Merganzer Fishing Charters 

4.9/5 (101 reviews)
 South Harbor Place, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States

Merganzer Fishing Charters 

4.9/5 (101)
 Angler's Choice
map-thumbnail
South Harbor Place
Waukegan, IL, United States

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!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 101 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (175)

A perfect day catching Lake Trout!
A perfect day catching Lake Trout!
Merganzer Charters A+
+172

Angler rating

95
2
1
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

97%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

95%

Showing 1 - 5 of 101 reviews
Showing: 5 of 101 reviews
Bolei Di
Bolei Di
5.0
Verified
A perfect day catching Lake Trout!
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3 on September 22, 20253 adults
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!
Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
September 24, 2025
thank you
0
Alvin Jorda
Alvin Jorda
5.0
Verified
Great Overall Experience
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM) on August 23, 20256 adults
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.
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Response from Captain
August 24, 2025
thank you. i really appreciate that. this is definitely a passion gone insane , but we have fun when we are there, I completely understand everyone wants to catch fish. and thats why do what we do when we are out there , balls out every day 😊. thanks again for fishing with us 😄
1
Richard Bleser
Richard Bleser
5.0
Verified
Merganzer Charters A+
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM) on September 14, 20255 adults
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.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Response from Captain
September 15, 2025
thank you for fishing with us , really appreciate it 😊
0
MICHAEL SHEN
MICHAEL SHEN
5.0
Verified
Best salmon fishing ever!
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM on June 1, 20253 adults
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!
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
1
Dylan Skilling
Dylan Skilling
5.0
Verified
Outstanding
8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6) on August 8, 20256 adults
Daryl and Matt were great to work with and made sure we got on and stayed on the fish. 10/10, would recommend
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
December 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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US $750 
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)
Loading...
US $750 
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)
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US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Loading...
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)
Loading...
US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 4 - 12:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
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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)
Loading...
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)
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US $850 
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)
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US $850 
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)
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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)
Loading...
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)
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US $1,140 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 101 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (175)

A perfect day catching Lake Trout!
A perfect day catching Lake Trout!
Merganzer Charters A+
+172

Angler rating

95
2
1
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

97%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

95%

Showing 1 - 5 of 101 reviews
Showing: 5 of 101 reviews
Bolei Di
Bolei Di
5.0
Verified
A perfect day catching Lake Trout!
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3 on September 22, 20253 adults
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!
Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
September 24, 2025
thank you
0
Alvin Jorda
Alvin Jorda
5.0
Verified
Great Overall Experience
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM) on August 23, 20256 adults
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.
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Response from Captain
August 24, 2025
thank you. i really appreciate that. this is definitely a passion gone insane , but we have fun when we are there, I completely understand everyone wants to catch fish. and thats why do what we do when we are out there , balls out every day 😊. thanks again for fishing with us 😄
1
Richard Bleser
Richard Bleser
5.0
Verified
Merganzer Charters A+
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Person (AM) on September 14, 20255 adults
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.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Response from Captain
September 15, 2025
thank you for fishing with us , really appreciate it 😊
0
MICHAEL SHEN
MICHAEL SHEN
5.0
Verified
Best salmon fishing ever!
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun MAX 3 - 12:00 PM on June 1, 20253 adults
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!
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
1
Dylan Skilling
Dylan Skilling
5.0
Verified
Outstanding
8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6) on August 8, 20256 adults
Daryl and Matt were great to work with and made sure we got on and stayed on the fish. 10/10, would recommend
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
0

FAQs about Merganzer Fishing Charters

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The fish you can target

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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
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