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!
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!
Now's the time to experience fishing in South Haven for yourself with Big Gills Charters!
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (226)
All reviews (23)
We 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!
Thank you Michelle! It was a good trip! The boys were well behaved and great to spend time with!! Please keep us in mind for the future!!
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 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!
You all were fabulous!! Great time!! Appreciate you all, and look forward to next time!!
Big 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.
Great time!! Thank you both for your business and hope to have you again soon!!
Had a great day on the lake fishing and caught some nice fish. Several were big ones.
Wonderful crew!! Thank you very much for your consideration and business with us!!
FAQs about Big Gills Charters
What are the trip rates for 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 5 people (7 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 $1,200 per group - Full Day 6 People (7 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Big Gills Charters?
- Toilet Very clean and updated restroom
- GPS Garmin.
- Fishfinder Garmin.
- Radar Garmin.
What's included in the trip price with Big Gills Charters?
- 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.)
What types of fishing does Big Gills Charters offer?
- Lake fishing (South Haven, Lake Michigan.)
What fishing techniques does Big Gills Charters offer?
- Trolling (Downriggers and trolling with leadcore and copper.)
Which fish species can I catch with Big Gills Charters?
- Brown Trout
- Lake Trout
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
Your captain
Captain Troy Gilleylen has been fishing Michigan lakes since childhood. Growing up near Lake Michigan allowed him to learn how to navigate and fish these legendary waters. From learning by fun fishing, then tournament fishing, to first mating with various charter captains, Capt. Troy now owns and operates Big Gills Charters. He strives to work hard to put you on the fish, with safety always being a priority. 'As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Then they left their nets and followed him.' Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22
Ben A.
First mate
Kenny L.
First mate
Laura S.
Staff
John B.
First mate
Captain Troy Gilleylen has been fishing Michigan lakes since childhood. Growing up near Lake Michigan allowed him to learn how to navigate and fish these legendary waters. From learning by fun fishing, then tournament fishing, to first mating with various charter captains, Capt. Troy now owns and operates Big Gills Charters. He strives to work hard to put you on the fish, with safety always being a priority. 'As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Then they left their nets and followed him.' Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22
Ben A.
First mate
Kenny L.
First mate
Laura S.
Staff
John B.
First mate
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
What’s included in the trip price
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
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
PayPal
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.
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