Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee

Join Reel To Real Fishing Charters and get ready for an incredible adventure on Lake Michigan! Captain Gabe Villarreal has been fishing these waters of Michigan for over 40 years and knows all the best spots to get you hooked. He caters his business to all types of anglers and invites families, kids, military veterans, and beginners for a productive day of fishing.

Your trip will take place on a 27’ Sea Ray Amberjack Express Cruiser. She’s equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, navigational equipment, fishing tackle, downriggers, and safety gear. Her cabin is spacious and has a flushable toilet, and a kitchen with a fridge.

To top it off, you’ll have a Bluetooth sound system, so you can listen to your favorite tunes while you fish. The boat accommodates up to 6 guests and everyone on board will be given top-quality rods and reels, made by Shimano, Okuma, and Daiwa.

When it comes to freshwater game fish, Lake Michigan is full of incredible opportunities. You’ll target Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as Steelhead, Brown, and Lake Trout. These species are fun and challenging for all levels of anglers, so no matter what, you’ll have your work cut out for you.

At the end of your trip, the crew will offer to clean your fish so you can enjoy the fresh catch-of-the-day. What better way to appreciate a long day of fishing than by savoring a delicious Trout or Salmon fillet?

Just remember to purchase a fishing license before you arrive. You can do so at any local retailer, such as Walmart, or at a bait and tackle store. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks, grab some sun protection, and dress according to the weather.

Capt. Gabe is excited to have you on board and show you some of Lake Michigan’s top-notch fishing grounds. Choose Reel To Real Fishing Charters for your next adventure, invite the family, and get ready to catch Salmon and Trout on Lake Michigan!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    MAY-JUNE SPECIAL 3/4 Day Trip (AM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 27 - Jun 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $600
    You think you got what it takes to fight King Salmon or subdue stealthy Steelhead? Lake Michigan's got great opportunities for both! You'll be trolling with up to 14 lines targeting Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as various types of Trout, including, Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. Fill the cooler up, have your catch cleaned and filleted, and head home to feed the family! A 6 hours dock-to-dock trip.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    MAY-JUNE SPECIAL-3/4 Day Trip (PM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 27 - Jun 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $600
    You think you got what it takes to fight King Salmon or subdue stealthy Steelhead? Lake Michigan's got great opportunities for both! You'll be trolling with up to 14 lines targeting Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as various types of Trout, including, Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. Fill the cooler up, have your catch cleaned and filleted, and head home to feed the family! A 6 hours dock-to-dock trip.
  • Private trip
    JULY SPECIAL-3/4 Day Trip (PM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Jul 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    You think you got what it takes to fight King Salmon or subdue stealthy Steelhead? Lake Michigan's got great opportunities for both! You'll be trolling with up to 14 lines targeting Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as various types of Trout, including, Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. Fill the cooler up, have your catch cleaned and filleted, and head home to feed the family! A 6 hours dock-to-dock trip.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip (AM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 14 - Sep 17
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $700
    You think you got what it takes to fight King Salmon or subdue stealthy Steelhead? Lake Michigan's got great opportunities for both! You'll be trolling with up to 14 lines targeting Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as various types of Trout, including, Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. Fill the cooler up, have your catch cleaned and filleted, and head home to feed the family! A 6 hours dock-to-dock trip.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip (PM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 14 - Sep 17
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $700
    If you'd rather sleep in, Reel To Real Fishing Charters offers afternoon fishing trips as well. You'll be trolling for various Salmon and Trout species along Lake Michigan. Be ready to put up a hard fight and work up an appetite. After the trip, you can have your catch cleaned so it's ready to throw on the grill once you get home! The trip is 6 hours dock to dock.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $700
    You think you got what it takes to fight King Salmon or subdue stealthy Steelhead? Lake Michigan's got great opportunities for both! You'll be trolling with up to 14 lines targeting Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as various types of Trout, including, Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. Fill the cooler up, have your catch cleaned and filleted, and head home to feed the family! A 6-hour dock-to-dock trip.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    9 Hour Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 14 - Sep 17
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $900
    Get ready for an exciting fishing trip on Lake Michigan! You'll be targeting Steelhead, Lake, and Brown Trout, as well as Chinook and Coho Salmon. Gear, tackle, and fish cleaning services are included in every trip. Just be sure to pick up a fishing license, grab sun protection, and bring some snacks and drinks, and the rest will be taken care of. The trip lasts for 9 hours dock to dock.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.6 / 5
out of 5 stars from 72 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (140)
Great trip, and found the fish!
Great trip, and found the fish!
Great trip, and found the fish!
+137
Angler rating
52
13
4
2
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
90%
Friendly captain
93%
Recommend this charter
89%
Appropriate for children
80%
Satisfied with the boat
93%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 72 reviews
Bryan A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Captain and Experience

