FishGH – Down Time

FishGH is a premium fishing charter service operated from Chinook Pier in Grand Haven, MI. We specialize in family-friendly fishing excursions and corporate outings. 

We have been operating since 1984.  Our boat Down Time was completely restored in 2022 and can comfortably accommodate 6 guests in all weather conditions.

Down Time is a 33’ Wellcraft Coastal and was built to fish offshore in any conditions. She is always clean and we have a full-size bathroom on board that is clean and comfortable. Downtime is equipped with the latest fishing gear and electronics including GPS, Radar, VHF radio, and sonar fish finder. 

Our crew is polite and friendly and loves to share our love for fishing with children. No fishing experience is necessary. Guests can bring aboard a cooler with food and drinks of their choice. We ask that you not bring glass bottles, hard liquor, or bananas on board.  We always have complimentary cold water available as well.

We will be trolling, primarily for Salmon and Trout on Lake Michigan. We are typically 1-5 miles offshore depending on several factors like time of the season, weather conditions, and water temperatures. 

When you return from your trip we will take group photos, clean your catch and provide fresh bags and ice. We also participate in the Cook the Catch program where you have the option to bring your fresh fish to a local restaurant and have a full meal prepared (additional fees apply).



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    1 Hour Trip – Lighthouse/Fish Tour
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    1 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Sep 15
    US $250
    Combo boat ride/fishing from Grand Haven Harbor to Lake Michigan. We depart from Chinook Pier towards Lake Michigan on the Grand River. You will get to see the Big Lake Lighthouse and even get to put a couple rods in the water to catch various species of freshwater fish. The fishing portion of this trip would target freshwater drum, bass, pike, catfish and species other than Salmon and Trout. Great for families. This 1 hour trip will let you see the harbor and lake and possibly catch some fish.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
    Pike (Northern)
    Northern Pike
    Muskellunge (Musky)
    Muskellunge (Musky)
    Bullhead
    Bullhead
    Bass (Smallmouth)
    Smallmouth Bass
    Freshwater Drum
    Freshwater Drum
  • Private trip
    2 Hour - lighthouse/fishing tour
    In demand! Last booked: 6 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Sep 15
    US $325
    Combo boat ride/fishing from Grand Haven Harbor to Lake Michigan. We depart from Chinook Pier towards Lake Michigan on the Grand River. You will get to see the Big Lake Lighthouse and even get to put a couple rods in the water to catch various species of freshwater fish. The fishing portion of this trip would target freshwater drum, bass, pike, catfish and species other than Salmon and Trout. Great for families. This 2 hour trip will let you see the harbor and lake and possibly catch some fish.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
    Pike (Northern)
    Northern Pike
    Muskellunge (Musky)
    Muskellunge (Musky)
    Bullhead
    Bullhead
    Bass (Smallmouth)
    Smallmouth Bass
    Freshwater Drum
    Freshwater Drum
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Fishing Trip (PM) – Weekday
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
    US $625
    This is a great trip for any group that prefers a later departure time. The afternoon trip allows for a little more sleep and time for lunch before the trip begins. It is often a bit warmer temperature as well this time of day. This is a favorite for families with young children.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (PM) – Weekend
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Oct 15 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $645
    There is nothing better than spending your afternoon out on the water, especially after a tiring week at work. Have a family gathering on Lake Michigan and make a great catch possible!
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Fishing Trip - (PM) Weekday
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Oct 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
    US $645
    This is a week day afternoon fishing trip on the mighty Lake Michigan, where you will be trolling for Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout. Lake Michigan is a world class Salmon Fishery! This is our most popular afternoon fishing trip and will allow you plenty of time to experience Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout fishing. We will clean and bag your catch at the conclusion of your adventure.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Fishing Trip (AM) – Weekday
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Oct 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
    US $1,290
    This is a standard 5-hour weekday trip Monday-Thursday which is great for any angler no matter the age or expertise. You will be targeting Salmon and Trout on Lake Michigan. We love to bring families on fishing adventures that are kid-friendly. Our boat is always clean and has a few bathrooms aboard.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Fishing Trip - (PM) Weekend
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Oct 15 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $690
    This is a weekend afternoon trip to the mighty Lake Michigan, where you will be trolling for Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout. This is our most popular fishing trip and will allow you plenty of time to experience Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout fishing.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip (AM) – Weekend
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Oct 15 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $690
    This is a weekend morning trip to the mighty Lake Michigan, where you will be trolling for Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout. This is our most popular fishing trip and will allow you plenty of time to experience Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout fishing.
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Ultimate Weekday
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 6 - Oct 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
    US $790
    This is the trip for the angler who would like the best opportunity possible. This 7-hour all-day trip departs at 6:00 a.m. and has extended time versus our other trips. This trip provides the best opportunity for success. Just make sure to pack your lunch or snack!
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Ultimate Weekend
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip (Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $890
    This is the trip for the angler who would like the best opportunity possible. This 7-hour all-day trip departs at 6:00 a.m. and has extended time versus our other trips. This trip provides the best opportunity for success. Just make sure to pack your lunch or snack!
    Targeted fish
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Brown Trout
    Brown Trout
    Freshwater Drum
    Freshwater Drum
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
    Salmon (Pink)
    Pink Salmon
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FAQs about FishGH – Down Time

