Frequently Asked Questions About Your Charter

Embark on your next fishing, sailing, diving, or adventure excursion with a seasoned pro and elevate your experience to new heights. With a professional captain at the helm, success is virtually guaranteed. Here's why: Top-of-the-Line Equipment: Pros are equipped with the best gear, ensuring optimal performance and reliability throughout your journey.Years of Expertise: Benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over years of navigating the Great Lakes. Your captain's expertise paves the way for a seamless and enjoyable trip every time. Don't settle for anything less than excellence. Choose a professional charter captain and make your next adventure on the Great Lakes an unforgettable one."

Q: How do I choose a Captain?

A:: Once you decide what port you want to fish you can choose from a selection of captains. All captains have phone numbers and will let you know about fishing, available dates, and everything you need to make your charter enjoyable.

Q: Where do Michigan Charter Boat captains operate?

A:: Michigan has over 100 ports and five Great Lakes with various marinas and launch ramps. Charter captains operate from these locations. See:Lake Michigan Fishing Charters | Lake Huron Fishing Charters | Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Charters | Lake St. Clair Fishing Charters | Lake Superior Fishing Charters , or Shipwreck Dives, Sailboat Charters, or Sight Seeing Cruises. The entire coast of Michigan is over 3000 miles long.

Q: What requirements do MCBA captains need? A:Michigan fishing Charters captains are required by federal law to have a United States Coast Guard (USCG) license. In addition, and for your safety, the USCG requires all licensed operators to be enrolled in a random drug testing program. USCG also requires all vessels for hire to be documents and routinely inspected. The state of Michigan also requires charters vessels to pass state inspection.

Q: Who could enjoy a charter boat? A: Michigan Fishing Charters can be enjoyed by a single person, a family with young children or any type of group. Many charter specialists are also willing to give handicapped clients special consideration.

Q: Are charter boats licensed? A: Yes...fishing charter boats of six passengers or less are state inspected. Seven passengers or more are U.S. Coast Guard inspected. All captains listed in the Michigan Charter Boat directory are U.S. Coast Guard licensed operators.

Q: When using a fishing charter, do I need a fishing license? A: Yes, Michigan law requires that anyone fishing in Michigan waters be licensed. When you make your fishing charter reservation ask your fishing charter captain if they sell Michigan fishing licenses on board their charter boat.

Q: Where can I purchase a Michigan Fishing License? A: Michigan Fishing Licenses can be purchased on line at www.mdnr-elicense.com/Welcome/Default.aspx

Q: What type of fish can be caught on fishing charter? A: Depending on whether you choose your Michigan Fishing Charter on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie , or Lake St. Clair, you can catch chinook salmon, steelhead, (rainbow trout), coho salmon, brown trout, lake trout, pink salmon, and warmer water species like walleye, perch, musky, bass. See Michigan Fish species for types of fish you can catch on your next Michigan Fishing Charter.

Q: When I make Michigan charter boat reservations, what type of questions should I ask?
A: It's wise to ask questions about...

Q: What about other Michigan lakes and rivers?

A: In some cases, Michigan charters have access to other Michigan lakes and rivers (Au Sable River, Big Manistee , Betsie River, Grand River, Detroit River, Kalamazoo River, Muskegon River, Saginaw River, St. Clair River, St. Joseph River, St. Mary's River). Ask your reservations agent about this.

Q: I still have questions, can I call the MCBA office?

A: Yes, we're here to help. Give us a call at 800-622-2971

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Discover the adventure awaiting you with the Michigan Charter Boat Association! With a fleet of over 600 skilled captains, we offer unparalleled experiences across more than 100 ports throughout Michigan. Embark on thrilling fishing charters amidst the vast expanse of the Great Lakes, or explore the tranquil beauty of Michigan's rivers and streams with our expert River Guides. Sail away into the sunset from numerous picturesque ports with our Sailboat Charters, or delve into the mysterious depths of Michigan's shipwreck dive preserves on our Scuba Dive charters. Or for a more relaxed journey, indulge in scenic cruises along Michigan's stunning shoreline, taking in the majestic lighthouses and breathtaking vistas. Whether you seek an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a serene lake vacation, our captains and their vessels are here to make your experience unforgettable. Not only do these experiences provide unmatched excitement and relaxation, but they also play a vital role in Michigan's tourism economy. Rest assured, all Michigan Charter Boat Association captains and vessels adhere to the highest standards of safety and compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Join us today and let the Michigan Charter Boat Association be your gateway to the wonders of Michigan's waters!

©1998 - Michigan Charter Boat Association

The Michigan Charter Boat Association is a federally recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and recognized for tax-deductible giving by the federal government. Need help? Call 1-800-622-2971