Captain
Jim Hirt

Member since April 2016 Milwaukee, United States
Background
Captain Jim Hirt has more than 30 years experience fishing for Salmon and Trout on Lake Michigan. He works with his wife Anita to provide exciting fishing adventures from Milwaukee as well as relaxing cruises around the local area. The couple make every effort to ensure that your trip is both safe and enjoyable. Blue Max Charters’ claim to fame: a line class world record of the somewhat rare Atlantic Salmon was caught during a fishing tournament with this outfit!
Techniques
Motor Trolling

Hey, I'm Captain Jim Hirt

Milwaukee, United States
Background
Captain Jim Hirt has more than 30 years experience fishing for Salmon and Trout on Lake Michigan. He works with his wife Anita to provide exciting fishing adventures from Milwaukee as well as relaxing cruises around the local area. The couple make every effort to ensure that your trip is both safe and enjoyable. Blue Max Charters’ claim to fame: a line class world record of the somewhat rare Atlantic Salmon was caught during a fishing tournament with this outfit!
Techniques
Motor Trolling
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(117 reviews)
Angler's choice
Milwaukee
 Last booking: 4 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $540

Fishing Reports

Milwaukee Fishing, Master the Kings !
Milwaukee Fishing, Master the Kings !
Aug 27, 2018 Milwaukee
Milwaukee Fishing, Master the Kings ! By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt Chinook salmon report 8/28/2018 Join us in Milwaukee! Nate Lorch spent 15 minutes wrestling with this 25.5 pound monster. We had to back down on this one which made for an exciting catch. The way he was ripping off line I didnโ€™t think he was ever going to stop. The pattern for me yesterday was deeper presentations on 200 and 225 copper or downriggers 90 down to the bottom. A mixed bag of Chinook and Lake Trout made up the catch. The huge Chinook action is picking up as the kings make there way to the river. We had many fish over twenty pounds this last week. They are still on the feed and in great shape. Chinook are coming on Howie flies and on magnum size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans have been working for us. I hope this helps. Wire magnum divers are producing a few Rainbows and Browns with flies set at 3 with 160 feet of line out. Lake Trout today were on eight inch flashers and 0 dodgers and spin n glows 90 to the bottom. Browns were caught last week on six color lead core with Reaper Magnum Peacock spoons. Rainbows are slow. When we did catch them they went for the flasher flies Speed For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 75 degree water. A temp break to 52 degrees is at 50 feet. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed and temp at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 has been best. Where! Fish are in the colder water out over 80 feet. We fished north and south in 80 to 120 feet. We did not get out over 120 feet of water yesterday. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing! Note All alone we put together groups at $125 per person. I have openings to join a group this week. Call for dates!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. Copyrightยฉ 2018, James J. Hirt All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading
Milwaukee Fishing, On The Bottom !
Milwaukee Fishing, On The Bottom !
Aug 8, 2018 Milwaukee
Milwaukee Fishing, On The Bottom ! By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt Chinook salmon report 8/9/2018 Join us in Milwaukee! How I will leave this tip in my report because it is the answer to producing fish the last two weeks! Lots of marks only a few are interested. Whatever your favorite bait you must fish the bottom. Pounding the bottom is the answer to putting fish in the cooler. This is not easy with the strong current we have had as of late. The worst scenario is when the current and wind are cross path. The best presentation is with or against the current. When you set up align your tackle with the current. Lower you deepest lines until they bump the bottom and keep adjusting to keep them there. Your focus should be on presentation. This may be more effort than some anglers want to expend. The pattern for me yesterday was deeper presentation on 300 copper or downriggers 100 down to the bottom. A mixed bag of Rainbows, Chinook and Lake Trout made up the catch. The big Chinooks were missing yesterday but I would look for them at the temp break at first light 55 down. Chinook are coming on flies and on magnum size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans have been working for us. I hope this helps. Wire magnum divers are producing a few Rainbows with flies set at 3 with 150 feet of line out. Lake Trout today were on 0 dodgers and spin n glows at or near the bottom and 8inch flashers with flies. No Browns were caught last week. Rainbows are far and few in between. When we did catch them they went for the flasher flies Speed For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 70 degree water. A temp break to 52 degrees is at 55 feet. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed and temp at the ball. The boat speed of 1.7 to 2.0 has been best. Where! Fish are in the colder water out over 80 feet. We fished north and south in 80 to 150 feet. We did not get out over 120 feet of water yesterday. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing! Note All alone we put together groups at $125 per person. I have openings to join a group this week. Copyrightยฉ 2018, James J. Hirt All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading
Milwaukee Fishing, Pounding Out Some Fis
Milwaukee Fishing, Pounding Out Some Fis
Jul 29, 2018 Milwaukee