FishGH – Down Time offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $250 per group - 1 Hour Trip – Lighthouse/Fish Tour (1 hour)
  • US $325 per group - 2 Hour - lighthouse/fishing tour (2 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Fishing Trip (PM) – Weekday (4 hours)
  • US $645 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip (PM) – Weekend (4 hours)
  • US $645 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Fishing Trip - (PM) Weekday (5 hours)
  • US $645 per person - 5 Hour Fishing Trip (AM) – Weekday (5 hours)
  • US $690 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Fishing Trip - (PM) Weekend (5 hours)
  • US $690 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) – Weekend (5 hours)
  • US $790 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Ultimate Weekday (7 hours)
  • US $890 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Ultimate Weekend (7 hours)

When you book a trip with FishGH – Down Time, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet We have a full size private and clean restroom available for use anytime during your fishing adventure. We also have hand sanitizer available.
  • Air Conditioning
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia System
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with FishGH – Down Time include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (We typically fish entirely with artificial lures. All tackle is available and included in your trip price)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We hang your catch for a group photo and then clean and bag your catch complimentary at the end of your excursion.)
  • First Mate (We always have a first mate working to keep you safe, happy and most importantly catching fish. It is customary to tip your mate and it is usually 18-25% of your total trip cost.)

FishGH – Down Time offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing (We fish primarily offshore on Lake Michigan and depending on the season and trip booked we may be fishing in the Grand River or even Spring Lake.)
  • Lake Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (During a typical salmon fishing trip we usually fish anywhere from 100 yards to 7 miles offshore depending on on the season and fish location )

FishGH – Down Time offers the following fishing technique:
  • Trolling

Top targeted fish species with FishGH – Down Time include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Freshwater Drum
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Salmon (Pink)

Meet the Charter Operator

FishGH Charters
Grand Haven, Michigan, United States
9 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
211 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2018
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Brian and Brenden know these waters like the back of their hand and will be happy to show you everything there is to know. Together with his crew, he works tirelessly to make sure his guests have a memorable time aboard.
Our Team
Brian M.
Captain
Brenden M.
Captain
Astro W.
Captain
Brady B.
Captain
Soren M.
First mate
Brenden H.
First mate
Parker B.
First mate
John C.
First mate

About this listing

Targeted species

Brown Trout Brown Trout
Freshwater Drum Freshwater Drum
Lake Trout Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Boat specs

Wellcraft (Sportfishing) originally built in 1998, and restored in 2022. Powered by 2 330HP Mercury engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 28 knots.

Length
33 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
We fish primarily offshore on Lake Michigan and depending on the season and trip booked we may be fishing in the Grand River or even Spring Lake.
Lake Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
During a typical salmon fishing trip we usually fish anywhere from 100 yards to 7 miles offshore depending on on the season and fish location

Fishing techniques

Trolling

Amenities

Toilet
We have a full size private and clean restroom available for use anytime during your fishing adventure. We also have hand sanitizer available.
Air Conditioning
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Kitchen

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
We typically fish entirely with artificial lures. All tackle is available and included in your trip price
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We hang your catch for a group photo and then clean and bag your catch complimentary at the end of your excursion.
First Mate
We always have a first mate working to keep you safe, happy and most importantly catching fish. It is customary to tip your mate and it is usually 18-25% of your total trip cost.

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
We love to take kids out fishing and will offer a safe family friendly atmosphere. We have life vests onboard but they are universal and typically if you bring your own it may be much more comfortable
You Keep Catch
Disabled Accessible

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
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Grand Haven Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 18 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (19)
4 hr trip with Astro and Chris
5 hour PM Trip on Downtime
5 hour PM Trip on Downtime
+16
Angler rating
14
2
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
81%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
83%
Appropriate for children
88%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
88%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 18 reviews
Leon H.
Mill City, OR
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day pm trip with captain Astro

VERIFIED   4 Hour Fishing Trip (PM) – Weekday on August 30, 2023
The trip went off as planned as the Lake was calming from previous rough weather! A decision was made late in the morning and...
Leon H. recommends FishGH – Down Time
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Joseph G.
Saginaw, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Morning Trip with Captain Brady

VERIFIED   5 Hour Fishing Trip (AM) – Weekday on July 25, 2023
We had a great time with Captain Brady and first mate Soren.  These guys got the gear out fast and has us one the fish. ...
Joseph G. recommends FishGH – Down Time
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Eric O.
Brighton, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Brian and Brady

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) – Weekend on September 1, 2023
We had the best time with these guys. Very polite and professional. Made us feel right at home. From explaining what were fishing...
Eric O. recommends FishGH – Down Time
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Timothy D.
Lansing, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour trip.

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) – Weekend on August 19, 2023
Absolutely an amazing experience. First time my daughters have been on a fishing charter and they absolutely enjoyed it. The...
Timothy D. recommends FishGH – Down Time
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Neil D.
Brighton, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Brian and Astro

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) – Weekend on July 1, 2023
Family outing with friends. Great crew who were fun to hang out with. Hard working and knowledgeable. My boys caught their...
Neil D. recommends FishGH – Down Time
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