St. Joseph has a fish with your name on it, so let Fishful Thinking Charters help you catch it!
Depending on the season, you might hook into Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), and anything else that bites.
On these trips, you can expect to troll using heavy tackle.
Trips with Fishful Thinking Charters are child-friendly, so the whole family can come and unplug for the day! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. Feel free to bring your own snacks!
You'll be fishing aboard a 31' Sea Ray Amberjack sportfishing vessel with room for 6 passengers. It has downriggers, and all the essentials. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you.
You will need to purchase a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species might be protected or require a tag to keep them, so make sure you know what to expect.
You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, bottled water, and sunscreen (non-spray). If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
How often would you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that day dream into a reality, with Fishful Thinking Charters.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (34)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Jul 15, 2025
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (PM)
My husband and I did the "Lake Trout Charter Half Day $700" on Capt Bryce Watson's Fishful Thinking in St. Joseph, MI. We are locals to St. Joseph and this was the perfect end to our "staycation." The boat was easy to find as it was one of the first slips in Brian's Marina and had a big sign. We brought with us a cooler with ice, some snacks, and our $10/day fishing licenses. Capt Bryce provided everything else including tackle and equipment! Capt Bryce was clear before we left that, for the evening tour, it was going to be "boring" for the first few hours until the sun starts to set and the fish come up to eat. We left around 4:30pm, but we reeled in our first king salmon around 6:30pm. We had two on and lost them in the next hour, then ended up finishing 6 for 8 by 9:30pm with 5 king Salmon & 1 coho. Capt Bryce would have stayed out on the water all night to help us get our 5 per person limit, but he accommodated us by returning when we asked (even though the fish finder was LIT UP at 9:45pm!) We were impressed with his knowledge and experience to find the "4 year old screamers" and were glad for the occasional small coho to give my weak arms a break from reeling in the big Kings! I've done sockeye salmon fishing in Alaska, and this was more private, fun, and challenging without the travel! Both Capt Bryce & first mate Bill were very professional and helpful. They cleaned the fish for us and we took it home on ice in ziplock bags. We returned home just after 11pm. If I were to do it again, I would probably choose the morning tour & have four people.
My husband and I did the "Lake Trout Charter Half Day $700" on Capt Bryce Watson's Fishful Thinking in St. Joseph, MI. We are...
Jul 10, 2025
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (AM)
Captain Bryce and his first mate are passionate about fishing. They know their stuff and have patience with rookie anglers. Off the bat we caught 3 king salmon and had a huge one on the hook. Unfortunately he got away after fighting me for 3 minutes. In hindsight, I’m confident if I had handed the rod over to them, they would have reeled it in, but they worked with me and wanted me to have the fun. The moment they heard the reals they jumped on it with us. Captain Bryce’s equipment is excellent, and the boat was immaculately clean. Would definitely recommend this charter.
Captain Bryce and his first mate are passionate about fishing. They know their stuff and have patience with rookie anglers. ...
Aug 30, 2025
Full Day Trip – Salmon/Trout
I brought my future son-in-law and his 4 grooms men for a bachelor weekend. We had a great time fishing the full day with Captain Bryce! He is very knowledgeable about the fish activity there . The fact that he not only captained the boat but also did everything a deck hand would do. It was a great experience on Lake Michiga. and would definitely look to book with him in the future!
I brought my future son-in-law and his 4 grooms men for a bachelor weekend. We had a great time fishing the full day with Captain...
Jul 4, 2025
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (AM)
I highly recommend Captain Bryce. We caught a ton of King Salmon, Steel Heads and a trout. While other charters caught 3 or 4 fish we caught 15. Captain Bryce and his crew were great with kids - they were very patient and answered all their questions. Afterwards they dressed the fish and we were able to take a ton home. If you want a great trip book with Captain Bryce.
I highly recommend Captain Bryce. We caught a ton of King Salmon, Steel Heads and a trout. While other charters caught 3 or 4...
