-ass
in a big way and the port of Manistee leads the way among Michigan's salmon
ports. In fact, Manistee has produced more Master Angler Chinook salmon than
all other ports in Michigan. To help you land the big ones, Trophy Specialists
has over 35 years of experience catching Manistee's magnificent kings. In
recent years, Manistee's king fishery has been simply phenomenal during August
with limit catches of silvery kings being very common on most outings. We
typically troll with spoons, J-plugs, Huchi-Mamas/flies and dodger/squids
using downriggers, diving planers, outriggers, lead and in-line planer boards.
Besides kings, a mixed bag of steelhead, lakers, coho and browns are
also taken on many trips. This fishery must be seen to truely be appreciated
it. There's no fishing experience on the Great Lakes that compares
to hooking a big, adult king in the open waters of the Great Lakes. They
earned their nickname of "screamers" for good reason. This title was
bestowed due to their powerful runs that cause the drag on reels to scream.
They provide thrills unmatched anywhere in Michigan.
Meeting Place - Capt. Mike will meet all customers at the prescribed time by the Manistee city boat launch on First Street across the big parking lot from the Lakeshore Motel. To get there take U.S. 31 to 1st Street and proceed west. Take 1st St. about one mile to the Manistee Boat Launch. This is one of the biggest and busiest boat launches in Michigan, so get there early as there might be traffic backups (boats pulled on trailers) and congestion early in the morning. We will meet customers next to the fish cleaning station, which is on the north side of the boat launch parking lot right across the access street from the concession stand. The Trophy Specialist boat is a big, red, Lund Barron with a white top pulled by a black, regular cab Chevy Silverado 4X4.
Manistee Information and Lodging - The famous fishing port of Manistee is the salmon capital of Lake Michigan during August. Manistee has a population of about 7,500 and is located about 200 miles north up the Lake Michigan Shoreline from Chicago. If you're planning on flying in, it is suggested that you fly into Traverse City located about 60 miles north/east of Manistee. It may be possible to obtain a better airfare by flying into Grand Rapids located about 120 miles Southeast of Manistee. From both airports, a vehicle can be rented and driven to Manistee. Trophy Specialist Fishing Charters has worked out a special lodging deal with the Lakeshore Motel, 101 S. Lakeshore Drive, Manistee, Michigan 49660, 231-723-2667. Your Hosts are Paul & Darcie Stewart. If you mention Trophy Specialists Fishing Charters when you make your reservations at the Lakeshore, you will receive special lodging rates (weekdays only). The Lakeshore Motel is one of the finest lodging facilities in the area with a great location overlooking the picturesque Lake Michigan Shoreline. There is a boardwalk nearby along the Big Manistee River. Adjacent to the motel are playgrounds, beaches, tennis courts, fishing piers and a public golf course is just around the corner. The facility features cable TV, in room coffee, direct dial phones, house keeping units, a gift shop and all rooms have a view of the lake. Pets are allowed. There are many restaurants, bars and shops within a short distance to satisfy all budgets and tastes.
Licensing - Customers will be responsible for obtaining the proper Michigan fishing license prior to the prescribed meeting time. Michigan offers a one-day license for a nominal fee. You will either need a one-day license or an all-species license. Youths under 17 do not need a fishing license. MI licenses are available at a two bait shops located on U.S. 23 in Rogers City; both are not open late in the evening or early in the morning. You can also purchase license on the Internet at: Buy Fishing Licenses On-line.
Bring Along - your fishing license, proper attire (warm boots and cloths), rain gear, brimmed hat, sunscreen, camera, sun-glasses, food and beverages. Drinking alcoholic beverages is allowed on board the boat, but only in moderation. Only small coolers that can fit under the seats are allowed on the boat. Basically, if your cooler is too large to be allowed on an airliner as carry-on baggage, then it shouldn't go on the boat either. A larger cooler should also be available off the boat for transporting your catch home. If you're flying into Michigan, be sure to check with your airline for any rules pertaining to transporting fish. To prevent spills and stains, coffee can only be consumed on the boat in a spill resistant container. Michigan law states that all youths under 16 year old must where a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times on the water. In addition, Trophy Specialist's encourages everyone to wear a PFD when the boat is underway and above trolling speeds. Trophy Specialists will make available comfortable life vests in various standard adult sizes (small to X-large) along with the required type III - PFDs. It is required that parties with children or adults smaller or larger than standard adult sizes (30" to 50" chest) bring their own Coast Guard approved PFDs.
Seasickness Precautions - If you're prone to motion sickness, standard over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine might be a good idea. When taken as directed at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time, those nasty symptoms can usually be controlled. If you've suffered from sea-sickness in the past or have never been exposed to big water fishing, it's recommended that acidic or alcoholic beverages be avoided and eating in moderation both before and during the trip is also a good idea.
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