Based in Chillicothe, River Valley Charter Service offers fully-equipped guided fishing trips on the Illinois River and the surrounding areas. Your Captain Austin Griggs was born and raised in Central Illinois where he has fished everywhere from strip pits to the river and all places in between. He is a 21 year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard where he learned how to operate various-sized watercraft. Retiring in 2019, he obtained his Merchant Mariner Credentials from Explorers Guide LLC and started River Valley Charter Service LLC in 2019.
You will get a one-on-one seminar on the different tips and techniques used on the waters of Central Illinois. You will also get tips on electronics and what the captain looks for on the screen to know where to start fishing. Captain Austin enjoys talking with all my clients and making lifelong friendships while out on the water!
The boat you will use is a 19’ Vexus angler boat with room for up to 3 guests. It runs on a single 200 HP Mercury v8 engine, uses Humminbird and Lowrance navigation technology, and features a wireless trolling motor. It has also got a livewell and an ice-box.
The wide variety of prized freshwater species you will target includes Largemouth, Smallmouth, and White Bass, as well as Walleye, Crappie, Sauger, and Carp. You can troll, spin, and jig to catch them, all using light tackle. You are welcome to bring kids on your trip as well as to keep your catch.
Captain Austin provides you with fishing tackle, live bait, as well as lures. You bring snacks, drinks, and your fishing licenses, and you will be set for the trip.
Join River Valley Charter Service and have a great freshwater fishing experience in Illinois!
FAQs about River Valley Charter Service
- $400 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (AM) (6 hours)
- $400 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (PM) (6 hours)
- $600 per group - Full Day Lake Erie Walleye - 2 MAX (8 hours)
- $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
- GPS Humminbird Helix 9
- Fishfinder Humminbird Helix 9
- Live Bait Well
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Ice Box
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait
- Lures
- River Fishing (Illinois River)
- Lake Fishing (Lake Evergreen)
- Light Tackle
- Trolling
- Jigging
- Bass (Largemouth)
- Bass (Smallmouth)
- Bass (White)
- Carp
- Crappie
- Sauger
- Walleye
Meet the Captain
| ID & license verified |
| 17 Customer reviews |
| Response time 7 hours |
| Member since August 2021 |
About this listing
Targeted species
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
White Bass
Carp
Crappie
Sauger
Walleye
Boat specs
Vexus (Bass boat) originally built in 2021. Powered by a 200HP Mercury engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 46 knots.
Types of fishing
Fishing techniques
Amenities
Trip includes
Cancellation policy
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.
Listing policies
Payment
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
PayPal
Checks
Bank Transfer