Hey there, angler! Ready for some prime-time fishing action on the big lake? Our 4-hour sunset charter is where it's at. We'll push off at 5 PM, just as the day's heat starts to mellow and the big ones get hungry. Sure, mornings can be busy with bites, but evenings? That's when the real trophies come out to play. If you're after quality over quantity, you've found your sweet spot. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to put you on some monster trout and salmon.
Picture this: You're cruising out onto Lake Michigan as the sun starts its slow dance towards the horizon. The water's calmer, the air's cooler, and the fish? They're waking up for dinner. We might start slow, but don't let that fool you. As twilight creeps in, that's when things can go from zero to sixty real quick. One minute you're enjoying the view, the next you're battling a chrome-bright Chinook that's trying to spool you. And let me tell you, there's nothing like watching your rod double over with the sun setting behind it. Pure Michigan magic, folks.
We'll be running a spread of lines, mixing it up with spoons, dodgers, and flies. As the light fades, we'll switch to glow lures that really shine in the low light. Our First Mate will be on deck, swapping out gear and keeping lines clear – trust me, when a big King decides to hit, you'll be glad for the extra set of hands. We might run shallow early on, then drop deeper as night falls. It's all about reading the water, the wind, and those all-important temp breaks where the predators like to hunt. And hey, if you're new to trolling, no sweat. We'll get you up to speed faster than you can say "Fish on!"
"We had a great time. Late season and still caught a lot of fish. Really fun boat to spend time on. Looking forward to fishing with them again." - Joshua
Rainbow Trout, or "steelhead" as we call 'em when they're big, are a favorite target. These acrobatic fighters will test your drag and your nerves with their leaps and runs. They average 5-10 pounds, but don't be shocked if you tie into a 15-pounder. They're suckers for orange spoons and smaller baits, especially in the cooler evening water.
Coho Salmon might not be the biggest, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. These 3-8 pounders school up tight and when you find them, it's game on. They're most active in the spring and fall, but summer evenings can produce some hot bites, especially on dodger and fly combos.
Chinook Salmon, or "Kings," are the bruisers of the bunch. A 20-pounder is considered good size, but 30+ pounders aren't unheard of. These guys are why you bring the heavy gear. They hit hard and fight harder, often making blistering runs straight for the bottom. The evening bite can be explosive, with big fish coming up to feed on bait balls near the surface.
Brown Trout are the wildcards. These crafty predators love to hug structure and can be finnicky, but when they commit, hold on tight. They average 5-10 pounds and have a reputation for being bulldogs near the boat. As the sun sets, they often move shallow to feed, making them perfect targets for our twilight trolling.
Look, I could go on about the fishing all day, but here's the bottom line: If you want a shot at some serious Lake Michigan giants, our sunset charter is your ticket. We've got the knowledge, we've got the gear, and we've got the hot spots dialed in. All we need is you. So what do you say? Ready to make some fishing memories that'll have you grinning for weeks? Give us a shout and let's get you on the water. The big ones are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this.
October 4, 2024
Brown trout are the wily veterans of Lake Michigan. These fish average 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll often find them hugging structure or cruising the shallows, especially early and late in the day. Browns are known for their selective feeding and crafty nature, making them a fun challenge. Anglers prize them for both their fight and their buttery flavor. Spring and fall offer the best action, but summer nights can be productive too. To fool a big brown, try slowly trolling crankbaits or stickbaits along shoreline breaks. Here's an insider tip: after a storm, focus on areas where muddy runoff meets clearer water - browns love to ambush bait in these zones.
Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These brutes can top 30 pounds, though 15-20 pounders are more common. They're deepwater fish, often hanging below 50 feet. Kings put up a stubborn, powerful fight - be ready for long runs and arm-burning battles. Fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning runs. Anglers love targeting kings not just for the challenge, but for their firm, red meat that's excellent on the grill. To improve your chances, try downriggers with flashers and flies. My go-to trick? Vary your trolling speed - a sudden acceleration can trigger savage strikes from following fish.
Coho salmon are a blast to catch on Lake Michigan, especially in late summer and fall as they prepare to run upriver. These "silver bullets" typically weigh 5-10 pounds and are known for their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps. Look for them in the top 30 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Cohos are prized for both their fight and their rich, orange flesh. To boost your odds, try trolling with bright spoons or J-plugs. As evening approaches, they tend to move shallower, so adjust your depth. Here's a local secret: when you see birds working the surface, there's a good chance coho are pushing bait up from below.
Rainbow trout are a favorite target on Lake Michigan, known for their acrobatic fights and tasty meat. These colorful fish typically range from 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll find them in cooler, oxygenated water, often near drop-offs or structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Rainbows put up an exciting battle, leaping and running when hooked. Their pink flesh makes excellent table fare too. For the best shot at landing one, try trolling with spoons or spinners near dawn or dusk when they're most active. A local tip: keep your bait or lure moving - rainbows often strike out of aggression rather than hunger.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 260
We had a great time. Late season and still caught a lot of fish. Really fun boat to spend time on. Looking forward to fishing with them again.