Name: Playin Hooky
Address: Sheboygan, WI
Price range: $507 - $2660
Rating: 5

About Your Guide

A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

David Lutze

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 21 years of exp.

Talkative

Intense

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Hi, my name is Captain Dave. I grew up fishing in Wisconsin, and my first experiences on Lake Michigan were fishing for jumbo perch out of a 12 foot rowboat! Just after I graduated from high school, a friend introduced me to the trout and salmon game. I immediately started looking for work with other reputable charters in the area. In 2010, after three seasons of being a first mate, I decided to get my captain’s license.

The 2025 season will be my 19th in the charter fishing industry! In that time, I have developed relationships with other local recreational and charter fishermen, and have gained an incredible amount of knowledge about targeting Great Lakes salmon and trout. Every trip is an adventure!

I am passionate about the outdoors, and love all types of hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreation. During the fall, winter, and spring I can be found teaching in a classroom in a nearby district. It is my pleasure to share my knowledge of Lake Michigan with all my charter fishing guests. If you want...

About Your Guide

David Lutze

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 21 years of exp.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

I caught a 180 pound yellowfin tuna in Mexico!

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Wisconsin Fish Fry

What’s your favorite band?

I like a lot of different music. I flip between the country, pop, and rock stations.

What’s your favorite movie?

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

I caught a 180 pound yellowfin tuna in Mexico!

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Wisconsin Fish Fry

What’s your favorite band?

I like a lot of different music. I flip between the country, pop, and rock stations.

What’s your favorite movie?

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

What’s your favorite sports team?

Packers

What’s your drink of choice?

Bubblr or Diet Cola

What was your last halloween costume?

A hospital patient. It was a gown, socks, undies, and a pee bottle filled with apple juice that I sipped on.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

World Peace

How did you get started guiding?

I called around and was hired on as a mate for a couple different Charter businesses.

What makes you different from other guides?

I want fishing to be fun. Guiding can make a lot of guys pretty uptight because we're at the mercy of nature. I want every trip to be fun whether the fishing is good or not.

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Sheboygan Lake Michigan Fishing

100% (5) Sheboygan, WI 1 - 12 People 3 - 10 Hours From $507

Sheboygan Wisconsin Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan

Chinook Salmon Fishing in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

About Your Trip

Head out with Captain David for an unforgettable day of trolling the legendary waters of Lake Michigan out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers action and excitement for everyone on board.

From May through early October, you’ll be targeting a variety of prized cold-water species using tried-and-true trolling techniques with artificial lures. As the lines go out and the lures dive, get ready for hard-fighting bites from Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and even the occasional Pink Salmon. These waters are known for their productivity, and Captain David knows exactly where to go to put you on the fish.

Your adventure takes place aboard a 36’ Chris Craft sportfisher, built to handle the big water of the Great Lakes with ease. Outfitted with twin 350 HP Mercruiser engines (700 total HP), this classic boat offers a smooth, stable ride with plenty of seating, a full restroom on board, and all the equipment you’ll need for a successful day of trolling. From the well-maintained gear to the federally permitted offshore capabilities, this boat is dialed in for serious fishing.

Trips range from 3 to 10 hours, with flexible departure times at 4:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:30 PM, allowing you to choose the best time to hit the water based on your schedule—or the bite.

Captain David is joined by a professional first mate, who’ll be right there with you throughout the trip to set lines, land fish, and make sure your day runs smoothly. The mate works for tips, and a 15–20% gratuity is customary and always appreciated for their hard work.

Once the cooler's loaded with fresh catch, Captain David will even clean and prepare your fish back at the dock—so all you need to think about is how you're going to enjoy it later!

This trip is kid-friendly, disability-friendly, and ready to welcome anglers of all experience levels. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks (just no glass, please), and get ready to experience the thrill of trolling Lake Michigan with one of Sheboygan’s most knowledgeable captains.

Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Physicality

This trip requires an easy level of physical activity.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Sheboygan Lake Michigan Fishing

Boat Type: Sportfisher
Boat Manufacturer: Chris Craft
Year Built: 1985
Boat Length: 36'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Sportfisher
Boat Manufacturer: Chris Craft
Year Built: 1985
Boat Length: 36'
Boat Restroom: Yes
Engine Manufacturer: Mercruiser
Total Horsepower: 700
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: Ample Seating, Radio, All Fishing Equipment needed for Great Lakes Trolling, Bathroom

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Recent Reviews of Playin Hooky

5.0

based on 4 reviews

Patricia

Verified Review

We had a lot of fun with captain Jim and first mate Nolan! They made it fun for our two kids too! We’re so happy we booked with them! So knowledgeable, fun, and friendly!

Patricia

Verified Review

We had a lot of fun with captain Jim and first mate Nolan! They made it fun for our two kids too! We’re so happy we booked with them! So knowledgeable, fun, and friendly!

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Alina

Verified Review

Had a great trip! Nice and chill, very patient. Tyler was friendly and helpful.

Alina

Verified Review

Had a great trip! Nice and chill, very patient. Tyler was friendly and helpful.

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Jessamy

Verified Review

Amazing trip for the whole family!

Jessamy

Verified Review

Amazing trip for the whole family!

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Becky

Verified Review

Captain Dave and First Mate Quinn were awesome! Very knowledgeable and friendly! They made it feel like we've been friends for a long time. The excitement from Capt. Dave every time a fish was on the line made it even more fun. Would definitely recommend these guys if you're looking for a charter!!

Becky

Verified Review