
Merganzer Fishing Charters offers full-service fishing experiences at a variety of lengths, heading onto Lake Michigan for Salmon, Trout, and Perch. The focus of each trip is to make sure everyone has a fun and productive time on the water, no matter their age or experience level. So get down to the dock, and get ready for some of the best fishing Lake Michigan has to offer!
There is no better place to enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes than aboard Captain Daryl’s 34 Tiara cruiser. The vessel is large and spacious enough to carry 6 guests in complete comfort, and has an air-conditioned interior with a cabin, galley, enclosed head, and plenty of space to relax in the cool on a hot summer’s day.
This is not just some pleasure cruise, however, the vessel has been set up for targeting the best and biggest the lake has to offer, and comes equipped with everything from GPS and Fishfinder to outriggers and downriggers to make sure you get the best angling experience fishing for the delicious fish which inhabit the lake.
The thing that sets Merganzer Fishing Charters apart from the pack is the skill and care with which each trip is run. Captain Daryl has been fishing Lake Michigan for over 30 years, and has been running charters for almost two decades. He is joined on each trip by his energetic and experienced first mate, and the two of them will work with you from the moment you book to make sure your trip is as special as it can be.
All trips come with tackle and bait, just remember to bring your fishing license with all necessary stamps, and a big cooler to take all your catch home in at the end of the day!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (175)


+172Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
95%
Sep 22, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3
We had an incredible 5-hour fishing trip on Lake Michigan with Captain Daryl and First Mate Matt. From the moment we got on board, they made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Their knowledge of the lake and attention to detail were clear, and it showed in the results—we caught an amazing number of fish and had a blast doing it. What really stood out was how patient and supportive they were with my parents, who don’t speak much English. Daryl kept us right on the fish with his driving, while Matt managed all the rods and gear so we could reel them in. They worked seamlessly together and made sure every part of the trip was smooth and enjoyable. Friendly, professional, and fun to be around—this crew delivers a top-notch fishing experience. Highly recommend, and we’ll definitely be back!
We had an incredible 5-hour fishing trip on Lake Michigan with Captain Daryl and First Mate Matt. From the moment we got on board,...


Aug 23, 2025
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM)
This was my second time fishing with Captain Daryl and his crew. I brought my friends with me who have never experienced charter fishing at Lake Michigan. Captain Daryl not only caught us fish, but also had us catch only Salmon which is what we wanted to target the whole trip. I will definitely be a returning customer from now on.
This was my second time fishing with Captain Daryl and his crew. I brought my friends with me who have never experienced charter...



Sep 14, 2025
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM)
My family and I had a great time. Captain Daryl and first mate Parker made us feel welcome and they sure know how to find the fish. We limited out on lake trout in 3 hours. Quite exciting for everyone. We can't wait to do it again.
My family and I had a great time. Captain Daryl and first mate Parker made us feel welcome and they sure know how to find the...






Jun 1, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM
I have been fishing for over 45 years, and chartered over 100 trips and this was the best trip I ever had. The captain and his mate were so friendly, it was like going fishing with old friends. I recommend them for families. They made my son and wife feel like they were part of the team. Thank you for a great day!
I have been fishing for over 45 years, and chartered over 100 trips and this was the best trip I ever had. The captain and his...

Aug 8, 2025
8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6)
Daryl and Matt were great to work with and made sure we got on and stayed on the fish. 10/10, would recommend
Daryl and Matt were great to work with and made sure we got on and stayed on the fish. 10/10, would recommend

| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (175)


+172Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
95%

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3 on September 22, 2025
We had an incredible 5-hour fishing trip on Lake Michigan with Captain Daryl and First Mate Matt. From the moment we got on board, they made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Their knowledge of the lake and attention to detail were clear, and it showed in the results—we caught an amazing number of fish and had a blast doing it. What really stood out was how patient and supportive they were with my parents, who don’t speak much English. Daryl kept us right on the fish with his driving, while Matt managed all the rods and gear so we could reel them in. They worked seamlessly together and made sure every part of the trip was smooth and enjoyable. Friendly, professional, and fun to be around—this crew delivers a top-notch fishing experience. Highly recommend, and we’ll definitely be back!
We had an incredible 5-hour fishing trip on Lake Michigan with Captain Daryl and First Mate Matt. From the moment we got on board, they made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Their knowledge of the lake and attention to detail were clear, and it showed in the results—we caught an amazing number of fish and had a blast doing it. What really stood out was how patient and supportive they were with my parents, who don’t speak much English. Daryl kept us right on the fish with his driving,...



Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM) on August 23, 2025
This was my second time fishing with Captain Daryl and his crew. I brought my friends with me who have never experienced charter fishing at Lake Michigan. Captain Daryl not only caught us fish, but also had us catch only Salmon which is what we wanted to target the whole trip. I will definitely be a returning customer from now on.
This was my second time fishing with Captain Daryl and his crew. I brought my friends with me who have never experienced charter fishing at Lake Michigan. Captain Daryl not only caught us fish, but also had us catch only Salmon which is what we wanted to target the whole trip. I will definitely be a returning customer from now on.




Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM) on September 14, 2025
My family and I had a great time. Captain Daryl and first mate Parker made us feel welcome and they sure know how to find the fish. We limited out on lake trout in 3 hours. Quite exciting for everyone. We can't wait to do it again.
My family and I had a great time. Captain Daryl and first mate Parker made us feel welcome and they sure know how to find the fish. We limited out on lake trout in 3 hours. Quite exciting for everyone. We can't wait to do it again.






Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM on June 1, 2025
I have been fishing for over 45 years, and chartered over 100 trips and this was the best trip I ever had. The captain and his mate were so friendly, it was like going fishing with old friends. I recommend them for families. They made my son and wife feel like they were part of the team. Thank you for a great day!
I have been fishing for over 45 years, and chartered over 100 trips and this was the best trip I ever had. The captain and his mate were so friendly, it was like going fishing with old friends. I recommend them for families. They made my son and wife feel like they were part of the team. Thank you for a great day!

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6) on August 8, 2025
Daryl and Matt were great to work with and made sure we got on and stayed on the fish. 10/10, would recommend
Daryl and Matt were great to work with and made sure we got on and stayed on the fish. 10/10, would recommend

