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
(16 reviews)
South Haven
 3 bookings in the past week.
Trips from US $700

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 16 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (130)
Great fishing experience on Lake Michigan
Great fishing experience on Lake Michigan
Great fishing experience on Lake Michigan
+127
Angler rating
16
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 16 reviews
Michael B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (6 People Max) on August 31, 2024
The four of us had a great time with Troy and Ben.  We caught. 6 fish….the weather was perfect….we got to watch a beautiful...
Michael B. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Kurt S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun time with the Fam

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Trip (6 MAX) on June 8, 2025
You need to do this
Kurt S. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Michael B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great time

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (6 People Max) on September 21, 2024
Troy and Ben were awesome as usual….they put us on fish!!  We all had a great time.  Looking forward to some spring 2025...
Michael B. recommends Big Gills Charters
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BRIAN N.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

St Louis native’s had a blast

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (6 People Max) on July 20, 2024
Fun , Fun,Fun!!!!  My son caught a thirty pound king salmon and what a fight it was!!!
BRIAN N. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Lisa F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Incredible fishing experience

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (6 People Max) on July 13, 2024
Our group of six had an awesome fishing trip with Captain Troy and 1st mate Ben. They were great with communication prior to...
Lisa F. recommends Big Gills Charters
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  Troy Gilleylen Captain replied