Merganzer Fishing Charters 

4.9
(111 reviews)
 South Harbor Place, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States–

Merganzer Fishing Charters 

Waukegan, IL, United States
–
34 ft
6
4.9
(111 reviews)

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!

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!

Daryl Szyska
Captain
Daryl Szyska
35 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 12:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
US $800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 12:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
US $800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) 4PPL
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
US $850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
US $850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Friday 5-6 people
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Fri)
US $850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Thur (PM) 5-6 ppl
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
US $850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 12:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
US $900
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
US $950
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour – Sat-Sun 5-6 Persons (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Fri, Sat, Sun)
US $950
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip Labor Day 5-11am 5-6pl
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 5:30 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon)
US $950
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Fri, Sat, Sun)
US $1,140
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
111 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (186)

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (111)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 111 reviews
Sean Matheson
Sean Matheson
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2018
5.0
Verified
5 stars isn’t enough
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM on June 13, 2026 • 4 adults

We had an absolutely beautiful - and fun - afternoon with Captain Daryl and First Mate Eric. They combine state-of-the-art technology with decades of experience to help us land six good-size cohos (would’ve been even better had we opted for an AM trip). Great conversationalists, too. They in were especially patient and helpful to those members of our party with very little fishing experience. We are already checking calendars for a fall trip. Highly recommend Merganzer!

Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Daryl Szyska
Response from Captain

thank you sir!!!!!

Michael Plesnarski
Michael Plesnarski
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Fishing Trip
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM) on July 18, 2026 • 6 adults

Captain Darrel kept us on the fish! Eric was our mate and never stopped working to ensure we had the best opportunity to land fish. They were both very welcoming to our group and we enjoyed spending the morning with them. We caught very nice steelhead and lake trout. Eric had them all cleaned for us before returning to the dock. I highly recommend them and will definately be booking another trip!

Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Daryl Szyska
Response from Captain

Thank you for the kind words , thank you for fishing with us 😊o

Bryce Moore
Bryce Moore
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Book with these guys! You won’t regret it
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM on July 5, 2026 • 4 adults

Captain Daryl and Eric were amazing! They want the fish in the boat as much as you do. They worked with us to make sure we got out on a day that most would have canceled and rescheduled but that really wasn’t an option for us. We landed some great fish in tough conditions, my sister caught a monster Steelhead and we landed some sizable Salmon as well. Great day on the lake for sure!

Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Daryl Szyska
Response from Captain

Thank you, for being understanding, I hate the weather, I want to fill the boat, I cant control weather of the fish, but we never stop trying , have a great day, thank you for booking with us.

Stuart Hunter
Stuart Hunter
us
Kansas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
One of my best fishing trips, captain and mate were friendly and helpful.
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 on July 12, 2026 • 2 adults • 2 children

We caught up many fish. Ive never fished for lake trout.. and we caught more than we could handle. We were fished out, in a good way! Arms tired, cooler full. It was an absolute blast out the water

Daryl Szyska
Response from Captain

thank you very much that was a great day 😊

Terre Klucznyk
Terre Klucznyk
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing Trip
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM on June 28, 2026 • 6 adults

Captain Daryl and is first mate were amazing! They did whatever it took to catch fish! We had such a great time! They instructed and helped in every way! Looking forward to booking next trip

Reported catch:
Salmon
Lake Trout
Coho Salmon
Daryl Szyska
Response from Captain

thank you for fishing with us 😊

FAQs about Merganzer Fishing Charters

Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $800 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) 4PPL (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Friday 5-6 people (5 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mon-Thur (PM) 5-6 ppl (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 6 Hour – Sat-Sun 5-6 Persons (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 6 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 6 Hour Trip Labor Day 5-11am 5-6pl (6 hours)
  • US $1,140 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6) (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Merganzer Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet We have an in closed electric toilet
  • GPS Ray Marine Axiom
  • Fishfinder Ray Marine Axiom
  • Bed
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia system
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar Doppler 2 Ray Marine
Trips booked with Merganzer Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First mate (First mate works for tips)
Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
Top targeted fish species with Merganzer Fishing Charters include:
  • Lake Trout
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Salmon
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Your captain

Daryl Szyska
Daryl Szyska
Waukegan, Illinois, United States
67 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
111 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2017
I have been living the fishing and hunting lifestyle my entire life, and have been fishing Lake Michigan for over 30 years. I want people to catch fish, so whatever we need to do to make your day both enjoyable and productive, we will get it done.
Daryl Szyska
Daryl Szyska
Fully verified
67
reports
111
reviews
2017
member since
~1h
response
I have been living the fishing and hunting lifestyle my entire life, and have been fishing Lake Michigan for over 30 years. I want people to catch fish, so whatever we need to do to make your day both enjoyable and productive, we will get it done.

