Helpful Information

• Yes! Everyone on board 17 and older must have an all species fishing license when charter boat fishing. They can be purchased online at www.mdnr-elicense.com, local bait shops, and large retail stores like Walmart in Muskegon. In Michigan, charter boats don’t carry fishing licenses for customers, each individual is responsible for purchasing their own. If you are buying a daily license, we suggest you wait until the day prior and you have already gone over wind and wave conditions with your captain.

• We encourage people to apply sunscreen prior to arrival. We do request rinsing your hands after applying the sunscreen. If you are using spray sunscreen, please apply it at the dock and away from the fishing boats.

• Sunglasses and a hat are optimal while out charter boat fishing.
• "Dress for the weather, and then add a layer" is a phrase we use a lot in Muskegon!
• Raincoat, Jacket or Sweatshirt – Bring a sweatshirt or jacket for the morning and early evening or if a cold front should move in. The weather can change very quickly on the lake and rain may be unpredictable. 
• We recommend Whitewater Fishing Apparel for all your outdoor apparel needs. SSGS customers receive a 25% discount on all purchases!

• We do fish in the rain but your safety while charter boat fishing comes first. Based on the weather reports, advisories, and the anticipation of severe weather, our Captains may cancel your trip due to storms or high waves. We will do our best to reschedule you for an upcoming open date.

• Coolers! Please bring a small cooler with you packed with snacks and drinks. Also bring a cooler for transporting your cleaned catch that can stay in your vehicle.
• A camera - we want your trip to be as memorable as possible while fishing Muskegon! Feel free to take pictures of everything.

• While alcohol is allowed, we ask that you please be respectful. Please refrain from glass bottles. Any trip can, and will be cancelled for any persons becoming “out of control.” If a party member is beginning to get out of control, they will be reminded of the policy several times before the trip is cancelled. If a party member is compromising the safety of themselves or others, we will end the fishing trip and return immediately to port. You will not be issued a refund.

• Absolutely no illicit drugs of any sort are allowed on the vessel. Although different states may allow controlled substances, our licenses are Federally issued and we are not allowed to have any Federally illegal substances on board. Possession of any drugs on board will result in a cancelled fishing trip with no refund.

• Absolutely! We will clean and bag your catch free of charge.
• Because we fish the rivers in the fall, winter and spring, our captains will use the harvested fish eggs from the fishing trip as bait for the future. If you are planning on keeping eggs, please discuss this with your captain ahead of the trip.

• We don’t charge a fuel surcharge on any of our trips so there won’t be any unexpected costs at the end of your trip.
• Enjoying your fishing trip and don't want to go in yet? Additional time on the water can be agreed upon with your captain, provided our charter schedule allows. Additional time will be $100 per hour
• If you plan on paying with a credit card, there is an additional 5% fee.

• It is customary to tip the crew 20-25% for great service depending on your experience while charter fishing.
• Remember, we can’t control the fish or the fishing, but we can control how hard we work!

• Feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions about your upcoming fishing trip that aren't answered here or your confirmation email.
• Make sure you are in phone contact a few days before your planned fishing charter to go over weather, wind and wave forecasts and to secure start and end times for your trip.

• You should be ready to walk on the boat 5-10 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure time.
• Prior to that, our crew is prepping the boat to ensure you have a great experience. Feel free to use the Marina bathrooms or check out the on-site ship store that has all the necessary equipment, rigging, snacks and drinks before you shove off.
• If you are fishing an afternoon/evening charter, come a few hours early and grab lunch and a beverage at the Muskegon Brewing Company on-site!

www.mdnr-elicense.com

www.weather.com

www.glerl.noaa.gov

weather.noaa.gov

www.ndbc.noaa.gov

www.google.com/hotels

https://adelaidepointe.com/

https://muskegonbrewery.com/

https://www.visitmuskegon.org/restaurants/

https://www.visitmuskegon.org/things-to-do/