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.

Reserve Your Trip

Total

NEW

Select a date to view pricing. The date you selected is no longer available. Please select another date.

Date

Select a group size to view pricing.

Select an animal to view pricing.

Select a duration to view pricing.

Select a start time to check out.

You won't be charged yet

Total

Browse Similar Trips

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

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 onto Lake Michigan with Captain Mike for a classic Great Lakes trolling trip targeting some of the hardest-fighting fish in freshwater!

Leaving from St. Joseph, you'll fish the productive waters of southern Lake Michigan for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Brown Trout. The exact game plan changes throughout the season as Captain Mike follows the fish and adjusts to current conditions.

You'll primarily troll Lake Michigan using proven Great Lakes setups to cover water and put your group in position for a bite. Fishing commonly takes place several miles offshore, but Captain Mike typically stays within about a 30-minute run of the harbor.

Your ride for the day is a spacious 36' Trojan motor yacht powered by twin 350 HP Crusader engines. With room for up to 6 guests, the boat offers plenty of space for your crew and comes equipped with GPS, fishfinder, radar, refrigerator, kitchen, ice box, multimedia system, sleeping accommodations, and a private bathroom with a full toilet and running-water sink.

Captain Mike provides the rods, reels, tackle, and lures you'll need, and a First Mate will be aboard to help keep lines working and make your day run smoothly. Once you're back at the dock, your catch will also be cleaned, filleted, and bagged at no additional charge.

Kids are welcome, and Captain Mike and his First Mate enjoy introducing younger anglers to Great Lakes fishing. Bring a packed lunch, drinks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and clothing appropriate for changing conditions on the lake. Pants are recommended regardless of the weather. Alcohol is welcome in moderation, but please leave hard liquor and glass bottles at home.

Everyone fishing will need a valid Michigan fishing license before the trip. Gratuity for the First Mate is not included, and 10–20% is customary for a job well done.

Whether you're chasing your first Lake Michigan Salmon or looking to put another trophy Great Lakes fish in the net, Captain Mike and his crew are ready to show you what St. Joseph fishing is all about!

Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, 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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

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.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

Pricing Matrix

	5 hours	7 hours
1 Person	$700.00	$800.00
2 People	$700.00	$800.00
3 People	$700.00	$800.00
4 People	$700.00	$800.00
5 People	$800.00	$900.00
6 People	$900.00	$1,000.00

Pay $200 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Mike J.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Instructional

Intense

Comfortable

Beginner Oriented

Quality

About Your Guide

Mike J.

Independent Guide

Captain Mike is an experienced Great Lakes angler who spends his seasons following some of southwest Michigan's most exciting fisheries. From trolling the open waters of Lake Michigan for Salmon and Trout to chasing migrating Salmon and Steelhead on the St. Joseph River, Mike knows how to adjust with the seasons and put his guests around fish.

He's joined by a First Mate on his Lake Michigan trips and welcomes anglers of all experience levels, including families and kids. Whether you're learning the ropes or already have plenty of fishing experience under your belt, Mike and his crew work hard to keep the day fun, comfortable, and focused on putting fish in the boat.

With years of local experience and purpose-built boats for both the big lake and the river, Captain Mike is ready to show you what makes southwest Michigan such a special place to fish!

Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

49# catfish

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

Steaks on grill

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

49# catfish

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

Steaks on grill

What’s your favorite band?

All genres

What’s your favorite movie?

Brave heart

What’s your favorite sports team?

College football

What’s your drink of choice?

Coffee

What was your last halloween costume?

None

What do you want for Christmas this year?

To go fishing

How did you get started guiding?

I was spawned not born.

What makes you different from other guides?

Rule 1: Have fun Rule 2 : Hurt fishes feelings

Scroll for more

Start Location & Lodging Options

St. Joseph, Michigan

Areas Fished

Lake Michigan

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Yacht
Boat Manufacturer: Trojan
Year Built: 1988
Boat Length: 36'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Yacht
Boat Manufacturer: Trojan
Year Built: 1988
Boat Length: 36'
Boat Restroom: Yes
Engine Manufacturer: Crusader
Total Horsepower: 700
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Bed, Kitchen, Refrigerator, Multimedia system, Ice box, Radar

Scroll for more

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, 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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

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.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent St. Joseph 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

Everything Else to Know

A packed lunch and drinks, ice chest for fish, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a positive attitude.

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 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 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.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

Lucinda

Verified Review

It was more than I expected and seamless. I would highly recommend Captain Experiences.

Lucinda

Verified Review

It was more than I expected and seamless. I would highly recommend Captain Experiences.

Scroll for more

Trip: Key West On Light Tackle & Flies

Jamie

Verified Review

Great trip on short notice

Jamie

Verified Review

Great trip on short notice

Scroll for more

Trip: Inshore Emerald Coast

Jared

Verified Review

Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!

Jared

Verified Review

Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!

Scroll for more

Trip: Niceville Gulf Fishing

Bill

Verified Review

Great day with a guide I highly recommend. Five stars

Bill

Verified Review

Great day with a guide I highly recommend. Five stars

Scroll for more

Trip: Flats And Backwaters On Artificials

George

Verified Review

Excellent! Fun and engaging.
Will be back!

George

Verified Review

Excellent! Fun and engaging. Will be back!

Scroll for more

Trip: Islamorada Angling Excursion

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.