Fish’n Tales Charters is based in Ludington and offers a year-round fishing adventure on Lake Michigan. Join Captain Michael, who’s been fishing these waters his whole life. Whether you’re an avid angler or a beginner just looking for something different on your day off, you’ll enjoy a trip with Capt. Michael. He’ll share his tips and tricks, so you’ll become a better fisherman by the end of the trip, at least for a tiny bit.

You’ll be fishing on a 39’ Searay boat that accommodates up to 4 guests. The boat is powered by twin 400 HP Crusader engines and features the latest navigational electronics. The boat also has a toilet, downriggers, a cooler, and even a couch where you can rest if you get too tired of fishing.

You can target Coho and Chinook Salmon, or if you are more of a Trout fan, go after Steelhead, Lake, and Brown Trout. Choose how long you want to stay on the water and troll for your favorite fish.

The captain covers your fishing equipment, including lures. He’ll also clean your catch after the trip, so bring a cooler to keep your fish fresh. If you’re happy with the service you get from the skipper, feel free to leave a tip.

When it comes to preparations, you need to purchase your fishing license and pack some snacks and drinks.

Fish’n Tales Charters is ready for another great day at Lake Michigan. Just pick the date and join them.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Morning trip
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 4:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $700
    Spend a few hours at the lake and target Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout. The captain will help you with anything you need, so don't worry if you've never fished before. The trip is for 4 people.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 4:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $850
    This trip is for 7-8 hours of fishing for Chinook Salmon, Coho, Brown Trout, and Steelhead. All poles, baits, and lures are supplied, so you don't have to rent anything. On the full day trip, lunch will be available if needed. The trip is for 4 people.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 52 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (225)
July fishing trip
July fishing trip
Fishing with Michael
+222
Angler rating
41
9
1
0
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
95%
Caught fish
85%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 52 reviews
Grant W.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip - Would Recommend

VERIFIED   Morning trip on July 20, 2024
Had a great trip with Fish n Tales in late July 2024.  Our boat outfished the competition (from what we saw) and we caught...
Grant W. recommends Fish’n Tales Charters
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Grant W. recommends Fish’n Tales Charters
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Randy R.
Greenfield, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   Morning trip on May 24, 2022
We were on the water with Captain Mike and first mate Josh by 5am. Captain had a tough time setting lines as fish were there...
Randy R. recommends Fish’n Tales Charters
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  Michael Ryckman Captain replied

Mark F.
Indianapolis, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Michael

VERIFIED   Morning trip on July 19, 2022
What a great time! Took my grandson for his first charter fishing trip. Captain Mike sat and explained what we were fishing...
Mark F. recommends Fish’n Tales Charters
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  Michael Ryckman Captain replied

Keith R.
United States
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Day on the lake with Captain Mike

Full Day Trip on June 29, 2022
Great day on the lake.  Captain Mike likes an early start (4:30 AM!) but it worked out well for us.  Despite stormy weather...
Keith R. recommends Fish’n Tales Charters
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  Michael Ryckman Captain replied

Sara S.
Saint Johns, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Morning half day trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on June 5, 2021
What an awesome experience!  Booked the trip to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday and it did not disappoint!  The first...
Sara S. recommends Fish’n Tales Charters
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Michael Ryckman Captain replied

FAQs about Fish’n Tales Charters

Fish’n Tales Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group - Morning trip (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Fish’n Tales Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed Couches
  • Flybridge
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Fish’n Tales Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate (It is customary for the clients to pay a tip)

Fish’n Tales Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Lake Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing

Fish’n Tales Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling

Top targeted fish species with Fish’n Tales Charters include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Meet the Captain

Michael Ryckman
Ludington, Michigan, United States
52 Customer reviews
Response time 3 hours
Member since May 2020
Fish’n Tales Charters is a service for people who wish to be on the water that don’t want to incur the cost of owning a boat. We target King Salmon, Steelhead, Coho, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout. Call us today and let’s get you set up to go fishing.

About this listing

Targeted species

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

Boat specs

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
39 ft
Year built
1986
Restored in
2014
Boat manufacturer
Searay
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Crusader
Powered by
2 x 400HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots

Types of fishing

Lake Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Couches
Flybridge
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
It is customary for the clients to pay a tip

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch

Payment

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
PayPal

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