July 21,2008

The past couple days, fish have been being caught in 80- 160 ft of water--the shallow water has been good at first light with the fish being caught as the day progresses in the deeper water.  King Salmon up to 16-17lbs are being caught as well as some nice Steelhead, and Lake Trout-  The fish are coming from 60 ft on down with a majority of the bigger fish on Flashers and Fly's.  Best Combinations have been the Pro Troll 8" White with silver back with a Rapture Yellow beaded mirage, White and Richard's Green Pro Troll with the Hypnotist Fly, Green Plastic Rotator with the Hypnotist Fly.  Spoon have been Stinger Stingray size Carmel Dolphins on a 13 color, Blue Dolphin on a 14 color, and Can't Afford It.  For those considering a trip, remember-no experience required- families and KIDS welcome.  Grand Haven has a lot of activities in the next couple weeks (including the Coast Guard Festival- a must see) to make a vacation trip that is fun for all.  For reservations or questions- call us anytime from 7am-10 pm EST.  616-638-6145

Good Luck

July 9,2008

Fish are being caught in 70-140 ft of water anywhere from 50 ft down to bottom. Most of the action has been on spoons and some on Flasher fly.  Our best baits have been Stinger Stingray size NBK, Blue Dolphin, Green Dolphin, Green Edge, Can't Afford It and regular size chrome Double Orange.  White Double Slick Pro Troll 11" with the Rapture Oceana Fly on the chute rod has been consistent also. There have been some nice kings caught in the 15-18 lb range as of lately. 

Good Luck

June 20,2008

Fishing remains good out of Grand Haven  with most trips seeing around double digit catches of King Salmon, Lake Trout and Steelhead..  The fish have moved into shallower water- 90-120 and are anywhere from 40 ft down to the bottom.  Most of the baits from the previous report are still working very well--- A few additions would be the Coyote Spoon, Bing Cosby,  and also the Stinger Gator.  For those considering a trip- be sure to check our RATE page with current WEB ONLY Specials.

Good Luck

June 11, 2008

The past week fishing has been excellent.  The fish are very active with many limit catches of salmon along with nice Lake Trout and Steelhead.  Best fishing has been in 165-235 feet of water.  Fish are all over from top to bottom- the a majority being caught  45-85 ft down.(downriggers- leadcore-copper and divers)  Spoons have been dominant with Stinger Stingray and Regular size spoons in the following colors: Blue Maui, Blue Dolphin,Blue Machine, Sea sick, Holly Christmas, Orange Sparkle, NBK, and Carmel Dolphins.  We have also been getting some fish down deep(125-180 ft down)   on the 11" Pro Troll Troll White with the Oceana Rapture Fly.  The past few days fishing has been as good as it gets-  If you are considering a trip or  a last minute trip-or have any questions- feel free to  give us a call anytime from 7 am - 10:30 pm.  .  We are offering a LAST MINUTE SPECIAL  on a few openings we have this weekend. (See our home page)  Remember- no experience is required, families welcome. 

Good Luck

JUNE 3, 2008

Well it has been a busy winter and spring- (too much snow and lot's of work)  Hope all of our past customers are doing well .  We are looking forward to seeing you this year. ( Some we have already seen as we started taking trips May 10th.)  This spring has brought a lot of cold water- with our salmon showing up later than normal- The past week we have finally been able to have more consistent fishing with nice Salmon, Lake Trout and Steelhead.  Fish were in the 180-220 FOW the past few weeks-and have come closer to shore the past couple days in the 135-170 range.  Fish are being caught from top to bottom- the best being 35-80 ft down.  Best baits- Blue Dolphin, Blue Machine, Carmel Dolphin, Chips Shanster, Mongoose, Seasick and Chrome double orange in the Stinger Stingray size.  We have also been catching steelhead on a 1 and 3 color with the Kandy Apple and Double Orange in the normal Stinger size.  Down deep--White and crushed Ice Pro Troll with a Rapture Oceana has been picking up some fish as well as 8" Chrome and lt and dark Green Protroll's with the Hypnotist anywhere from 150-290 on wire divers.   Fishing should stay good the next couple weeks so if you thought you missed the hot spring bite- you're in luck this season- Give me a call anytime from 7 am-10 pm with any of your charter questions, last minute fishing report, or to book a reservation.  We have a few weekend spots left during the next 2 weeks of what should be great fishing.

