Personal Best Sport Fishing 

5.0
(6 reviews)
 1 Yacht Club Drive, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096, United States–

Personal Best Sport Fishing 

Winthrop Harbor, IL, United States
–
36 ft
6
5.0
(6 reviews)

If you're ready to go fishing in Winthrop Harbor, we've got you covered with Personal Best Sport Fishing. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Dave is prepared to put you on fish.

These waters are known for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), and more – with any luck, it won't take long to hook into some. You can expect to do some trolling, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. You're welcome to bring snacks so that everyone stays happy and energized!

Capt. Dave runs a 36' Tiara Yacht with room for 6 charter passengers, Captain and First Mate. It comes with downriggers, and all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures.

A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.

You will need to get a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.

You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, sunblock (non-spray), bottled water, and a hat. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now and then the fish might get away, but a day on the water never should. So make it happen, with Personal Best Sport Fishing!

If you're ready to go fishing in Winthrop Harbor, we've got you covered with Personal Best Sport Fishing. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Dave is prepared to put you on fish.

These waters are known for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), and more – with any luck, it won't take long to hook into some. You can expect to do some trolling, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. You're welcome to bring snacks so that everyone stays happy and energized!

Capt. Dave runs a 36' Tiara Yacht with room for 6 charter passengers, Captain and First Mate. It comes with downriggers, and all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures.

A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.

You will need to get a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.

You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, sunblock (non-spray), bottled water, and a hat. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now and then the fish might get away, but a day on the water never should. So make it happen, with Personal Best Sport Fishing!

Personal Best Sport  Fishing
Captain
Personal Best Sport Fishing
20 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4 Hour – 2 Person Spring Salmon
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 11:00 AM)
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - May 30
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour - 4 person
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 4:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 16 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Weekday (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 11:00 AM)
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - Oct 16 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $900
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Weekend (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 11:00 AM)
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - Oct 16 (Sat, Sun)
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $950
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Weekday (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - Oct 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $950
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Weekend (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - Oct 16 (Sat, Sun)
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Salmon (Chinook)
+1
US $975
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
6 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (14)

Reviews (6)

  • James Michalak
    James Michalak
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Really a fun, experience.

    6 Hour Trip – Weekday (AM) on August 26, 2026 • 2 adults

    Caught several nice size fish that were expertly cleaned and bagged for us to take hone enjoy with our families. Captain and first mate were very knowledgeable easy to work with. Highlight was catching a 17 pound Brown Trout, (trophy size). We are already talking of our return booking with Captain Dave and crew.

  • Craig Davis
    Craig Davis
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Bigger and Better

    6 Hour Trip – Weekday (AM) - 11:00 AM on August 24, 2026 • 4 adults

    Never thought I would top my personal best but I think I did on our 3rd trip with Personal Best Sport Fishing. He didn’t just drive the boat around when the bite slowed. He was able to do some change ups to keep the action going. They really worked hard to get fish in the boat.

  • Patrick Byrne
    Patrick Byrne
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Day on Lake Michigan

    6 Hour Trip – Weekend (AM) - 11:00 AM on June 20, 2026 • 6 adults

    Captains Dave and Ron got us on the fish, and we came home with Lake Trout to fill the freezer. Top notch experience.

  • Ge Wang
    Ge Wang
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2024
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    The best

    4 Hour - 4 person on April 23, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    Have been on over 20 Lake Michigan charters and this was undoubtedly my best trip yet. Captain Dave and mate Ron went above and beyond to find fish, and both were great with kids as well. Highly highly recommend. Bonus - who doesn't love April kings?

  • First Name
    First Name
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Dave is an awesome captain!

    6 Hour Trip – Weekend (AM) - 11:00 AM on September 27, 2026 • 5 adults

    Dave is an awesome captain! We had fun, worth the money.

  • Nick Bratkiv
    Nick Bratkiv
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing day of Fishing!

    6 Hour Trip – Weekday (AM) - 11:00 AM on July 20, 2026 • 5 adults

    My family and I had a wonderful time on Captain Dave’s boat! Dave ensured we got plenty of fish to take home and made the day a wonderful, relaxing experience. We would definitely recommend booking this trip!

