Thin Blue Line Fishing 20' Chicago
Thin Blue Line Fishing 20' Chicago
🚨FOR MY CUSTOMERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES🚨
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS NOT ALLOWING ANYONE 16 AND OVER TO BUY A ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSE WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING WORKED OUT.
Welcome to Chicago, the land of multi-species fishing, where we target and fish a variety of lakes, such as Lake Michigan, Wolf Lake, and Chicago River.
Introducing the Steelhead, latest addition to Thin Blue Line Fishing. This 2024 Ranger VX1988 is powered by a 200hp Mercury Pro, complemented by a 9.9 Mercury Kicker motor. It's equipped with an 80lb thrust Minkota Terrova I-Pilot featuring spotlock, two 10-inch Garmin 106SV units, two electric Cannon downriggers, and a Bluetooth radio.
Whether casting or trolling, Steelhead is primed for successful fishing trips on Lake Michigan, targeting Salmon, Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and Perch. Additionally, Steelhead will be available for sport fishing on inland lakes. I can't wait for our upcoming adventures aboard Steelhead!
You can bring kids on your trip, and you're allowed to keep the fish you catch.
Captain Ernesto covers you for all the rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Before you come aboard, just make sure you have your fishing licenses as well as some food and drinks.
Don't hesitate, book your trip now!
🚨FOR MY CUSTOMERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES🚨
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS NOT ALLOWING ANYONE 16 AND OVER TO BUY A ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSE WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING WORKED OUT.
Welcome to Chicago, the land of multi-species fishing, where we target and fish a variety of lakes, such as Lake Michigan, Wolf Lake, and Chicago River.
Introducing the Steelhead, latest addition to Thin Blue Line Fishing. This 2024 Ranger VX1988 is powered by a 200hp Mercury Pro, complemented by a 9.9 Mercury Kicker motor. It's equipped with an 80lb thrust Minkota Terrova I-Pilot featuring spotlock, two 10-inch Garmin 106SV units, two electric Cannon downriggers, and a Bluetooth radio.
Whether casting or trolling, Steelhead is primed for successful fishing trips on Lake Michigan, targeting Salmon, Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and Perch. Additionally, Steelhead will be available for sport fishing on inland lakes. I can't wait for our upcoming adventures aboard Steelhead!
You can bring kids on your trip, and you're allowed to keep the fish you catch.
Captain Ernesto covers you for all the rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Before you come aboard, just make sure you have your fishing licenses as well as some food and drinks.
Don't hesitate, book your trip now!
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (9)
Reviews (9)
Jack BrodeurRepeat angler•
Missouri, US•Member since 20262 trips5.0VerifiedFirst time salmon/steelhead experience and it was incredible!
5 Hour Trip – Chicago River- Bass on July 11, 2026 • 2 adultsWhat an amazing day with Captain Ernesto of Thin Blue Line Fishing! As pretty avid bass fishermen this was definitely outside our comfort zone. First time fishing for either species and being on Lake Michigan. From te moment we met the Captain at the boat launch until we stepped off that afternoon our safety and comfort were top priorities. The conditions wee less than favorable but we still caught 3 Kings and 4 steelhead, good enough to place 4th overall in the tournament. If Nick had shown up to fish and not Chris we could have definitely placed better but he let a few off unfortunately. 10 out of 10 trip, definitely recommend booking with Captain Ernesto!
Shiloh Lockhart•Alaska, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedFish galore!!!!
5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) on June 20, 2026 • 2 adultsThe captain was wonderful! Made the whole trip memorable! Found the fish and gave detailed instructions on how to reel them in. It was our first time fishing on a boat and will definitely do it again. He was super patient and very knowledgeable! We caught a King Salmon!! Loved every minute of this trip.
Bennett Spencer•Connecticut, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedNewFun day!
5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) on September 11, 2026 • 2 adultswe had a blast, catching 10 lakers and 1 coho. lots of fun, would recommend to anyone looking for a successful trip
Brett Smith•
AustraliaMember since 20265.0VerifiedNewprofessional guide
5 Hr SALMON AND TROUT Downtown Mid on August 29, 2026 • 4 adultsfound the fish well equipped boat
Penny Loftus•Minnesota, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedWonderful guide! Had a great experience.
5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) on August 7, 2026 • 2 adults
Jon Massey•Kansas, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedJuly fishing trip
4 Hr Salmon and Trout Downtown AM on July 14, 2026 • 2 adults
Eric BennettRepeat angler•Ohio, US•Member since 20252 trips4.7VerifiedTough Conditions
4 Hr Jig/Cast Salmon &Trout Chicago - 3:00 PM on March 29, 2026 • 2 adultsLake was murky and temps were cold. Setup and caught Lake Trout on first cast. Rest of the trip was slow, tried jigging, casting and trolling and could not connect. Capt Ernesto was great and would book again under better water conditions.