Good Luck,

 July 19, 2007

Good Fishing---. Quick Captain's note-- Congrats to our Women and KIDS fishing team with the biggest King Salmon last Friday in the MSA Fishing Tournament in Muskegon, MI    Our team brought in a  17.35 lb Salmon (along with a lot of smiles).  They worked hard- setting lines, reeling them in and netting the fish.

  Here is the current report.  Fishing continues on pace with good catches of King Salmon-- 8-17 lb rangeWe are currently fishing 2-4 miles out in 95-160 FOW and the fish are from 55 ft and deeper.   Divers in the 150-220 range and  half cores to 15 colors or up to 300' of 45lb copper.  Best bets are:

Stinger Stingray Blue and Yellow Dolphin, Carmel Dolphin, Blue Cory's Bait, Green Dolphins, Chrome and Orange,  Blue Mixed Veggies.  The Flasher Fly bite has been on White Coyote with white glow, White Bechold with white glow, White and Emerald fishscale Spin Doctor  with the Frosted Fern, No Seeum, and Lil Bride.  The Hypnotist is working with the White and Emerald Spin Doctor.  If you are interested in setting up a trip or have questions- give us a call.

Good Luck

July 5th, 2007

Fishing has been excellent since the weekend with  great catches of Big  King Salmon in the 8-15 lb range-  Some Trout and Steelhead are also mixed in.  Water has cooled off and the fish have moved in tight.  Fishing anywhere from in front of the piers to 100 FOW-  Surface to 50 ft down, 3-5 colors of lead core, and divers 40-80   have been the best.   The bite has been on Spoons and Flasher/Fly---  Stinger Mixed Veggies, Gold with double orange, Chip's Shanster, NBK , Carmel Dolphin, and Blue Veggies have been consistent.  Flashers-- Spin Doctors and Coyote's   White with fishscale and White with green fishscale-  Rapture Flies- Oceana,  and Fern have been the best.   Captain' note-  The cold water has brought some really nice fish in-  We are seeing much bigger fish right now than we do for this time of year. If you are thinking about a trip - give us a call and we can give you a more up to date report.  As always- KIDS and Families Welcome.

Good Luck

January 25, 2007

Well the fishing report will have to wait until May 1st.  In the meantime a quick note to all about 2006 in review and looking to the 2007 season.   A belated happy holidays to all of our customers.  We know that you have a choice when it comes to booking  your fishing trip and we appreciate sharing your experience with us. 

Since the end of the season- a lot of the crew members have been "busy" enjoying more of nature-- deer hunting, some trips to warmer climates (fishing there too), and  more time with family.  Speaking of family- I was so caught up in the moment with the hot fishing towards the end of 2006 last fall that I did not announce Captain Rob("Tater") had a new baby boy Ryan("Tater Tot").  We've put Ryan in the swing chair on high speed- no seasickness--so  the potential is looking good as a crew member. (just like astronaut training)  The 2006 fishing season was a great season with nice catches of salmon and good weather.   There is nothing more enjoyable than having  people come out on Lake Michigan for their first time, especially the kids and seeing the look of catching their first fish or their biggest fish.  If the end of the 2006 fishing season is any indicator of 2007, we should have a great year.    The winter brings preparation and anticipation  for the 2007 season.  Fishing begins May 1st.   If you are considering a trip- the spring fishing from  May until mid June is a great fishing period.   There are nice healthy King Salmon working their way up the coast thru Grand Haven at this time -some up to 20 lbs --and the fishing can be red hot.  We are offering a SPRING FISHING SPECIAL-  Anyone wanting a trip during this time period can save up to $100 a trip by reserving your date early.  We are also currently booking dates for the entire 2007 season- Call 616-638-6145 or email us for a specific dates and to ensure you take advantage of this large savings on your Spring Trip. 

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you during 2007.  Don't forget to send us your pictures via email to be included in our next website update for 2007.

Best Fishing-  Capt Dana and Crew. 

