Catch Your Dinner: Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan
Father's Day is coming up and what better way to show our pop that we love him than to take him out on Lake Michigan with his favorite charter captain: Captain Dan Keating. Dan captains the 32 foot Blue Horizon leaving out of North Point Marina in Winthrop, Illinois. If you've never chartered a boat before and it seems like something you'd love to do but don't know where to begin, then we'll answer the questions you're most likely to ask: How much does it cost? Do I have to get up early? Who should I call?
In our humble opinion, a captain makes or breaks your trip. We heard nightmare stories from our fellow fishermen on board about experiences with various other captains on Lake Michigan and why they go only to and with Captain Dan Keating. One story involved a captain who dropped lines in the water and then talked on his cell phone the remainder of the day, never changing lures or moving the boat into prime areas. Another captain became angry and hostile when his passengers lost a fish. For our time on the Blue Horizon, Captain Keating was diligent in keeping all rods at the ready, changing lures based on the fish, moving the boat into locations for better strikes, all the while keeping an ear to the weather report and a keen eye on the rods for the telltale bobbing that indicated a fish had struck the line. The moment this happened, he could tell us if it was a King Salmon or not and darned if he wasn't right every time. Yours truly caught a 17 pound King Salmon. Fuuuunnnn.
To learn more about our trip, please read the captions in our pictures. Continue reading for more information on those frequently asked questions. If you want to read more about Blue Horizon and chartering a boat, check out the homepage. You can reach Captain Keating at 1-877-783-2270.
Here are a few answers to questions we had (and you might have) going in to the adventure.
How much does it cost?
Captain Dan's rates are listed on his website and vary depending on the number of people on board and how long you're out on the water. The captain was generous with time and we caught our limit.
Do I need a fishing license?
He can give you one on the spot. I believe it's $6 or so for a 'license for a day'. Basically, he's got you covered if you don't have a license.
Do I have to get up early?
Depends. Do you want to? :) We got to the marina by 5 a.m. and loved the morning sunrise over the lake. However, there are also afternoon charters so an early morning call isn't required.
Who should I call?
We highly recommend Captain Keating. Not only has he written two books on catching fish in the Great Lakes, he has years and years of charter experience and knows what his passengers need - both experienced fishermen and novices alike.
What do I bring? Do I need a reel?
We brought sandwiches and something to drink. Everything else will be taken care of.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes. Read all about the boat here.
How much fun is it?
Yours truly reeled in a 17 pound King Salmon. Hell yes, it was fun. And downright exciting to see the fin of a salmon that big poke up above the water and then charge at the boat.