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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Experience some of the best freshwater fishing in the Midwest with Captain Matt on the open waters of Lake Michigan. Departing from Manistee, Michigan, this family-friendly charter is designed for anglers of all experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned fishermen looking to chase trophy fish on the Great Lakes.

During your trip, you'll troll productive waters in search of Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout. The waters off Manistee are known for producing excellent fishing throughout the season, and Captain Matt and his crew work hard to put guests in the best possible position for success.

You'll fish aboard a comfortable 28' Wellcraft Coastal equipped with modern electronics including GPS, radar, fishfinder, autopilot, and a clean enclosed restroom. All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and trolling gear are provided, so you can focus on enjoying the experience and fighting fish.

A professional first mate will be on board to assist throughout the trip, helping set lines, coach anglers, and keep everything running smoothly. Once you're back at the dock, your catch will be cleaned and packaged for transport so you can enjoy the fruits of your day on the water.

Just bring a valid Michigan fishing license for anglers 17 and older, along with your favorite snacks, drinks, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Whether you're introducing your family to Great Lakes fishing or checking a bucket-list salmon trip off your list, Captain Matt is committed to providing a fun, safe, and memorable day on Lake Michigan.

Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Languages

English

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	5 hours
1 Person	$700.00
2 People	$700.00
3 People	$700.00
4 People	$700.00

Pay 20% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Matt M.

Independent Guide

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Talkative

Intense

Instructional

About Your Guide

Matt M.

Independent Guide

Captain Matt has been passionate about fishing for his entire life. Growing up in Oklahoma and Texas, he spent his early years chasing Bass and Catfish before expanding his pursuits to some of North America's most sought-after game fish. Over the past decade, he has focused heavily on Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout, fishing waters that range from Alaska to the Great Lakes.

Today, Captain Matt shares that passion with guests on Lake Michigan, where he specializes in helping anglers experience the outstanding fishery off Manistee, Michigan. His goal is simple: provide every group with a safe, enjoyable fishing trip that creates lasting memories and keeps people coming back year after year.

Known for his patient, welcoming approach, Captain Matt enjoys working with anglers of all experience levels. Whether it's your first time holding a fishing rod or you're a seasoned Great Lakes fisherman, he'll work hard to ensure everyone aboard has an opportunity to learn, participate, and enjoy the experience.

When he's not on the water, Matt is also an accomplished outdoor writer whose work has been featured in publications including In-Fisherman and Great Lakes Angler. His deep knowledge of fisheries, fish behavior, and angling techniques helps make every trip both productive and educational.

Alongside experienced first mates Wiley and Jim, Captain Matt is dedicated to delivering a professional charter experience while showcasing everything that makes Manistee and Lake Michigan such special destinations for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Sand Bar Shark (I was told it was about 200 lbs) but it was a long time ago.😂

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

Grilled salmon steaks with smashed red skin potatoes and morel mushrooms. Mmmmmmm.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Sand Bar Shark (I was told it was about 200 lbs) but it was a long time ago.😂

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

Grilled salmon steaks with smashed red skin potatoes and morel mushrooms. Mmmmmmm.

What’s your favorite band?

Chris Stapleton (Best live performance I've ever seen) I also like Metallica and Skillet (if in the right mood)

What’s your favorite movie?

Tombstone

What’s your favorite sports team?

Detroit Lions

What’s your drink of choice?

Sugar free Red Bull and plane-jane H2O - (on the water) Guiness - (Off Duty)

What was your last halloween costume?

Geez. I honestly cant remember....but my wife once dressed as a traffic/construction barrell. 😂

What do you want for Christmas this year?

50 ft Viking wouldn't be a bad Santa gift (and a $250,000 pre-paid fuel card). 🎅

How did you get started guiding?

My wife and kids know how much I love to take people fishing and hunting and they finally convinced me to take the leap into guiding. I feel blessed every day to be on the water taking people fishing on Lake Michigan. God is good!

What makes you different from other guides?

I want folks to relax and have a fun time and leave with a shared memory to bring up year after year with their family and friends. I enjoy getting to know people and what they do.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Manistee, Michigan

Areas Fished

Lake Michigan

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Fishing On Lake Michigan!

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Wellcraft
Year Built: 1991
Boat Length: 28'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Wellcraft
Year Built: 1991
Boat Length: 28'
Boat Restroom: Yes
Engine Manufacturer: Crusader
Total Horsepower: 540
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Radar

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Languages

English

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Manistee Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.