Mike NewlunRepeat angler•Tennessee, US•Member since 20243 trips4.7VerifiedFishing with Ernesto
5 Hr SALMON AND TROUT Downtown Mid on August 24, 2026 • 3 adults
Darryl Sundstrom•Wilmington, NC, USMember since 20255.0VerifiedGreat Captain
5 Hour Trip – Chicago River- Bass on June 23, 2025 • 2 adultsErnesto went the extra mile to help us catch bass on a slow and hot day.
Rating
Anglers' gallery (9)
All reviews (9)
What an amazing day with Captain Ernesto of Thin Blue Line Fishing! As pretty avid bass fishermen this was definitely outside our comfort zone. First time fishing for either species and being on Lake Michigan. From te moment we met the Captain at the boat launch until we stepped off that afternoon our safety and comfort were top priorities. The conditions wee less than favorable but we still caught 3 Kings and 4 steelhead, good enough to place 4th overall in the tournament. If Nick had shown up to fish and not Chris we could have definitely placed better but he let a few off unfortunately. 10 out of 10 trip, definitely recommend booking with Captain Ernesto!
Hahah. Thanks Jack. Appreciate the review and inside joke.
The captain was wonderful! Made the whole trip memorable! Found the fish and gave detailed instructions on how to reel them in. It was our first time fishing on a boat and will definitely do it again. He was super patient and very knowledgeable! We caught a King Salmon!! Loved every minute of this trip.
Thank you. glad you had a good time. Cant believe we had 4 different species for your 1st time.
we had a blast, catching 10 lakers and 1 coho. lots of fun, would recommend to anyone looking for a successful trip
Thank you. Glad the fish were active.
found the fish well equipped boat
Thank you
Thank you for booking with me. Glad we were able to get our limit
FAQs about Thin Blue Line Fishing 20' Chicago
- US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Lake Michigan Winter (4 hours)
- US $625 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Chicago River Bass (5 hours)
- US $650 per group - 4 Hr Jig/Cast Salmon &Trout Chicago (4 hours)
- US $650 per group - 4 Hr Jig/Cast Salmon &Trout Chicago - 10:30 AM (4 hours)
- US $650 per group - 4 Hr Jig/Cast Salmon &Trout Chicago - 3:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $650 per group - 4 Hr Trolling Salmon &Trout Chicago (4 hours)
- US $650 per group - 4 Hr Trolling Salmon &Trout Chicago - 10:30 AM (4 hours)
- US $650 per group - 4 Hr Trolling Salmon &Trout Chicago - 3:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $650 per group - 5 Hr Trip PERCH LAKE MICHIGAN AM (5 hours)
- US $650 per group - 5 Hr Trip PERCH LAKE MICHIGAN MID (5 hours)
- US $700 per group, additional US $25 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Chicago River- Bass (5 hours)
- US $700 per group, additional US $25 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Chicago River- Bass (5 hours)
- US $725 per group - 4 Hr Salmon and Trout Downtown AM (4 hours)
- US $775 per group - 5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) (5 hours)
- US $775 per group, additional US $25 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hr SALMON AND TROUT Downtown Mid (5 hours)
- US $775 per group - 5 Hr SALMON and Trout Downtown PM (5 hours)
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live bait well
- Multimedia system
- Wireless trolling motor
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Lures
- River fishing
- Lake fishing
- Inshore fishing
- Nearshore fishing
- Offshore fishing
- Reef fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Bass (Largemouth)
- Bass (Smallmouth)
- Brown Trout
- Lake Trout
- Muskellunge (Musky)
- Perch (Yellow)
- Pike (Northern)
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
- Salmon
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
Your operator
Chicago, Illinois, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I understand what it's like to be in your shoes—searching for the right charter, hoping for a great experience, and wanting to feel confident in your choice. As someone who's been both a customer and now a captain, I know how important it is to find a trip that's not only professional and enjoyable, but also personal and memorable. That's why I treat every charter as more than just a day on the water—I see it as an opportunity to create a genuine, lasting experience tailored to your expectations. Your time, trust, and excitement matter, and I'm committed to making sure your trip is everything you hoped for and more. Looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the Chicagoland area? Step aboard with Captain Ernesto and get ready for an exciting day on the water! With over 30 years of experience and two unique boat options to match your fishing style, Captain Ernesto's hands-on charters offer the perfect blend of action, learning, and fun. Reel in Salmon, Trout, Bass, Pike, and Perch while enjoying a fully guided experience tailored to anglers of all levels. And the best part? Every trip comes with a the option to have your fishing trip recorded to relive the thrill anytime. Spots fill fast—book your trip today and let Captain Ernesto help you make memories that last a lifetime!
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
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.
How you can pay
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
PayPal
Bank transfer
What’s biting in Chicago right now
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Perch (Yellow)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Compare similar fishing charters
4.9(19)19 ftGroup size 1 - 41 - 4
+54 hour trip • 4 personsUS $450
