Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot 

5.0/5 (85 reviews)
 South Harbor Place 55, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States

Looking to troll for the big ones out of Waukegan? Then Jawzon Charter Services are for you and Captain Jim Stepp is your man!

Captain Jim is a professional fisherman. In his spare time he fishes tournaments on Lake Michigan. Captain Jim has won over 30 tournaments in his career and has won boat of the year 4 times! He is still very active in the tournament schedule, and when you come out on the Jawzon, a 36' Tiara tournament boat, you will see some of the best equipment there is to fish with today. Captain Jim will show you how he catches big ones and lots of them

Before coming aboard, you'll need to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group that is 16 or older

It's recommended to bring sunblock (non-spray), a hat, bottled water, and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but try to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

The click of a button is the only thing keeping you from a great day on the water with Jawzon Charter Services!

Jim Stepp

Captain

Jim Stepp

28 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Air Conditioning
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
Fishing Tournament - 1 person
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 21 - Jun 21 (Sat)
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US $800 
Shared tour: for 2 people
6 Hr Private Weekday 2 person (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekday 2 person (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekday 3 person (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $700 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekday 3 person (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $700 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekday 4 person (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekday 4 person (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $795 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekend 4 person AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Sat, Sun)
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US $800 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekend 4 person (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Sat, Sun)
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US $800 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hr Private Weekday 6 person (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hr Private Weekday 6 person (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekend 6 person (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Sat, Sun)
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US $900 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6Hr Private Weekend 6 person (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Apr 21 - Oct 31 (Sat, Sun)
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US $900 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 17 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 85 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (159)

Captain Jim and Mate Mike were awesome!!! We had Great Time and looking forward to book again next year. Captain was extremely knowledgeable of Lake Michigan overall Hot spots and was proven by the large King Coho and Brown trout we caught.
Captain Jim and Mate Mike were awesome!!! We had Great Time and looking forward to book again next year. Captain was extremely knowledgeable of Lake Michigan overall Hot spots and was proven by the large King Coho and Brown trout we caught.
Kept on fish
+156

Angler rating

83
1
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

93%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

99%

Caught fish

99%

Showing 1 - 5 of 85 reviews
Denise C.
Denise C.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

4 species!

VERIFIED

6Hr Private Weekday 2 person (PM) on July 4, 2025

We had an absolutely amazing experience with Captain Jim and first mate Mike on JawzOn! From the very beginning, Captain Jim was super helpful and took the time to teach us all about fishing on the lake. I especially appreciated how thoroughly he went over all the safety measures before we even left the dock — it gave us so much peace of mind. Right after we started trolling, we were immediately on fish! We even had double rods going off at the same time. By the end of the trip, we had caught four different species: king salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. Mike was fantastic on the boat, helping us every step of the way, and he even filleted our fish and packaged them up perfectly for us to take back to the hotel. Overall, we couldn’t have picked a better charter. If you’re looking to be put on some incredible fishing with people who truly know what they’re doing, JawzOn is the way to go. Highly recommend!

We had an absolutely amazing experience with Captain Jim and first mate Mike on JawzOn! From the very beginning, Captain Jim was super helpful and took the time to teach us all about fishing on the lake. I especially appreciated how thoroughly he went over all the safety measures before we even left the dock — it gave us so much peace of mind. Right after we started trolling, we were immediately on fish! We even had double rods going off at the same time. By the end of the trip, we had caught...  

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 Denise C. recommends Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot
Jim Stepp
Jim Stepp (The Captain)
Replied on July 5, 2025
We also had a great experience with you 2 what a great couple hope to see you both again and maybe this time there will be a ring on that finger lol.

John K.
John K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

If your aim is to catch fish, this is the one.

VERIFIED

6 Hr Private Weekday 2 person (AM) on June 19, 2025

I wanted a successful fishing experience for my ten year old granddaughter. She caught a 27” lake trout and many smaller coho, despite also losing 4-5 fish. Her dad caught a 27” king salmon. What was impressive with the lake trout was that we decided to catch one more fish before quitting early due to sea sickness. Up till then, it was all salmon. Captain Jim heard her say she wanted a lake trout, switched up gear, and within 20-30 minutes she had the 27” lake trout. Admittedly, some luck is involved but luck that was a result of careful planning and skill. The man knows his fish.

I wanted a successful fishing experience for my ten year old granddaughter. She caught a 27” lake trout and many smaller coho, despite also losing 4-5 fish. Her dad caught a 27” king salmon. What was impressive with the lake trout was that we decided to catch one more fish before quitting early due to sea sickness. Up till then, it was all salmon. Captain Jim heard her say she wanted a lake trout, switched up gear, and within 20-30 minutes she had the 27” lake trout. Admittedly, some luck...  

 John K. recommends Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot
Jim Stepp
Jim Stepp (The Captain)
Replied on June 20, 2025
Chelsea is a fishing machine and a true welcome on the Jawzon
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Paul L.
Paul L.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Awesome Experience!

VERIFIED
NEW

6Hr Private Weekend 4 person (PM) on August 3, 2025

My friend and his joined my son for a father son fishing outing. Captain Jim and First Mate, AJ, were wonderful with the boys and taught my friend and I a lot more about off shore fishing. They were professional and extremely knowledgeable which made our whole fishing trip a great one! My friend caught a massive 23 lb salmon and the boys reeled in 4 large salmons. We are looking forward to our next trip with Captain Jim!