The fish you can target

Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Salmon
Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Salmon
Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon

Real catches by this captain

  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Salmon on a fishing charter, showcasing their successful catch on the water.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Doug M.
    Doug M.
    Had a great trip with Capt. Daryl. caught some king salmon and lake trout. Would book again!
  • A group of anglers, including children, proudly displaying their catch of fish on a boat after a successful fishing trip.
    All silver fish
  • Group of adult anglers posing aboard a charter boat while displaying a large catch of multiple fish on a MerGanzer Charters stringer.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    Michael P.
    Michael P.
    Captain Darrel kept us on the fish! Eric was our mate and never stopped working to ensure we had the best opportunity to land fish. They were both very welcoming to our group and we enjoyed spending the morning with them. We caught very nice steelhead and lake trout. Eric had them all cleaned for us before returning to the dock. I highly recommend them and will definately be booking another trip!
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of several large fish on the deck of a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    We went deep on a 6 hour and cleaned up, with going deep a 6 hour gives you 33% more fishing time .
  • A large Lake Trout displayed on the deck of a fishing boat, showcasing the catch after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Stuart H.
    Stuart H.
    We caught up many fish. Ive never fished for lake trout.. and we caught more than we could handle. We were fished out, in a good way! Arms tired, cooler full. It was an absolute blast out the water
  • Two adult anglers pose aboard a boat in a marina while displaying a large striped bass catch.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Bryce M.
    Bryce M.
    Captain Daryl and Eric were amazing! They want the fish in the boat as much as you do. They worked with us to make sure we got out on a day that most would have canceled and rescheduled but that really wasn’t an option for us. We landed some great fish in tough conditions, my sister caught a monster Steelhead and we landed some sizable Salmon as well. Great day on the lake for sure!
  • Group of anglers displaying multiple fish on a charter catch board aboard a boat at the marina.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Coho Salmon
    Terre K.
    Terre K.
    Captain Daryl and is first mate were amazing! They did whatever it took to catch fish! We had such a great time! They instructed and helped in every way! Looking forward to booking next trip
  • Family group posing aboard a charter boat with a board of freshly caught salmon, with multiple young anglers and fishing rods visible on the open water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Coho Salmon
    Fish are snapping , time to book your summer trip !!!!
  • Group of adult anglers posing with a board of multiple salmon on a fishing charter boat at a marina; MerganzerFishingCharters.com is displayed prominently.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Sean M.
    Sean M.
    We had an absolutely beautiful - and fun - afternoon with Captain Daryl and First Mate Eric. They combine state-of-the-art technology with decades of experience to help us land six good-size cohos (would’ve been even better had we opted for an AM trip). Great conversationalists, too. They in were especially patient and helpful to those members of our party with very little fishing experience. We are already checking calendars for a fall trip. Highly recommend Merganzer!
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a catch of multiple fish on a boat, showcasing their successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Coho Salmon
    Cohos are growing dast and snapping

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Yachts
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
34 ft
Year built
1987
Boat manufacturer
Tiara
Boat type
Cruiser
Engine model
Mercury Cruiser
Powered by
2 x 350HP
Max cruising speed
28 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Trolling
Spinning
Jigging

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
We have an in closed electric toilet
GPS
Ray Marine Axiom
Fishfinder
Ray Marine Axiom
Bed
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Multimedia system
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
Doppler 2 Ray Marine
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
First mate
First mate works for tips

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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
We have no problem helping young anglers fall in love with fishing ?
You keep catch
Disabled accessible
we work on a case by case basis, on how we do it

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

What’s biting in Waukegan right now

Lake TroutLake Trout
Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Salmon (Coho)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Merganzer Fishing Charters
Merganzer Fishing Charters
4.9
(111)
34 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+3
5 hour trip • 6 persons
US $800