October 30, 2006

The 2006 charter fishing season has come to an end with the not very anticipated boat  hauling out and storage for the winter.  I would like to thank each one of you who may have spent time with  Captain Dana, Captain Rob, Captain Tony, Alex, Ellen, Jim, and our  other associate Captain's and Mates.  There are also a lot of behind the scenes people that help us throughout the season- Kim, Andrea, Mark, Dana Sr(with his weather updates), and Kirk.  I would like to thank them for their dedication and help.  We look forward to seeing you in 2007.   PS-- If you have any pictures from your trip- please e-mail them to be included in our 2007 website. Thank you! Captain Dana and Crew.

October 1, 2006

When the winds are cooperating-- we have been getting out.  This is the typical fall weather pattern we find.  Fish today were in the 160-200 FOW - Nice fish still being caught-- with the fish coming from 100-165 ft deep-- The water has rolled over bring the fish down very deep--Basically the same baits as the previous report but everything is getting fished deeper.  Good Luck.
September 18, 2006

A great turnout and great fishing for the Salmon Fest.  Fishing continues on pace-- but now with the offshore fishery being the place to be-- 85-160 FOW and a few trips just outside the  160-   There are nice 2 year old fish being caught--with fish from 85 ft  and deeper.   12-17 colors of leadcore-- White and Blue and White and Green Spin Doctors with the Blue Bubble and Pickled Sunshine along with COYOTE's with Rapture Oceana Fly.  The Coyote and Oceana Rapture fly has been our hottest set up as of late.  Wire divers in the 160-200 range  have also been productive.   Good Luck!

September 11, 2006

As we remember this special day--- A look back at the past 2 weeks of fishing.  Fishing has been red hot with Salmon staged at the piers in Grand Haven.  The standard Pearl and Black dot Tomics, Chrome with Red head, Metalica Man, and Green Splaterbacks along with Silver Horde double glow plugs have been working well.  The past few days--fish are still being caught up close--but are much harder to get.  Our best has been a 2 and 3 color core with Dana's Shanster Tomic.(Orange- Gold Sides-White Belly)  Nice Kings still up to 20 lbs have been caught--  We have had some trips that we have fished offshore-- anywhere from 85-140 FOW.   The fish are just down deeper in the offshore right now--but the offshore baits from the last report have been working.  As the month continues on-- we will most likely be fishing more and more offshore as the inside bite is starting to slow up.  The offshore fishery has nice fish with weight into the teens and this fishery should remain good thru October.  This weekend is the Grand Haven Salmon Fest -- a great event-- with things to do for kids and adults-- Salmon Cookoff--etc. right next to our location at Chinook Pier.  We are still booking dates for charters over the next 3-4 weeks--  For those customers thinking about next year--don't forget to reserve that special date as we have been taking bookings for 2007 and choice dates usually go first-- Good Fishing to all--

Good Luck

August 29, 2006

Still Great Fishing--Nice Big Salmon!!   Fishing continues on pace with nice King Salmon staging off of Grand Haven.  These fish continue to be in the 10-20 lb range--with a few pushing over 20 lbs. Yesterday--our biggest king just over 19 lbs.  A quick note--We feel very special to have hosted the Jeremy Winer Memorial Fishing Trip again this past weekend--I met Jeremy back in 1984 when I was 16 yrs old.  This man had a heart for fishing and sharing fishing experiences with many people young and old.   He loved being out on the water.  This year,  Jeremy's brother Dan brought some of his old baits---we picked one to run--an old Tomic Plug --and that bait has been red hot since.--now named---Jeremy's Plug.(I won't even describe it because it is not even in Tomic's current catalog)  Thanks guys for letting us be part of this special weekend.  Now for the report--Currently we have been fishing from 80-140 Feet of water--just depending on where the winds and current move the cold water to.  Last minute report is 80-90 ft range or the 110-140.  Fish are being caught from 50 ft on down to 110---best in the 60-87 range.  Divers from 110-240(hi and low) and Leadcore from 8-15 colors.  A double glow Silver Horde has been very consistent early in the morning as well as both glow and pearl with black dot Tomics. The standard White and fishscale Coyote with Snow ghost or Pickled Sunshine has been good.  Glow Spindoctor with blue inlay and Uncle Ed's Snowing  Blue Bubble Fly.  White and Richards Green and White with Emerald Green  Spindoctor's with Pickled Sunshine--Grn Beaded Mirage or Uncled Ed's Green Bubble Fly have been good.  The past few overcast days-- a White Jerry Bechold with white Crushed inlay with an Artic Ice fly has been good. Our other best core baits as of lately has been a Grn Scaley j Plug and a Carmel Dolphin-- and Any continued NW or East wind with the current backing off a bit will bring these fish in close to the harbor in no time.  Tomorrow we have a fly fisherman on our morning trip and are going to attempt to get him a King on a fly rod--We'll let you know how that goes in the next report.  September dates are filling up fast--give us a call. 616-638-6145

Good Luck!