Sep 23, 2025
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (AM)
It was a great experience had a lot of fun caught a good amount of fish definitely looking forward to coming out again next season thanks Captain Bryce for the experience and great time
It was a great experience had a lot of fun caught a good amount of fish definitely looking forward to coming out again next season...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (34)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (PM) on July 15, 2025
My husband and I did the "Lake Trout Charter Half Day $700" on Capt Bryce Watson's Fishful Thinking in St. Joseph, MI. We are locals to St. Joseph and this was the perfect end to our "staycation." The boat was easy to find as it was one of the first slips in Brian's Marina and had a big sign. We brought with us a cooler with ice, some snacks, and our $10/day fishing licenses. Capt Bryce provided everything else including tackle and equipment! Capt Bryce was clear before we left that, for the evening tour, it was going to be "boring" for the first few hours until the sun starts to set and the fish come up to eat. We left around 4:30pm, but we reeled in our first king salmon around 6:30pm. We had two on and lost them in the next hour, then ended up finishing 6 for 8 by 9:30pm with 5 king Salmon & 1 coho. Capt Bryce would have stayed out on the water all night to help us get our 5 per person limit, but he accommodated us by returning when we asked (even though the fish finder was LIT UP at 9:45pm!) We were impressed with his knowledge and experience to find the "4 year old screamers" and were glad for the occasional small coho to give my weak arms a break from reeling in the big Kings! I've done sockeye salmon fishing in Alaska, and this was more private, fun, and challenging without the travel! Both Capt Bryce & first mate Bill were very professional and helpful. They cleaned the fish for us and we took it home on ice in ziplock bags. We returned home just after 11pm. If I were to do it again, I would probably choose the morning tour & have four people.
My husband and I did the "Lake Trout Charter Half Day $700" on Capt Bryce Watson's Fishful Thinking in St. Joseph, MI. We are locals to St. Joseph and this was the perfect end to our "staycation." The boat was easy to find as it was one of the first slips in Brian's Marina and had a big sign. We brought with us a cooler with ice, some snacks, and our $10/day fishing licenses. Capt Bryce provided everything else including tackle and equipment! Capt Bryce was clear before we left that, for...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (AM) on July 10, 2025
Captain Bryce and his first mate are passionate about fishing. They know their stuff and have patience with rookie anglers. Off the bat we caught 3 king salmon and had a huge one on the hook. Unfortunately he got away after fighting me for 3 minutes. In hindsight, I’m confident if I had handed the rod over to them, they would have reeled it in, but they worked with me and wanted me to have the fun. The moment they heard the reals they jumped on it with us. Captain Bryce’s equipment is excellent, and the boat was immaculately clean. Would definitely recommend this charter.
Captain Bryce and his first mate are passionate about fishing. They know their stuff and have patience with rookie anglers. Off the bat we caught 3 king salmon and had a huge one on the hook. Unfortunately he got away after fighting me for 3 minutes. In hindsight, I’m confident if I had handed the rod over to them, they would have reeled it in, but they worked with me and wanted me to have the fun. The moment they heard the reals they jumped on it with us. Captain Bryce’s equipment is excellent,...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip – Salmon/Trout on August 30, 2025
I brought my future son-in-law and his 4 grooms men for a bachelor weekend. We had a great time fishing the full day with Captain Bryce! He is very knowledgeable about the fish activity there . The fact that he not only captained the boat but also did everything a deck hand would do. It was a great experience on Lake Michiga. and would definitely look to book with him in the future!
I brought my future son-in-law and his 4 grooms men for a bachelor weekend. We had a great time fishing the full day with Captain Bryce! He is very knowledgeable about the fish activity there . The fact that he not only captained the boat but also did everything a deck hand would do. It was a great experience on Lake Michiga. and would definitely look to book with him in the future!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (AM) on July 4, 2025
I highly recommend Captain Bryce. We caught a ton of King Salmon, Steel Heads and a trout. While other charters caught 3 or 4 fish we caught 15. Captain Bryce and his crew were great with kids - they were very patient and answered all their questions. Afterwards they dressed the fish and we were able to take a ton home. If you want a great trip book with Captain Bryce.
I highly recommend Captain Bryce. We caught a ton of King Salmon, Steel Heads and a trout. While other charters caught 3 or 4 fish we caught 15. Captain Bryce and his crew were great with kids - they were very patient and answered all their questions. Afterwards they dressed the fish and we were able to take a ton home. If you want a great trip book with Captain Bryce.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip – Salmon/Trout (AM) on September 23, 2025
It was a great experience had a lot of fun caught a good amount of fish definitely looking forward to coming out again next season thanks Captain Bryce for the experience and great time
It was a great experience had a lot of fun caught a good amount of fish definitely looking forward to coming out again next season thanks Captain Bryce for the experience and great time