Get ready for a half-day of pure fishing excitement on Lake Michigan with Maykin Baykin Charters! Whether you're new to fishing or a family looking for some quality time on the water, this 6-hour trip is tailor-made for you. We'll be trolling the big lake, targeting some of the most prized catches around - Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead. It's the perfect intro to what makes fishing Lake Michigan so darn special. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We've got room for up to 6 guests, making it ideal for small groups or families. While we don't provide meals, you're welcome to bring snacks or a picnic to keep your energy up. Trust me, you'll want to stay alert - the fish are always biting!
Alright, let's talk about how we fish Lake Michigan. We use a technique called trolling, which is basically dragging lures behind the boat as we cruise along. It's a great way to cover a lot of water and find where the fish are hanging out. We'll set up multiple lines with different lures and depths to increase our chances. Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew will handle all the technical stuff. Your job is to keep an eye on those rod tips and be ready to grab one when it starts bouncing! We use top-notch gear, including downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones hide. The boat's equipped with fish finders too, so we can spot schools and structure that hold fish. It's like a high-tech treasure hunt, and the treasure is delicious!
Folks, let me tell you - once you've fished Lake Michigan, you're hooked for life. There's something magical about being out on that big blue water, with the skyline of Chicago or Milwaukee off in the distance. The fishing here is world-class, plain and simple. You've got a real shot at landing a trophy-sized salmon or trout that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. But it's not just about the fish - it's the whole experience. The fresh air, the gentle rocking of the boat, the camaraderie with your fishing buddies or family. And when that reel starts screaming and you're locked in battle with a hard-fighting Lake Michigan bruiser, well, that's a rush you can't get anywhere else. Our customers tell us time and time again that it's these moments that keep them coming back year after year.
"We had such a great time! The crew was fantastic—friendly, helpful, and clearly knew their stuff. It was a real pleasure spending the day with them." - Patricia
"It was our first visit to the area, so we booked a half-day trip without knowing quite what to expect—and it ended up being amazing! Kevin and Steve were incredible—super knowledgeable, helpful, and a lot of fun to be around. They handled our group, which included young kids, teens, and adults, with ease and made sure everyone had a great time. The fish were biting, and we brought home some beautiful salmon. Can't recommend them enough!" - Meredith
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are a favorite among Lake Michigan anglers. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. They typically range from 2-10 pounds, with the average being around 5-6 pounds. Spring and early summer are prime times for Cohos, but we catch them throughout the season. They're often found in the top 30 feet of water, making for some exciting surface action.
Steelhead Trout: Also known as Rainbow Trout, these fish are prized for their hard-fighting nature and tasty fillets. Lake Michigan Steelhead can grow up to 20 pounds, though most are in the 5-10 pound range. They're available year-round but really turn on in the spring and fall. Steelhead are known for their spectacular jumps and long runs, so hold on tight when you hook one!
Chinook Salmon: Often called King Salmon, and for good reason. These are the big boys of Lake Michigan, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. The largest Chinook ever caught in the lake was a whopping 47 pounds! Late summer and early fall are peak seasons for Kings, as they prepare for their spawning run. Landing one of these brutes is a true test of an angler's skill and endurance.
Lake Trout: These deep-water denizens are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan. They're slow-growing but long-lived, with some fish reaching 30+ years old. Lake Trout typically range from 5-20 pounds, with bigger specimens possible. They're available year-round and are often found in deeper water, especially during the warmer months. Lake Trout put up a dogged fight and are excellent eating, especially when smoked.
Listen up, folks - if you're looking for a top-rated fishing experience on Lake Michigan, you've found it. Our 6-hour trip with Maykin Baykin Charters is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course) in the world of Great Lakes fishing. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to make sure you have an awesome day on the water. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big King Salmon or just want to spend some quality time with the family, we've got you covered. The fish are out there waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of that first big hit on your line. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go fishing! Book your trip today and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on Lake Michigan. See you on the water!
May 24, 2025
ChatGPT said: It was our first visit to the area, so we booked a half-day trip without knowing quite what to expect—and it ended up being amazing! Kevin and Steve were incredible—super knowledgeable, helpful, and a lot of fun to be around. They handled our group, which included young kids, teens, and adults, with ease and made sure everyone had a great time. The fish were biting, and we brought home some beautiful salmon. Can’t recommend them enough!
June 21, 2024
Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Michigan. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them cruising the open lake, often hanging deep in cooler water. Kings are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights - when you hook one, you're in for a battle! Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move closer to shore. These fish hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats a whole herring rigged behind a flasher. When trolling for kings, make long passes and be patient - sometimes it takes a while to find the active fish. But when you do, hold on tight! For best results, focus on steep break lines and underwater structures where kings ambush bait. The firm, rich meat of a king salmon makes for some incredible table fare too.
Coho salmon are a favorite target on Lake Michigan, known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. These silvery fish typically run 8-12 pounds, though 20+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them cruising the open lake, often in the top 30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move closer to shore. Cohos are aggressive strikers and will hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats a flashy spoon trolled behind a downrigger. When you hook one, get ready for some exciting jumps! These fish can leap 6 feet out of the water. For best results, vary your trolling speed and depth until you find the active fish. Coho fillets make for some mighty fine eating too - their bright orange flesh is hard to beat on the grill.
Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Michigan, with trophy fish topping 20-30 pounds. These deep-water predators spend most of their time near the bottom in cold, well-oxygenated water. You'll find them along underwater humps, shelves and other structure. Spring and fall are great times to target lakers as they move shallower. These fish aren't known for acrobatics, but they put up a stubborn, bulldogging fight. Jigging is a popular technique - drop heavy jigs tipped with cut bait right on their noses. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard! For best results, use your electronics to find schools of baitfish near the bottom. Lake trout flesh is rich and flavorful, especially when smoked. Just watch out for the bones!
Steelhead are like supercharged rainbow trout, spending part of their lives in the big lake before returning to rivers to spawn. In Lake Michigan, they average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. These silver bullets are prized for their hard-charging runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. You'll find them throughout the lake, often suspending over deep water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they stage near river mouths. Steelhead will hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats the thrill of watching one slam a trolled plug. When you hook up, hang on tight - these fish can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds! For best results, focus on temperature breaks and look for bait balls on your fish finder. Steelhead put up an amazing fight and make for some tasty eating too.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 27
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330
We had such a great time! The crew was fantastic—friendly, helpful, and clearly knew their stuff. It was a real pleasure spending the day with them.