FAQs about Personal Best Sport Fishing

Personal Best Sport Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour – 2 Person Spring Salmon (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour – 2 Person Spring Salmon - 11:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 4 Hour - 4 person (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 4 Hour - 4 person - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Weekday (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Weekday (AM) - 11:00 AM (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Weekday (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Weekend (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Weekend (AM) - 11:00 AM (6 hours)
  • US $975 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Weekend (PM) (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Personal Best Sport Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet There are plenty of amenities like enclosed cabin, working restroom and running water to keep you comfortable while on the water.
  • Air conditioning
  • GPS Garmin 8612xsv
  • Fishfinder Garmin 8612xsv
  • Bed
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia system
  • Ice box
  • Radar Garmin
Trips booked with Personal Best Sport Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We do not charge for cleaning/filleting. This is a part of the Experince and we send you home with ready to eat fresh salmon and trout fillets. )
  • First mate (Myself along with our first mate(s) come with a wealth of Knowledge and Experince. We're often asked how much is a great tip, well that's entirely up to you and how you feel about the overall experience. Although, 20% is customary. )
Personal Best Sport Fishing offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing (Lake Michigan)
Personal Best Sport Fishing offers the following fishing technique:
  • Trolling
Top targeted fish species with Personal Best Sport Fishing include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Your captain

Personal Best Sport  Fishing
Personal Best Sport Fishing
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, United States
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
12 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since November 2025
Capt. Dave is your guide to an unforgettable fishing adventure out on the Lake Michigan waters of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Using trolling, and other techniques, you'll have a chance to catch Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Lake Trout and Brown Trout. Come on out and see if you can't catch your Personal Best with Capt. Dave Johnson ???
Our Team
Dave J.
Dave J.
Captain
Personal Best Sport  Fishing
Personal Best Sport Fishing
Fully verified
1
reports
12
reviews
2025
member since
~2h
response
Capt. Dave is your guide to an unforgettable fishing adventure out on the Lake Michigan waters of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Using trolling, and other techniques, you'll have a chance to catch Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Lake Trout and Brown Trout. Come on out and see if you can't catch your Personal Best with Capt. Dave Johnson ???
The crew
Dave J.
Dave J.
Captain

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

Real catches by this captain

  • Group of adult anglers posing aboard an offshore fishing boat beside a large display of freshly caught fish on the deck.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Lake Trout
    First N.
    First N.
    Dave is an awesome captain! We had fun, worth the money.
  • Angler holding a large spotted seatrout aboard a fishing boat, with trolling rods and onboard electronics visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Lake Trout
    James M.
    James M.
    Caught several nice size fish that were expertly cleaned and bagged for us to take hone enjoy with our families. Captain and first mate were very knowledgeable easy to work with. Highlight was catching a 17 pound Brown Trout, (trophy size). We are already talking of our return booking with Captain Dave and crew.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple fish, including a large salmon, aboard a fishing boat in open water.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Craig D.
    Craig D.
    Never thought I would top my personal best but I think I did on our 3rd trip with Personal Best Sport Fishing. He didn’t just drive the boat around when the bite slowed. He was able to do some change ups to keep the action going. They really worked hard to get fish in the boat.
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large spotted trout aboard a fishing boat on open water.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Patrick B.
    Patrick B.
    Captains Dave and Ron got us on the fish, and we came home with Lake Trout to fill the freezer. Top notch experience.
  • A family group poses proudly on a fishing charter, showcasing their catch of salmon while enjoying a day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    The coho salmon are chomping and we’ve got available dates from now through August. Reach out to us today to book your trip. Capt. Dave
  • A proud father and his two young sons display a large fish on a boat, showcasing a memorable family fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Ge W.
    Ge W.
    Have been on over 20 Lake Michigan charters and this was undoubtedly my best trip yet. Captain Dave and mate Ron went above and beyond to find fish, and both were great with kids as well. Highly highly recommend. Bonus - who doesn't love April kings?

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Yachts
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
36 ft
Year built
1989
Boat manufacturer
Tiara
Boat type
Motor yacht
Engine model
Crusader
Powered by
2 x 350HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
There are plenty of amenities like enclosed cabin, working restroom and running water to keep you comfortable while on the water.
Air conditioning
GPS
Garmin 8612xsv
Fishfinder
Garmin 8612xsv
Bed
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Multimedia system
Ice box
Radar
Garmin
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We do not charge for cleaning/filleting. This is a part of the Experince and we send you home with ready to eat fresh salmon and trout fillets.
First mate
Myself along with our first mate(s) come with a wealth of Knowledge and Experince. We're often asked how much is a great tip, well that's entirely up to you and how you feel about the overall experience. Although, 20% is customary.

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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
This is a great time for kids too. Kids under the age of 16 are required to wear a life jacket for the entire duration of the charter trip, per coast guard laws.
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

What’s biting in Winthrop Harbor right now

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

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