Big Gills Charters
Big Gills Charters
If you're ready to enjoy fishing in South Haven and Lake Michigan, look no further than Big Gills Charters!
Depending on conditions, you might hook into Chinook (King), Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and whatever else is biting. For these species, you're likely to troll. Fish caught during the trip are yours to take home, provided they're legal to keep. Catch cleaning is available, so you can take your fish home to eat. Bring a cooler for your catch!
This is sportfishing, it can be challenging. Children are welcome, for youth under 10-years of age please contact the Captain Gilleylen for questions. Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise, you should bring your own. You'll need to get a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online through MDNR website, or you can ask the captain. It's never a bad idea to bring sunscreen (non-spray) applied at home, snacks, drinks, and sunglasses.
You'll be trolling lines from a 33' Cruiser that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has downriggers and everything you need for a productive day on the water, plus a clean and private restroom on board for your convenience. Capt. Troy will provide rods and reels for you, along with lures. When available, there will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. First mate works for tips only, please tip accordingly. 20% is customary!! For details about this, please ask the captain. Thank you for the consideration!
Why Fish With Us?
At Big Gills Charters, we believe a great fishing trip starts with safety, preparation, and hard work. Captain Troy takes pride in providing a safe, professional, and welcoming experience for anglers of all skill levels. We work hard every trip to find fish and give our guests the best opportunity for success, but we also know the experience is about more than what ends up in the cooler.
Now's the time to experience fishing in South Haven for yourself with Big Gills Charters!
If you're ready to enjoy fishing in South Haven and Lake Michigan, look no further than Big Gills Charters!
Depending on conditions, you might hook into Chinook (King), Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and whatever else is biting. For these species, you're likely to troll. Fish caught during the trip are yours to take home, provided they're legal to keep. Catch cleaning is available, so you can take your fish home to eat. Bring a cooler for your catch!
This is sportfishing, it can be challenging. Children are welcome, for youth under 10-years of age please contact the Captain Gilleylen for questions. Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise, you should bring your own. You'll need to get a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online through MDNR website, or you can ask the captain. It's never a bad idea to bring sunscreen (non-spray) applied at home, snacks, drinks, and sunglasses.
You'll be trolling lines from a 33' Cruiser that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has downriggers and everything you need for a productive day on the water, plus a clean and private restroom on board for your convenience. Capt. Troy will provide rods and reels for you, along with lures. When available, there will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. First mate works for tips only, please tip accordingly. 20% is customary!! For details about this, please ask the captain. Thank you for the consideration!
Why Fish With Us?
At Big Gills Charters, we believe a great fishing trip starts with safety, preparation, and hard work. Captain Troy takes pride in providing a safe, professional, and welcoming experience for anglers of all skill levels. We work hard every trip to find fish and give our guests the best opportunity for success, but we also know the experience is about more than what ends up in the cooler.
Now's the time to experience fishing in South Haven for yourself with Big Gills Charters!
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (249)
Reviews (27)
Michael Somers5.0VerifiedNewFamily Friendly
Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) on September 26, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 childrenSlow morning but the crew did everything they could to get on a spot. Ended up with 1 lake trout, great memories, calm water and a Lake Michigan sunrise. Captain Troy and Mate Ben did a great job explaing how the lures attract and what to watch or listen for. Beautiful Day all around!
Sarah Hunt5.0VerifiedGreat trip!
Evening Trip (4 People Max) on June 20, 2026 • 5 adultsWe caught a lot of fish including king salmon, coho, and lake trout. Captain and first mate were knowledgeable and fun to work with. Would definitely recommend!
Michelle Allen5.0VerifiedBig Gills, Big fun
Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) on August 17, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 childrenWe had an incredible trip with Big Gills Charters! Captain Troy and First Mate Ben were absolutely fantastic — professional, patient, and friendly. I went out with three 13-year-old boys, and they made the experience fun and memorable for all of us. They took the time to explain everything and made sure everyone was involved. We ended up catching a king salmon and a steelhead, which was a huge thrill for the kids (and me too!). The boat was clean and well-equipped, and we all felt completely safe and comfortable the entire time. These guys know what they're doing and love sharing the experience with others. Highly recommend Big Gills Charters for anyone looking to have a great time on the water!
