Merganzer Fishing Charters
Merganzer Fishing Charters
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!
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (182)
What anglers say
All reviews (108)
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!
Thank you for the kind words , thank you for fishing with us 😊o
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!
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.
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!
thank you sir!!!!!
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!
thank you
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
thank you for fishing with us 😊
FAQs about Merganzer Fishing Charters
What are the trip rates for Merganzer Fishing Charters?
- US $700 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3 (5 hours)
- US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 (6 hours)
- US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM (6 hours)
- US $800 per group - 5 Hour Trip – July 3rd am trip (5 hours)
- 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 $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)
Which amenities are available onboard with Merganzer Fishing Charters?
- 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 with Merganzer Fishing Charters?
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Lures
- First mate (First mate works for tips)
What types of fishing does Merganzer Fishing Charters offer?
- Lake fishing
What fishing techniques does Merganzer Fishing Charters offer?
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
Which fish species can I catch with Merganzer Fishing Charters?
- Lake Trout
- Perch (Yellow)
- Salmon
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
Your captain
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
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.
Parker J.
First mate
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
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.
Parker J.
First mate
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
What's included in the trip price
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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
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
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