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!
Captain
Daryl Szyska
Highlights
In demand! Last booked: 17 hours ago
In demand! Last booked: 19 hours ago
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (157)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
94%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3 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
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3 on May 11, 2025
From great communication before the trip to an amazing day on the water, Captain Daryl and mate Parker were the best. They never stop working to put you on the fish - and all with a smile. Will be going back out with the Merganzer team soon.
From great communication before the trip to an amazing day on the water, Captain Daryl and mate Parker were the best. They never stop working to put you on the fish - and all with a smile. Will be going back out with the Merganzer team soon.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour – Sat/Sun 5-6 Persons (PM) on August 31, 2024
This was a present for my Father in law and it turned out great! We did an afternoon trip that started a little slow but Captain Daryl worked hard to find the fish and he definitely did! We Brought in some monsters! His first mate Eric was great as well and was on top of everything, they were super personable and were also Great with the kids! Will Definitely be going back!!
This was a present for my Father in law and it turned out great! We did an afternoon trip that started a little slow but Captain Daryl worked hard to find the fish and he definitely did! We Brought in some monsters! His first mate Eric was great as well and was on top of everything, they were super personable and were also Great with the kids! Will Definitely be going back!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3 on July 5, 2025
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 3 on July 27, 2024
The captain and first mate were extremely knowledgeable. We had a fish on before he could get the second pole out. At that the fish never stopped biting. We could not go in at the time because the fish kept biting. The captain was great I highly recommend this boat and crew. They know the lake!
The captain and first mate were extremely knowledgeable. We had a fish on before he could get the second pole out. At that the fish never stopped biting. We could not go in at the time because the fish kept biting. The captain was great I highly recommend this boat and crew. They know the lake!
Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Merganzer Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Merganzer Fishing Charters include:
Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Merganzer Fishing Charters include:
Waukegan, Illinois, United States
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
Lake Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
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
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
First Mate
First mate works for tips
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.
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
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.