Merganzer Fishing Charters 

4.9/5 (92 reviews)
  Recent reports
 South Harbor Place, Waukegan, IL 60085, 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!

Daryl Szyska

Captain

Daryl Szyska

34 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Highlights

 You Keep Catch
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Plan your trip

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
5 Hour Trip – Mon to Thurs PM 2 ppl
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Price for up to 6 people
US $600 
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $650 
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $650 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $650 
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 4

 In demand! Last booked: 17 hours ago

FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $750 
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $750 
5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $750 
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $750 
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) 4PPL

 In demand! Last booked: 19 hours ago

FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Price for up to 6 people
US $750 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $850 
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $850 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $850 
6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 4
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip (Sat, Sun)
Price for up to 6 people
US $850 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $850 
July 4 5-11 am 4-6 people
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Fri)
Price for up to 6 people
US $900 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $950 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $950 
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)
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,140 
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 92 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (157)

Best salmon fishing ever!
Fishing with Daryl
We caught Big Fish!
+154

Angler rating

86
2
1
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

94%

Showing 1 - 5 of 92 reviews
MICHAEL S.
MICHAEL S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Best salmon fishing ever!

VERIFIED

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!  

Review media 0
 MICHAEL S. recommends Merganzer Fishing Charters
1 person finds this review helpful

Seth R.
Seth R.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Highly Recommend Merganzer!

VERIFIED

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.  

 Seth R. recommends Merganzer Fishing Charters
1 person finds this review helpful

Michael F.
Michael F.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Day!

VERIFIED

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!!  

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 Michael F. recommends Merganzer Fishing Charters

Daman B.
Daman B.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fishing with Daryl

VERIFIED
NEW

5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3 on July 5, 2025

 

 Daman B. recommends Merganzer Fishing Charters

Mike K.
Mike K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

What a great day of fishing

VERIFIED

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!  

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 Mike K. recommends Merganzer Fishing Charters
Daryl Szyska
Daryl Szyska (The Captain)
Replied on July 28, 2024
Thank you for fishing with us 😊
Review media 0
Review media 1

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FAQs about Merganzer Fishing Charters

What are the trip rates for Merganzer Fishing Charters?

Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $600 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mon to Thurs PM 2 ppl (5 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) MAX 3 (5 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 3 (5 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3 (5 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) 4PPL (5 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 4 (5 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 4 (5 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 3 (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 3 (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 – Mon-Thur (PM) 5-6 ppl (5 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (AM) MAX 4 (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sat/Sun (PM) MAX 4 (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - July 4 5-11 am 4-6 people (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 $1,140 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Fri/Sat/Sun (MAX 6) (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Merganzer Fishing Charters?

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
What's included in the trip price with Merganzer Fishing Charters?

Trips booked with Merganzer Fishing Charters include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First Mate (First mate works for tips)
What types of fishing does Merganzer Fishing Charters offer?

Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:

  • Lake Fishing
What fishing techniques does Merganzer Fishing Charters offer?

Merganzer Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
Which fish species can I catch with Merganzer Fishing Charters?

Top targeted fish species with Merganzer Fishing Charters include:

  • Lake Trout
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Salmon
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Meet your captain

Daryl Szyska

Waukegan, Illinois, United States

59 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
92 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2017
angler's choice

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.

Our Team
Parker J.

Parker J.

First mate

Fish you can target

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

Your boat

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

Where you can fish

Lake Fishing

How you can fish

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

What's on board

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

Included in the 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.

Listing policies

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 to 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)

Recent fishing reports


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9 people are looking at this charter.
5 Hour Trip – Mon-Fri (PM) 4PPL booked 19 hours ago