Captain
Troy Gilleylen

Member since March 2023 South Haven, United States
Background
Captain Troy Gilleylen has been fishing Michigan lakes since childhood. Growing up near Lake Michigan allowed him to learn how to navigate and fish these legendary waters. From learning by fun fishing, then tournament fishing, to first mating with various charter captains, Capt. Troy now owns and operates Big Gills Charters. He strives to work hard to put you on the fish, with safety always being a priority. ‘As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him.’ Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22
Techniques
Trolling

Hey, I'm Captain Troy Gilleylen

South Haven, United States
Background
Captain Troy Gilleylen has been fishing Michigan lakes since childhood. Growing up near Lake Michigan allowed him to learn how to navigate and fish these legendary waters. From learning by fun fishing, then tournament fishing, to first mating with various charter captains, Capt. Troy now owns and operates Big Gills Charters. He strives to work hard to put you on the fish, with safety always being a priority. ‘As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him.’ Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22
Techniques
Trolling
Our Team
Ben A.
First mate
Kenny L.
First mate
Laura S.
Other
John B.
First mate

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(18 reviews)
South Haven
 Last booking: 4 days ago
Trips from US $700

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 18 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (165)
Awesome evening on lake
Awesome evening on lake
Awesome evening on lake
+162
Angler rating
18
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
80%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 18 reviews
Gerald K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome evening on lake

VERIFIED   NEW  Evening Trip (6 People Max) on July 19, 2025
We had an absolutely awesome trip.ย  6 guys fit comfortably.ย  Gear was top notch. Captain Troy was easy to work with on logistics.ย ...
Gerald K. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Eloisa C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect Outing

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (4 People Max) on July 27, 2024
Planned our first chartered fishing trip in South Haven and we were not disappointed ... Captain Troy and Ben were great....
Eloisa C. recommends Big Gills Charters
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Troy Gilleylen Captain replied

Rich W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing experience on Lake Michigan

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) on July 12, 2025
Captain and first mate were very helpful in getting us onto fish.ย  We had a great time catching several nice salmon.
Rich W. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Katie E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Charter in South Haven

VERIFIED   Full Day 7 Hours 1-4 People on August 24, 2024
The best experience! Canโ€™t stop talking about this trip and how phenomenal the captain and first mate were. We will 100%...
Katie E. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Paula B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with our grandsons

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (4 People Max) on September 28, 2024
We took our teenage grandsons fishing.ย  It was their first time catching fish that big.ย  We all had a great time with Captain...
Paula B. recommends Big Gills Charters
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