Troll Lake Michigan’s deep blue waters with Reel Obsession! Operating out of McKinley Marina, Captain Kurt Hantsche always works hard to make sure you get exactly what you want from your time on board.
You’ll be targeting Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Brown Trout. Certain in his experience and the fruitfulness of Lake Michigan, Capt. Kurt offers a “no fish-no pay” policy!
You’ll be fishing aboard a 27’ Hydra-Sport walkaround. The boat is equipped with Raymarine navigational electronics, ICOM marine radio, Cannon MAG 10 electric downriggers, and two Taco Grand Slam outriggers mounted to the hardtop. This vessel accommodates up to 4 guests and it’s best to take turns, so each person has enough space for all rod maneuvers.
The captain and the crew cover your fishing equipment, lures, and catch cleaning. You will need to purchase a valid Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes Salmon & Trout Stamp. Don’t forget your snacks and drinks for the day and sunscreen.
Reel Obsession has a simple philosophy – have fun, catch fish, and learn! The crew wants to ensure you have a memorable day with them and that you learn something new about this beautiful lake and fishing.
Captain
Kurt Hantsche
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (18)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
88%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on July 19, 2025
Booked this somewhat last minute for trip to Milwaukee. Kurt was easy to work with, and ensured we had a good time. Would definitely book again.
Booked this somewhat last minute for trip to Milwaukee. Kurt was easy to work with, and ensured we had a good time. Would definitely book again.
United States
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on May 27, 2023
Wow, what an incredible experience!! Five stars!! I recently had to travel to Wisconsin for work and was looking for ways to entertain myself while in town, that’s when I discovered that Lake Michigan was stocked with King Salmon. I’ve caught just about every other type of freshwater game fish, except for Salmon. I had always wanted to travel to the pacific northwest to fish for them, I just never had the opportunity. I started searching for fishing charters out of Milwaukee, that’s when I found Captain Kurt and the Reel Obsession. After booking my trip, I told the captain that I was interested in catching some of Lake Michigan’s King Salmon and/or Cohos. He said that wouldn’t be a problem. I had texted him several times prior to our trip with questions, and he was always quick to reply. The morning of the trip he put me on fish right away, within the first 30 minutes, we had already caught several MONSTER salmon!!! Throughout the rest of the morning, we caught several more Kings, Coho and Steelhead/Rainbow. Captain Kurt monitored EVERYTHING … the reels, the boat speed, water depth, water temperature, lure depth and lure speed. He was very good about explaining what he was doing and why he was doing it. He has this process down to a science, selecting lures, colors, and flasher combos that he knew would attract fish. He was very knowledgeable about the fish and their history in the lake. His boat and equipment were all top-notch, we experienced no failure or snags for any kind. Captain Kurt and his crew cleaned all the fish, bagged them up, then sent me back to Tennessee with a truckload full of fish. I’m not going to say that we caught all the fish in the lake, but by the time we got off the water, my arms sure felt like we did. It was such a blast!! I highly recommend the Reel Obsession, Captain Kurt, and his crew to anyone interested in catching fish out of Lake Michigan.
Wow, what an incredible experience!! Five stars!! I recently had to travel to Wisconsin for work and was looking for ways to entertain myself while in town, that’s when I discovered that Lake Michigan was stocked with King Salmon. I’ve caught just about every other type of freshwater game fish, except for Salmon. I had always wanted to travel to the pacific northwest to fish for them, I just never had the opportunity. I started searching for fishing charters out of Milwaukee, that’s when...
Waunakee, WI
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on August 27, 2022
I went with my wife and 2 kids 10 and 8, which this was their first time out. Kurt and Dave were very helpful and patient with our kids and it made for a successful day. Ultimately, my wife and kids landed their first salmon ever and they have been talking about it for the last 2 days. Our family is already starting to plan the next time. It truly made a great memory for our family! To get to the specifics we had beautiful weather and plenty of chances for fish. It is very convenient to get to, plenty of parking and easily accessible. You don't have to worry about anything fishing related except for a license. I think because of the knowledge and experience on this boat all skill levels would be welcome and successful. Thanks Kurt!
I went with my wife and 2 kids 10 and 8, which this was their first time out. Kurt and Dave were very helpful and patient with our kids and it made for a successful day. Ultimately, my wife and kids landed their first salmon ever and they have been talking about it for the last 2 days. Our family is already starting to plan the next time. It truly made a great memory for our family! To get to the specifics we had beautiful weather and plenty of chances for fish. It is very convenient to...
Solon, IA
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on August 19, 2023
From day one of booking we had great communication with Captain Kurt. There was wind in the forecast for our original afternoon trip. He reached out and got us moved to the morning. We were able to go out and get a Great Lake Grand Slam (brown trout, lake trout, steelhead, coho and king salmon)! Kurt and Larry were very personable and knowledgeable! Thank you for the great time!
From day one of booking we had great communication with Captain Kurt. There was wind in the forecast for our original afternoon trip. He reached out and got us moved to the morning. We were able to go out and get a Great Lake Grand Slam (brown trout, lake trout, steelhead, coho and king salmon)! Kurt and Larry were very personable and knowledgeable! Thank you for the great time!
Clintonville, WI
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on June 17, 2023
They didn't disappoint, we were on fish from the start till the very end. We had a double to start the day and a double on rainbows to end the day. Plus 2 nice kings. I would highly recommend very professional and made you feel comfortable. Tha ks for the experience and will definitely be calling them again.
They didn't disappoint, we were on fish from the start till the very end. We had a double to start the day and a double on rainbows to end the day. Plus 2 nice kings. I would highly recommend very professional and made you feel comfortable. Tha ks for the experience and will definitely be calling them again.
Reel Obsession Sport Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Reel Obsession Sport Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Reel Obsession Sport Fishing include:
Reel Obsession Sport Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
Reel Obsession Sport Fishing offers the following fishing technique:
Top targeted fish species with Reel Obsession Sport Fishing include:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
I have been fishing Lake Michigan and its harbors and tributaries since the age of 10. I have over four decades of experience under my belt and have fished for Salmon and Trout both from shore and off various boats. My father took me fishing for Salmon and Trout at the age of 10 off of a local breakwater and was immediately "hooked" for life (pardon the pun). I have made it a point to stay in tune with the latest tactics and techniques related to Salmon and Trout fishing. I started Reel Obsession Sport Fishing LLC for the sole purpose of sharing the wonderful resource we have in Wisconsin known as Lake Michigan and what it has to offer regarding fishing. I get satisfaction seeing people reeling in monster Salmon and Trout, knowing that there are only a handful of places on Earth that have this type of resource. The experience and excitement of landing large freshwater fish is something that is soon not forgotten. Fishing to me is not a pastime, it's a lifestyle!
Lake Fishing
Western shores of Lake Michigan
Nearshore Fishing
Shallow water fishing when water is cold.
Offshore Fishing
Deep water fishing when waters near shore warm up.
Trolling
Downriggers, Diver Rods, Lead Core & Copper Rods
Toilet
Enclosed Head
GPS
Raymarine
Fishfinder
Raymarine
Live Bait Well
Recirculating Livewell
Outriggers
2 Taco Grand Slam
Radar
Raymarine
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano Trolling Rods & Reels
Lures
All lures provided (spoons, flasher/flies, etc...)
Catch cleaning & filleting
Captain & first mate clean & filet fish.
First Mate
Tips Are Greatly Appreciated For First Mate
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
At least 5 years old; life vests provided
You Keep Catch
Clients are allowed their legal daily bag limit.
Catch and Release Allowed
If customers wish to release fish.
Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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
Reel Obsession Sport Fishing - Updated 2025 Prices