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
(22 reviews)
South Haven
Trips from US $700

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 22 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (221)
September fishing trip
September fishing trip
September fishing trip
+218
Angler rating
22
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
77%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 22 reviews
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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Yichen W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

September fishing trip

VERIFIED   Evening Trip (4 People Max) on September 13, 2025
Yichen W. recommends Big Gills Charters
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Steve F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Trip(4 People Max) on July 19, 2025
Steve F. 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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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Troy Gilleylen Captain replied

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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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Troy Gilleylen Captain replied