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (AM) on July 20, 2024
We enjoyed our entire trip with Captain Gabe. He was flexible and patient which made an all around great experience. We caught...
Bryan A. recommends Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee
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  Gabe Villarreal Captain replied

Travis S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Salmon fishing

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (AM) on July 22, 2024
It was great weather and a little early for the salmon run so that made for some tough fishing. I was impressed how hard captain...
Travis S. recommends Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee
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You found this review helpful
  Gabe Villarreal Captain replied

Jacob W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip, and found the fish!

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (AM) on July 25, 2024
The Captain was easy going, had nice equipment, and got on the fish when most others that day was struggling. Would definitely...
Jacob W. recommends Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee
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You found this review helpful
  Gabe Villarreal Captain replied

Karl C.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Reel to real reality

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 5, 2023
Enjoyed trip with Captain Gabe. He was polite and knowledgeable of the lake and fishing.
Karl C. recommends Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee
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You found this review helpful
  Gabe Villarreal Captain replied

Ken B.
Imlay City, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

It’s called fishing and not catching for a reason…

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (PM) on August 6, 2022
Shu Weeeeee The fish were there they just wouldn’t bite… We had a great time with Captain Gabe… My Sea Ray balsa...
Ken B. recommends Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee
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You found this review helpful
  Gabe Villarreal Captain replied

FAQs about Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee

Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - MAY-JUNE SPECIAL 3/4 Day Trip (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - MAY-JUNE SPECIAL-3/4 Day Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - JULY SPECIAL-3/4 Day Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 9 Hour Trip (9 hours)

When you book a trip with Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Flushable
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia System Bluetooth
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Okuma, Daiwa, & Shimano )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Tip are greatly appreciated! )
  • First Mate (Works for 15–20% tips )

Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee offers the following types of fishing:
  • Lake Fishing (Lake Michigan )
  • Offshore Fishing

Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Trolling

Top targeted fish species with Reel To Real Fishing Charters – Manistee include:
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Meet the Captain

Gabe Villarreal
Manistee, Michigan, United States
2 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
72 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since March 2019
Captain Gabe Villarreal and U.S. Army Veteran has been fishing the Great Lakes for over 40 years and knows all the best spots to get you hooked up! He started his fishing career as a deckhand on his friend’s boat where he became an expert at targeting Salmon, Trout, and Walleye. He loved taking people out on the water so much that he decided to start his own guide service. Captain Gabe has placed in numerous Walleye and Musky tournaments, adding to his skill and knowledge about targeting these species. He's also an Army veteran and enjoys taking other veterans, as well as current members of the military, out on the water to relax and enjoy some quality fishing. Book your next trip with Reel to Real Fishing Charters and get ready for an exciting adventure!

About this listing

Targeted species

Lake Trout Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook) Chinook Salmon
Salmon (Coho) Coho Salmon

Boat specs

Boat Image
Boat category
Yachts
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
27 ft
Year built
1987
Boat manufacturer
Sea Ray Amberjack 270
Boat type
Cruiser

Engine model
Mercruiser
Powered by
2 x 215HP
Max cruising speed
34 knots

Types of fishing

Lake Fishing
Lake Michigan
Offshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling

Amenities

Toilet
Flushable
GPS
Fishfinder
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Multimedia System
Bluetooth

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Okuma, Daiwa, & Shimano
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Tip are greatly appreciated!
First Mate
Works for 15–20% tips

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Ages 6 & up
You Keep Catch
All legal sized fish are kept

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

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