Mackinac Island Charters

[titelines]

We'll be going to Mackinac Island in July and are looking to chase some trout and salmon.

Anyone have any experience with charters in this area, or opinions on which charter to go with? I have found a couple, but thought I'd ask here too as it seems there's always someone with experience.

Any/all info is appreciated.

Thanks!

[titelines]

Hi all,

Just wanted to follow up on my own post with information for anyone who wants it.

We ended up hiring Captain Jim Schutt with Dream Seaker Charters and went out with him on Monday.

He motored to Mackinac Island and met us there, which was very nice. The day started hazy, but very nice. We set our lines and had a strike within a half hour, missed the fish though. A few minutes after that, it got black out, and lightening and thunder began. Then the rain came. We pulled up the lines and made a beeline for the harbor to wait it out. Sat in the harbor for 45 minutes or so, with no end in sight for the weather. He let us make the call, and we called it a day. He offered us a significant discount, which was also very nice. All in all, not great..but you can't do anything about the weather.

I would not hesitate to recommend Captain Jim though. He picked us up, was extremely nice and personable, funny etc. He had a thermos of coffee for us, and let us do as much or as little as we wanted.

I told him I've been trying to figure out Lake Superior in our own boat, and he was very appreciative of all my questions, letting me in on some of his secrets, tactics etc.

Most of all, it wasn't all about the money for him. He was concerned for our safety and made port...he didn't stay out in the lightening just to make a buck. He also didn't have to give us a discount, but he did.

All in all, he was a very stand-up guy. If anyone has any questions about it, I'll be happy to answer anything I can. He's based out of Heller, but will pick you up in Mackinaw City, the Island or St. Ignace.