August 22,2006

The BIG KINGS are in-The run is on---fishing has been great!  The past week has brought Big King Salmon in close to the pier in Grand Haven and beginning their spawning ritual.  These mature salmon--some in the 20 plus pound range have been staging right off of the Grand Haven Piers the past week.  We had a few trips where the water warmed up and we fished offshore--but a majority of the trips have been in close.  These fish are anywhere from the pier to 50 Feet of water when inshore.  Best depths have been 17 ft on down to the bottom or 3-4 colors of lead--early on the Pearl with Black dot and White Glow with Black dot Tomics, as well as the Green Glow and Chrome with Red Head Tomics and j Plugs--as the sun comes up Chromes and Chrome and Green have been working good.  Also consistent is the Double Orange Pro King on a 3 color as well as Stingray Chip's Shanster, Hitman, and Veggies.  An orange tomic with gold belly (Dana'sBait) has also been working good on the divers 35-55 ft out(depending on your water depth)  Remember to watch that water temperature--and if the conditions are not right for inshore fishing for these salmon--revert to the offshore fishing --detailed in the report last week.  The much anticipated fall run is upon us---a great  opportunity to get a nice salmon!  We have dates available--give us a call at 616-638-6145.

Good Luck!

August 15, 2006

Fishing continues on a good pace with nice catches consisting mainly of King Salmon.  ( Last Saturday the fishing was off a bit--but from Sunday on---nice catches).  King Salmon are anywhere from 5- 20 plus lbs right now.   Fish are being caught the past few days anywhere from 70 feet of water on out to 240 ft of water.  This may vary from day to day--especially now with the strong Northwest winds we have had as of late.  Best bets are to set up in the 100-150 ft of water range early and then fishing on out to deeper water as the day progresses With the change in water depth-- comes changes in where the fish are being caught-- 50-75 ft down has been consistent but fish are also  being taken on past 100 ft down.  Wire divers in the 150-180 range and high divers on out to 240 ft have been working as well.  Leadcore from 10-20 colors.  Here are the latest best baits.   White and white Coyote with a Snow Ghost and/or Purple beaded Mirage has been very consistent on the deep rigger.  White with blue slick all Revved up Revelator continues to be a staple on the wire diver with an Uncle Ed's Blue Sparkle fly behind it.  Also the White and Blue Spindoctor with an Uncle Eds's Blue Mirage fly has been going good in the low visibility/light conditions.  Other Dodger fly combos working have been theWhite with Green and Wild Fern Fly,  White and White crushed Ice JERRY bECHOLD with an Artic Ice fly on the wire diver early.  Newest consistent daytime bait has been the big Coyote White and white with an Uncle Ed's Puking Sunset  fly behind it.  Spoons-- STINGRAY  Mixed Veggie, blue veggie, NbK,  Blue Mongoose, Blue Dolphins, Green Bubble, Orange on Orange Pro King, Craigs Steelhead Bait.  As our winds move the water--the fish will follow so be sure to have an open mind as to where to start.  We are also seeing some Lake Trout and Steelhead mixed in with the catches.  For those thinking about booking a trip--the next 4 weeks are prime time for fishing.  We have openings during the week and some weekend dates still available.--not many but some.   Most have been filling up fast--but give us a call and we will try to work you in. Fishing should continue to be consistent like this in the weeks to come.  Grab that rod--and get out fishing.

Good Luck!

