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Family Friendly 36' Tiara Lake Michigan Charter
Lake MichiganWhat you will be catching:
Brown Trout
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Steelhead Trout
- 5-hour private charter on spacious 36' Tiara accommodates up to six guests
- All fishing equipment provided plus catch cleaning and packaging service included
- Year-round Lake Michigan fishing targets salmon, trout, and steelhead by season
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
5-Hour Family Fishing Adventure on Lake Michigan
Looking for a fishing trip that works for the whole family? Captain Brian's got you covered with this top-rated 5-hour charter aboard his spacious 36' Tiara. This isn't your typical "sit quietly and hope for the best" fishing experience – it's designed specifically for families with kids 6 and up who want to get into some real action on Lake Michigan. You'll be trolling for salmon and trout in one of the Great Lakes' most productive fishing grounds, and with room for up to six people, it's perfect for bringing along grandparents, cousins, or that family friend who's always wanted to try their luck on the big water.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Brian runs a relaxed operation that's all about making sure everyone has a good time, especially the kids. His 36' Tiara gives you plenty of room to move around – important when you've got excited youngsters who want to see everything that's happening. The boat's set up with comfortable seating and enough space that nobody feels cramped during the 5-hour trip. You'll head out onto Lake Michigan's open waters where the fishing is consistent and the scenery's pretty spectacular. Brian knows these waters like the back of his hand and has a knack for finding fish while keeping things fun and educational for the younger anglers. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from rods and reels to all the tackle you'll need. Plus, Brian takes care of cleaning and packaging your catch at the end of the day, so you can focus on the fishing instead of the messy stuff.
Trolling Techniques & Setup
This trip is all about trolling, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find fish on Lake Michigan. Brian sets up multiple lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to spread your presentation across a wide area. It's a great technique for families because once the lines are set, there's less of the constant casting and reeling that can wear out younger arms. Instead, you'll cruise along at a steady pace while the lures work their magic below. When a fish hits, the rod tips will dance and the reels will start singing – that's when the real fun begins. Brian uses a mix of spoons, plugs, and flies depending on what the fish are hitting, and he's always happy to explain what's working and why. The kids love seeing all the different lures and learning about how depth, speed, and presentation make the difference between a slow day and a fish-filled cooler.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Michigan serves up an amazing variety of salmonids, and each species brings its own personality to the fight. Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the lake – these silver bullets will jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight, putting on a show that gets everyone on the boat excited. They typically run 3-8 pounds and are most active from late spring through early fall. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays that make for great photos and even better memories.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of freshwater fishing. These chrome-bright fighters will take long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. They're available year-round but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. Steelhead can reach 15+ pounds in Lake Michigan, and their combination of size, strength, and stamina makes them a favorite among serious anglers. Kids love the way they fight – lots of action without being too overwhelming to handle.
Brown Trout are the crafty veterans that keep you guessing. These golden-sided beauties are notorious for their wariness and their preference for deeper, cooler water. They're most active during spring and fall, and Lake Michigan's browns can reach trophy proportions – we're talking fish over 20 pounds. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability; they might slug it out deep or come up and thrash on the surface.
Lake Trout are the gentle giants of the deep. These native char prefer the coldest water and can live for decades, growing to impressive sizes. They're available year-round and provide steady action when other species are finicky. Lake trout fight with a heavy, throbbing pull that's different from the flashier salmon species, and they're excellent eating. Their mottled coloration and prehistoric appearance always fascinate the kids, and catching one feels like pulling up a piece of Lake Michigan's natural history.
Time to Book Your Spot
This family-friendly charter hits all the right notes – experienced captain, comfortable boat, productive fishing, and a format that works great for kids and adults alike. Captain Brian's approach takes the stress out of fishing with children while still delivering the kind of action that keeps everyone engaged. The 5-hour timeframe is perfect too; long enough to get into some good fishing without testing the patience of younger crew members. Remember, you'll need valid Michigan fishing licenses for everyone who plans to fish, and the trip accommodates up to six people. With all gear provided and your catch cleaned and packaged, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe some snacks for the kids. Lake Michigan's salmon and trout fishing is world-class, and there's something special about sharing that experience with the next generation of anglers.
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Browns are the wariest trout in Lake Michigan, but also some of the biggest - we see fish from 3-15 pounds regularly. These golden-brown beauties with black spots love deeper water during summer, often 40-80 feet down near drop-offs and structure. Fall brings the best fishing when they feed aggressively before spawning. What makes browns special is their fighting spirit and excellent table fare - firm, mild flesh that's hard to beat. They're also the most challenging to fool, which keeps things interesting. Local tip: browns often feed at night, so early morning and late evening trips can be money. Don't be afraid to fish near bottom structure where they ambush prey.
Coho Salmon
Silver salmon are one of Lake Michigan's most acrobatic fighters, averaging 8-12 pounds with chrome-bright sides and dark backs. These aggressive predators cruise the mid-water column, typically 20-60 feet down, chasing baitfish schools. Peak action runs from late spring through early fall when water temps hit their sweet spot. What makes coho special is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during the fight. The orange-pink meat is outstanding eating too. My go-to tip: when you see one jump, immediately drop your rod tip to keep tension while giving them slack to land. That prevents thrown hooks on their wild leaps.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the heavyweights of our deep, cold waters - think 15-40 pound fish that fight like bulldogs. These gray-green giants with cream markings stay deep most of the year, often 60-150 feet down in the coldest water they can find. Spring offers the best shallow-water opportunities right after ice-out, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. Lakers are prized for their size and the challenge of deep-water fishing. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for smoking. My advice: use heavy jigs and don't be afraid to really work them vertically. Lakers like an aggressive jigging motion that mimics wounded baitfish falling through the water column.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are basically rainbow trout that live like salmon, spending years in the big water before heading to tributaries. In Lake Michigan, they average 24 inches and fight like fish twice their size - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. We find them cruising various depths depending on season, but they love structure and temperature breaks. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What sets steelhead apart is their stamina - they just don't quit. Plus, that bright silver color and pink stripe make them beautiful fish. Here's a local secret: when trolling, try running your steelhead rigs slightly faster than your salmon gear. They like that aggressive presentation.
About the 36' Tiara 1988
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350