Eloisa Chaparro5.0VerifiedPerfect Outing
Evening Trip (4 People Max) on July 27, 2024 • 4 adultsPlanned our first chartered fishing trip in South Haven and we were not disappointed ... Captain Troy and Ben were great. They kindly helped us as we were new to fishing, gave us a general explanation for Lake Michigan fishing and what to expect . It was apparent they knew the waters and where to catch fish. The marina was easy to find, we departed and returned somewhat beyond our paid time schedule , affording us the opportunity to see the beautiful sunset . We had a great day/evening . We caught plenty of fish , which was cleaned before we departed . Would certainly recommend and charter again with Big Gills Charter
Lisa Finch5.0VerifiedIncredible fishing experience
Evening Trip (6 People Max) on July 13, 2024 • 6 adultsOur group of six had an awesome fishing trip with Captain Troy and 1st mate Ben. They were great with communication prior to the trip and answered all the questions we had as first time charters. They were prompt and professional when we arrived. Both men were so nice and knowledgeable. They worked hard to make sure we had a good time. We caught several big fish, one was a monster that was almost 30lbs! By the end of our trip we were definitely friends. I would highly recommend Big Gills charter for anyone wanting to experience Lake Michigan fishing with a great crew!
Gerald King5.0VerifiedAwesome evening on lake
Evening Trip (6 People Max) on July 19, 2025 • 6 adultsWe had an absolutely awesome trip. 6 guys fit comfortably. Gear was top notch. Captain Troy was easy to work with on logistics. Captain and Ben were great hosts. Caught 8 big fish but I think we had another 6-7 fish on the line. We were on something for most of the evening. Highly recommend the evening charter. Amazing view of sunset and South Haven. We will definitely do that again!
Jason Sloderbeck5.0VerifiedGreat Captain and first mate
Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) on August 9, 2025 • 2 adultsBig Gills worked hard to get us fish, and the fishing wasn’t easy that day. Regardless of the fishing, the Captain and first mate, Ben, were very personable. Boat and tackle was well kept. Absolutely no complaints. Will definitely re-book.
Katie Earl5.0VerifiedBest Charter in South Haven
Full Day 7 Hours 1-4 People on August 24, 2024 • 2 adultsThe best experience! Can’t stop talking about this trip and how phenomenal the captain and first mate were. We will 100% be booking again, this is the perfect trip for someone who doesn’t know much about fishing (me) and someone who’s super experienced (my boyfriend) they were able to accommodate both of our levels at the same time. Highly recommended booking with this charter!!
Paula BiggerRepeat angler5.0VerifiedFishing with our grandsons
Evening Trip (4 People Max) on September 28, 2024 • 4 adultsWe took our teenage grandsons fishing. It was their first time catching fish that big. We all had a great time with Captain Troy and his mate Ben. We would definitely do it again! They had a blast and we did too. It was a fabulous experience. Thank you Troy and Ben we definitely built memories together and we will be back
Michael BolandRepeat angler5.0VerifiedGreat Trip
Evening Trip (6 People Max) on August 31, 2024 • 5 adults • 1 childThe four of us had a great time with Troy and Ben. We caught. 6 fish….the weather was perfect….we got to watch a beautiful sunset. We would highly recommend them to others! See you in 3 weeks! Mike and Kim
Rating
Anglers' gallery (249)
All reviews (27)
Slow morning but the crew did everything they could to get on a spot. Ended up with 1 lake trout, great memories, calm water and a Lake Michigan sunrise. Captain Troy and Mate Ben did a great job explaing how the lures attract and what to watch or listen for. Beautiful Day all around!
Thank you, Mike!!! Please keep us in mind for next time!!
We caught a lot of fish including king salmon, coho, and lake trout. Captain and first mate were knowledgeable and fun to work with. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you! The guys had a blast!!
We caught 12 fish captain was great. First meet was great. Had a great time.
You guys were great as well! Looking forward to next time!!
Thank you Jeremiah!!!
We had a great time as well! Please stay in touch for next time!
FAQs about Big Gills Charters
- US $800 per group - Evening Trip (4 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $800 per group - Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $900 per group - Evening Trip (5 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $900 per group - Half Day Morning Trip(5 People MAX) (5 hours)
- US $1,000 per group - Evening Trip (6 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $1,000 per group - Full Day 7 Hours 1-4 People (7 hours)
- US $1,000 per group - Half Day Morning Trip (6 MAX) (5 hours)
- US $1,100 per group - Full day 5 people (7 hours)
- US $1,200 per group - Full Day 6 People (7 hours)
- Toilet Very clean and updated restroom
- GPS Garmin.
- Fishfinder Garmin.
- Radar Garmin.
- Rods, reels & tackle (Gear provided.)
- Lures (Up to date baits are provided.)
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Basic filleting is done. Bring cooler.)
- First mate (If available.)
- Lake fishing (South Haven, Lake Michigan.)
- Trolling (Downriggers and trolling with leadcore and copper.)
- Brown Trout
- Lake Trout
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
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