August 9,2006

Fishing is excellent!  We are seeing nice catches of King Salmon--the big ones pushing into the 20 lb range.    Many quality fish from 10-15 lbs being caught also.  The consistent water has been from 100-150 ft range--- and fish are being caught from anywhere from 70-200 feet of water.  Fish are coming between 55-130 ft down with the 60-90 range being very production---Deep wire divers in the 115-150 range as of late.  Leadcore from 8 colors to double core.  The white coyote with  Snow Ghost/and green or purple bead Mirage later has been very consistent.  Also the White and Blue Slick spindoctor with blue bubble fly has been good.  Spoons---STINGER Stingray size Mixed Veggie-- Blue Veggie, NBK, Green Bubble, and Chip's Shanster have been good.  Get out and enjoy the good fishing and weather.

Good Luck

August 2, 2006

Warm weather is in full force and fishing still remains good. King Salmon are still in the area--as of late they require a little more work  to get them-- but they are here.    Best depth of water is in the 100-150 ft range with most of the fish coming anywhere from 65 ft on down to the bottom on the riggers.  Deep wire divers in the 150-180 range and high divers in the 200-240 range have been productive as well as lead cores over 13 colors and/or with clip weights and copper wire setups  300-400 out.  Baits of choice---White and white Coyote with the Snow Ghost early and then Green beaded mirage later down deep in the 90-130 range. White and blue slick revelator with a blue bubble fly on the deep wire divers, white and white Spindoctor with a Pickled Sunshine has also been productive.  White with Green fishscale Spindoctor with Pickled Sunshine, and for spoons--Veggies and dolphins in the Stingray size have been good slider baits and working on the lead and copper.  (dolphins before the sun gets up too high)   Other good baits  have been the NBK,   Chrome with Green edge, and Blue Mongoose Stingray.   Fishing should remain consistent--North winds in the next few days will cool water temperatures.   A busy week in Grand Haven--the Coast Guard festival is this week--Lots of activities and ships in the harbor---ending with a one of a kind fireworks display on the harbor Saturday night.  

Good Luck!

July 25, 2006

Fishing is still fantastic in Grand Haven with many limit catches of King Salmon.  These fish are still in the 8-20 lb range.  The fish have been on the move--water cooled near the pier over the weekend-- fish were there until yesterday--then a strong Southwest wind warmed this water and pushed the fish back offshore as of this morning.  Best depths of water as of this morning was anywhere from 65-115 Feet of water and from 45 on down to the bottom on downriggers.  Lead cores from 7-13 colors was very succesful, divers anywhere from 115-167 on the wire divers and 180-225 on the high divers.  Coyote dodger and Snow Ghost down deep  on the riggers and White with glow slick dodger and artic ice, and white and blue dodger with the blue bubble fly on the wire divers.   Best spoons continue to be the blue dolphins, Mixed and blue veggies, Chips Shanster in the Stingray size, Blue Bubble Stingray, Glow Puke Stingray.  Fishing has been steady and consistent--  We have open dates available -- and will be glad to give a more detailed report--just give us a call.

Good Luck!

July 18,2006

Fishing has gone from steady to fantastic in Grand Haven with many limits of Big King Salmon being taken.  The Kings are still in the 10-20 lb range and there have been some Steelhead as well.  The fish are being taken in 85-140 Feet of Water and out of temperature.  The best has been anywhere from 67 on down to the bottom on downriggers, Dipsy divers from 139-249 back and Leadcore from 1 full core(10 colors) on out to 2 cores(20 colors.)  Flasher and fly combinations are now producing well---White with blue inlay and blue bubble fly, (hot -hot-on the divers) White and green inlay with liquid and or pickled sunshine.   White with crushed glow and Artic Ice early switching to Mirage later in the day.  A white Coyote with a white fly or Grn and or purple beaded Mirage has been good too.  Spoons:  Blue Dolphins early, NBK, Mixed Veggies, Alfonze,  Glow Puke Stinger, Craigs Steelhead, Double Orange Curshed, Blue Veggies,  and Blue Coyote.  These salmon are quality fish--producing nice runs-- and nice fillets to bring home.        Get out on the lake and drop those lines.

Good Luck!!

July 12,2006

Fishing has been staying steady now with King Salmon being the mainstay- kings in the 10-18 lb range have been plentiful .. --We did get a bonus session on Saturday morning--cold water moved in front of the Grand Haven channel and plenty of Big King Salmon were right there._-pics to follow--That cold water only lasted one day and now the fish are in that 80-110 range--Just a little teaser for what is to come in about a month when the fish begin their spawning journey.   There have been some Steelhead being caught as well as Lake Trout mixed in.  Downriggers from 59-to the bottom with the 75 and down being the best.  Spin Doctors White and White with Pickled Sunshine and white fly,  Green and Slick with Liquid Sunshine, White and Green Fishscale and the White Coyote with White fly.  Spoons--Blue Dolphins, Craigs Steelhead, Green Dolphins, Blue Coyote and Kevorkian Coyote.  We will be updating fishing pics tomorrow. Good Luck.

