Big Gills Charters
+42If 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!
Captain
Troy Gilleylen
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
In demand! Last booked: 5 days ago
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (123)
+120Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
80%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Perfect Outing
Evening Trip (4 People Max) on July 27, 2024
Planned 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
Planned 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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Incredible fishing experience
Evening Trip (6 People Max) on July 13, 2024
Our 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!
Our 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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best Charter in South Haven
Full Day 7 Hours 1-4 People on August 24, 2024
The 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!!
The 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!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fishing with our grandsons
Evening Trip (4 People Max) on September 28, 2024
We 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
We 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
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Experience! Highly Recommend!
Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) on August 23, 2024
Fantastic experience! We caught a whole cooler of fish and that was after the crew cleaned our catch! Highly recommend anyone looking to book a fishing charter, book one with Big Gills. Our one regret was we didn’t book a full day!
Fantastic experience! We caught a whole cooler of fish and that was after the crew cleaned our catch! Highly recommend anyone looking to book a fishing charter, book one with Big Gills. Our one regret was we didn’t book a full day!
FAQs about Big Gills Charters
What are the trip rates for Big Gills Charters?
Big Gills Charters offers the following trips to customers:
- US $700 per group - Evening Trip (4 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $700 per group - Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $800 per group - Evening Trip (5 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $800 per group - Half Day Morning Trip(5 People MAX) (5 hours)
- US $900 per group - Evening Trip (6 People Max) (5 hours)
- US $900 per group - Full Day 7 Hours 1-4 People (7 hours)
- US $900 per group - Half Day Morning Trip (6 MAX) (5 hours)
- US $1,000 per group - Full day 5 people (7 hours)
- US $1,100 per group - Full Day 6 People (7 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Big Gills Charters?
When you book a trip with Big Gills Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- Toilet Very clean and updated restroom
- GPS Garmin.
- Fishfinder Garmin.
- Radar Garmin.
What's included in the trip price with Big Gills Charters?
Trips booked with Big Gills Charters include:
- 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?
Big Gills Charters offers the following type of fishing:
- Lake Fishing (South Haven, Lake Michigan.)
What fishing techniques does Big Gills Charters offer?
Big Gills Charters offers the following fishing technique:
- Trolling (Downriggers and trolling with leadcore and copper.)
Which fish species can I catch with Big Gills Charters?
Top targeted fish species with Big Gills Charters include:
- Brown Trout
- Lake Trout
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
Your captain
South Haven, Michigan, United States
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.
Other
John B.
First mate
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Lake Fishing
South Haven, Lake Michigan.
Which fishing techniques you can try
Trolling
Downriggers and trolling with leadcore and copper.
Which amenities are available onboard
Toilet
Very clean and updated restroom
GPS
Garmin.
Fishfinder
Garmin.
Radar
Garmin.
What’s included in the trip price
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.
How cancellations work
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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
10 years of age and older is “recommended” age for sport fishing!
You Keep Catch
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 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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.