My friend and his joined my son for a father son fishing outing. Captain Jim and First Mate, AJ, were wonderful with the boys and taught my friend and I a lot more about off shore fishing. They were professional and extremely knowledgeable which made our whole fishing trip a great one! My friend caught a massive 23 lb salmon and the boys reeled in 4 large salmons. We are looking forward to our next trip with Captain Jim!  

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 Paul L. recommends Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot
Jim Stepp
Jim Stepp (The Captain)
Replied on August 7, 2025
Thanks for coming always like having newbies on the boat

Tom P.
Tom P.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Captain Jim and Mate Mike were awesome!!! We had Great Time and looking forward to book again next year. Captain was extremely knowledgeable of Lake Michigan overall Hot spots and was proven by the large King Coho and Brown trout we caught.

VERIFIED
NEW

6Hr Private Weekday 3 person (PM) on August 13, 2025

Captain Jim and Mate Mike were awesome!! Had a great time!!! First Time with Grandson on Lake Michigan and watching him bringing in the several King Coho will be a memories that will last forever. Watching him smile over and over again as Captain Jim Yells Out !! - FISH ON!! and he jumps to grab reel and starts winding in fish. Thanks Again, Captain Jim for the ever lasting memories.

Captain Jim and Mate Mike were awesome!! Had a great time!!! First Time with Grandson on Lake Michigan and watching him bringing in the several King Coho will be a memories that will last forever. Watching him smile over and over again as Captain Jim Yells Out !! - FISH ON!! and he jumps to grab reel and starts winding in fish. Thanks Again, Captain Jim for the ever lasting memories.  

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 Tom P. recommends Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot

Kristin W.
Kristin W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fish On

VERIFIED

6Hr Private Weekend 4 person (PM) on July 12, 2025

Captain Jim was very knowledgeable. He made sure we knew all of the safety factors before even leaving the dock. He and his made AJ work together like a well oiled machine. The boat was very clean. Captain was happy to teach us the tools he uses to locate fish. With two of us on this charter we caught our limit in about 4hrs. Wouldn’t hesitate to book this charter again. Captain was very quick to respond EVERY time I reached out with a question before our trip. Thank You Captain Jim!

Captain Jim was very knowledgeable. He made sure we knew all of the safety factors before even leaving the dock. He and his made AJ work together like a well oiled machine. The boat was very clean. Captain was happy to teach us the tools he uses to locate fish. With two of us on this charter we caught our limit in about 4hrs. Wouldn’t hesitate to book this charter again. Captain was very quick to respond EVERY time I reached out with a question before our trip. Thank You Captain Jim!  

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 Kristin W. recommends Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot
Jim Stepp
Jim Stepp (The Captain)
Replied on July 14, 2025
Fantastic afternoon on the lake fishing with you 2 great couple hope to see you again

...

FAQs about Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot

What are the trip rates for Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot?

Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $400 per person - Fishing Tournament - 1 person (7 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $70 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hr Private Weekday 2 person (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $70 per person after 2 guests - 6Hr Private Weekday 2 person (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $70 per person after 3 guests - 6Hr Private Weekday 3 person (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $70 per person after 3 guests - 6Hr Private Weekday 3 person (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $70 per person after 4 guests - 6Hr Private Weekday 4 person (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $795 per group, additional US $70 per person after 4 guests - 6Hr Private Weekday 4 person (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $70 per person after 4 guests - 6Hr Private Weekend 4 person (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6Hr Private Weekend 4 person AM (5 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 6 Hr Private Weekday 6 person (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 6 Hr Private Weekday 6 person (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6Hr Private Weekend 6 person (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6Hr Private Weekend 6 person (PM) (5 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot?

When you book a trip with Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet It’s a vacuum flush toilet
  • Air Conditioning
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed full couch
  • Kitchen Yes If needed please ask
  • Refrigerator
  • Ice Box
  • Radar
What's included in the trip price with Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot?

Trips booked with Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (All fish are cleaned and bagged at no extra cost)
  • First Mate (Lots of years fishing in Lake Michigan under his belt)
What types of fishing does Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot offer?

Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot offers the following type of fishing:

  • Offshore Fishing (Usually we fish within 12 miles from port )
What fishing techniques does Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot offer?

Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot offers the following fishing technique:

  • Trolling
Which fish species can I catch with Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot?

Top targeted fish species with Jawz-on Charter Services 36 foot include:

  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Your captain

Jim Stepp

Waukegan, Illinois, United States

31 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
85 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2023
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.

Capt. Jim is a tournament champion 4-time boat of the year he has won the the Kenosha classic the Salmon a Rama super sweepstakes, salmon unlimited Wisconsin open twice also he won the salmon unlimited Illinois open he also won the pass the passion tournament out of Waukegan which was the biggest paying tournament Waukegan has ever held Captian Jim knows how to catch big fish and lots of them

The fish you can target

Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
36 ft
Year built
1988
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
Tiara
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Crusader
Powered by
2 x 400HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Offshore Fishing

Usually we fish within 12 miles from port

Which fishing techniques you can try

Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

It’s a vacuum flush toilet

Air Conditioning

GPS

Fishfinder

Bed

full couch

Kitchen

Yes If needed please ask

Refrigerator

Ice Box

Radar

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

All fish are cleaned and bagged at no extra cost

First Mate

Lots of years fishing in Lake Michigan under his belt

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 agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child Friendly

All children are welcome as long as they exceed 45lbs that’s the smallest lifespan preserver I have

You Keep Catch

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

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

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

 Checks

 Bank Transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Waukegan right now

Brown TroutBrown Trout
Lake TroutLake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Salmon (Coho)
17 people are looking at this charter.
6Hr Private Weekend 6 person (PM) booked 7 hours ago