July 5, 2006

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend.  Grand Haven fishing has improved during the past week.   Nice catches of King Salmon up to 16 lbs and very nice Steelhead have been the staple as of late.  These fish provide a nice fight and powerful runs.  There has been a nice supply of baitfish in the lake--we had a King salmon this past weekend with 31 baitfish in it (32 if you count the bait we caught it on)  This will help fatten those salmon up as our summer progresses.   Speaking of  bait--here are the latest details of what and where.  Fish are being caught in 80-115 feet of water, from 55 feet on down to the bottom.  Leadcore out 10 colors --or more--  and divers anywhere from 135-190.  The fish are now moving towards the flasher and fly bite--and should continue to do so.   White and white with artic ice fly, white and blue with the artic ice and/or blue bubble, White and light green with pickled sunshine have all been producing.  For the spoons--double orange crush, NBK natural born killer, Blue Mongoose all in the Stingray size.  Craig's steelhead bait, and alfonze have been taking steelhead as well.   We have another busy weekend in Grand Haven with the Sat July 8th Smoke on the Water Poker Run--featuring offshore performance boats starting from and coming back to Grand Haven  raising money for charity.  I will be posting another updated Grand Haven fishing report  this Friday. 

Good Luck!

June 28, 2006

Well since my last report, the fish have been a little tougher-.  Although the fish are scattered, we are still seeing nice King salmon up to the high teens and nice Steelhead.   Best depths of water as of late have been from 75-105 Feet of water--although some have been taken into 50-60 feet of water.  Spoons are still the dominate choice--5-15 colors of lead or down to 70 on the riggers.  Blue Mongoose, Veggies and Green Dolphins---a few on the White and White with Artic Ice rotating dodgers 190 out on divers.   Be sure to check out all of the activities in Grand Haven over the next week-  July 1st--the arrival of sailboats near our dock from  the overnight Queen's Cup race from Milwaukee.  If you are in Grand Haven for the 4th of July fireworks---be sure to stop by and say hi.   

Good Luck!

June 22,2006

Fishing has been down and up the past week--the good news is, we are on the upswing.  With the quick warming of the air and water temperatures as we typically get during this time in June during the past week or so, the fishing initially slowed but has now  settled in.   A nice  mixture of Kings salmon up to 16 lbs , Steelhead, and Brown trout are being caught between 60-135 Feet of water.    Fish are scattered thru the water column and best recommendations are to watch that water temp.  Spoons have been predominate;  Chrome and double orange, Fuzzy Bear Mixed Veggies, Mongoose, and Dolphins.  Best has been from the top to 65 down or more depending on your depth.   3-10 colors of core.  There are still a few trout being taken in 150 Feet of Water--near bottom on dodgers and p nuts and whirlygigs.   If you have a preferred date, make sure to check out our limited time specials --book those dates now and you will save $$$.    Summer has officially arrived--get out there and have some fun.  

Good Luck!

June 12,2006

The fish are currently scattered over a wide area with the advent of our strong Northwest winds the past few days bring cold water in. There have been some fish being caught at the Grand Haven pier area with King salmon up to 15 lb range being caught.  Best for these fish is Tomic plugs-Pearl and Black dot, and then Chrome with Orange Head.  Best bets are from the surface to 25 ft down(or less when in closer) and 3-5 colors of Lead.

Offshore fishing has been from 115-190 ft of water.  These fish are in clusters and are being taken anywhere from top to bottom.  Good spoons have been the Fuzzy Bear Mixed Veggies, Booger Green, Natural Born Killer,  Mongoose, and Dolphins.  Best depths 50-160 on the divers and up to 1.5 cores of lead.   A few fish have been taken and rotating dodgers and flies down deep--240-260 on the deep divers.  The offshore fish have been more of a mixed bag of King Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake Trout. 

Good Luck!