Q: Do we need fishing licenses?

A: If you are 17 years of age or older, you will need to have a legal fishing license. You can
obtain these through the Michigan DNR or through a local Michigan DNR license retailer.
Michigan residents can obtain a license for the entire year for $26 or do a 24-hour fishing
license for $10. Non-Michigan residents can obtain a license for the entire year for $76, do a

3-day license for $30, or do a 24-hour fishing license for $10.

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Q: What do I bring?

A: You will need to bring the proper clothing to stay cool, warm, and dry. It is also recommended that you bring sunglasses and sunscreen (Non-Spray sunscreen is only allowed on the boat). We recommend that you bring a cooler to leave in your vehicle/at the dock to put your fish fillets in at the end of the charter and also a cooler to put any food and drink in to bring on the boat with you. We do ask that you try and avoid bringing any glass on the boat if possible. Alcohol is allowed if the group is responsible! Captain Ryan has the right to refuse any drinking on the boat and the right to cancel any trip that jeopardizes the safety of the crew or group. We love for our customers to have a good time, but safety and acting respectfully are what matters the most. If a trip is to be canceled due to alcohol abuse, the customer will still be charged for the full trip.

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Q: Are we allowed to smoke on the boat?

A: No smoking is allowed on the boat.

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Q: What do I do if I get motion/sea-sick?

A: The most effective remedies seem to be the patch behind the ear and Dramamine. Make sure you take it as recommended by medical professionals to be effective by the time of your trip.

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Q: What happens if someone in our group gets sea-sick?

A: In the beginning, it is up to the individual/group. In most cases, once someone gets sick on the water, they are not going to feel better until we arrive back to port. Captain Ryan holds the right to cancel the trip if someone increasingly gets worse as it could become a major medical hazard. It is important to know, that if the trip gets canceled short, the customer is still charged for the full trip.

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Q: What/why do I tip a mate?

A: In most service industries, most people make their living from tips. As a first mate, this does not differ. A trip's success relies heavily on the hard work and help of a good first mate. It is standard that I communicate up-front with my customers and expect a 20-30% tip for the mate's work and time to make your trip special.

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Q: How long is a charter trip?

A: Charter trips are for a designated amount of time (i.e. 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours). This includes from when you leave the dock and until you return to the dock and get fish cleaned. The amount of time you actually fish is determined on what the fish are doing and how far we have to run to get to them. This will all be communicated prior to your trip.

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Q: What type of weather do we fish in?

A: We will fish in any weather there is, as long as the lake is not too rough or if there is lightning/severe weather. We can easily fish in large waves, but I make the call off how the waves are along with the overall size. There is nothing more important to me than the safety and comfortability of everyone on the boat. If it is too rough, it is not fun for anyone, and I will work closely with you to reschedule your trip. We usually make sure these calls are made 1-3 days in advance as the weather can change so quickly.

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Q: Do I need to bring any fishing equipment?

A: No, we have all the equipment required to ensure you have a successful trip.

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It is important that you communicate any questions you may have with Captain Ryan before your trip. He will do anything in his power to ensure you have a safe, fun, and successful trip.

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