Milwaukee Fishing, Pounding Out Some Fish ! By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt Chinook salmon report 7/30/2018 Join us in Milwaukee! T How Lots of marks only a few are interested. Whatever your favorite bait you must fish the bottom. Pounding the bottom is the answer to putting fish in the cooler. This is not easy with the strong current we have had as of late. The worst scenario is when the current and wind are cross path. The best presentation is with or against the current. When you set up align your tackle with the current. Lower you deepest lines until they bump the bottom and keep adjusting to keep them there. Your focus should be on presentation. This may be more effort than some anglers want to expend. The pattern for me yesterday was deeper presentation on 300 copper or downriggers 100 down to the bottom. A mixed bag of Coho, Chinook and Lake Trout made up the catch. The big Chinooks are getting slightly easier to find right now with some up to 25 pounds. Chinook are coming on flies and on magnum size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans have been working for us. I hope this helps. Wire magnum divers are producing with flies set at 2 with 250 feet of line out. Lake Trout today were on 0 dodgers and spin n glows at or near the bottom. No Browns were caught last week. Rainbows are far and few in between. When we did catch them they went for the Golden Diablo spoons in the top 25 feet. Speed For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 70 degree water. A temp break to 52 degrees is at 95 feet. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed and temp at the ball. The boat speed of 1.7 to 2.0 has been best. Where! Fish are in the colder water out over 80 feet. We fished north and south in 80 to 150 feet. We did not get out over 140 feet of water yesterday. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing! Note All alone we put together groups at $125 per person. I have openings to join a group this week. Call for dates!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. Copyrightยฉ 2018, James J. Hirt All Rights Reserved. Fish,report,salmon,lake,michigan,milwaukee
Continue reading
Milwaukee Fishing, King are On, Right On
Milwaukee Fishing, King are On, Right On
Jul 7, 2018 Milwaukee
Milwaukee Fishing, King are On, Right On! By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt Chinook salmon report 7/9/2018 Join us in Milwaukee! How It was mostly a Reaper Magnum Spoon bite the last several days. with a few fish on white 8 inch flasher and Howie flies. The pattern for me yesterday was deeper presentation on 300 copper or downriggers 100 down. A mixed bag of Coho, Rainbow and Lake Trout added to the catch. The big Chinooks are getting easier to find right now with some up to 25 pounds. Chinook are coming on flies and on magnum size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans have been working for us. The small silver Vulcan in green, blue or orange has been working on the downriggers for Rainbows. Run them 50 feet behind the ball 25 feet down. I hope this helps. Wire magnum divers are producing with flies set at 2 with 100 feet of line out. Lake Trout today were on 0 dodgers and spin n glows at or near the bottom. Huge 14 to 18 pound Browns were caught last Thursday on 4 color lead core with a Reaper Magnum Peacock spoon. Rainbows are part of most trips on Golden Diablo spoons in the top 25 feet. Speed For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 65 degree water. A temp break to 52 degrees is at 25 feet. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed and temp at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.4 has been best. The faster speed triggered the Rainbow action. Where! Fish are in the colder water out over 70 feet. We fished east west out to 190 feet. We did not get out over 190 feet of water yesterday. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing! Copyrightยฉ 2018, James J. Hirt All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading
Milwaukee Fishing, Deeper Water Is Bette
Milwaukee Fishing, Deeper Water Is Bette
Jun 25, 2018 Milwaukee
Milwaukee Fishing, Deeper Water Is Better! By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt Coho and Chinook Report 6/25/2018 Join us in Milwaukee! How It was mostly a white 8 inch flasher and Howie fly bite with a few fish on spoons. The pattern for me yesterday was deeper presentation on 150 or 225 copper or downriggers worked the best. A mixed bag of Coho, Rainbow and Chinooks added to the catch. The big Chinooks are hard to find right now with some 6 to 8 pound fish filling in. Chinook are coming on flies and on small or magnum size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans have been working for us. The small silver Vulcan in green, blue or orange has been working on the downriggers. Run them 50 feet behind the ball 85 feet down to the bottom. I hope this helps. Wire magnum divers are producing with flies set at 2 with 100 feet of line out. Lake Trout today were on 0 dodgers and spin n glows at or near the bottom. No Browns today. Rainbows are part of most trips on Golden Diablo spoons in the top 25 feet. Speed For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 60 degree water. A temp break to 52 degrees is at 25 feet. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed and temp at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.4 has been best. The faster speed triggered the Rainbow action. Where! Fish are in the colder water out over 150 feet. We fished east west out to 190 feet. We did not get out over 190 feet of water yesterday. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing! Note All alone we put together groups at $125 per person. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. Copyrightยฉ 2018, James J. Hirt All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading
Milwaukee Fishing, Whitefish Bay is the
Milwaukee Fishing, Whitefish Bay is the
Jun 18, 2018 Milwaukee
Milwaukee Fishing, Whitefish Bay is the Place for Rainbows! By Capt. Jim Hirt Report for June 18th 2018 The lake is warming and a thermocline is setting up. The surface action has slowed and the temperature break is at 30 feet to 50 degrees. Rainbow Trout action has been best in the warmer water just above the break in sizes of 4 to 14 pounds. All our action on Rainbows has been on the Reaper Magnum Fish N Chip Silver spoon or Golden Diablo spoon presented on one and two color lead core or Slide Divers with 60 foot leads set to #2 with 35 feet of line out. 150 to 200 feet of water has been best depths With two foot or less waves presentation has been easy. Coho are at or below the break from 35 to 65 feet. We are still getting Coho on 6-inch flashers or OO dodgers with peanut, small hair cut or Mylar flies tied 15 inches long. The Coho are slowing down green or blue flies will work. Reaper Magnum Fish N Chip, Peacock and Vulcan Magnum Silver Leaf, Silver Sky spoons on the downriggers are taking Chinooks and Lake Trout 8 to 15 pounds 90 to 135 down 25 feet behind the ball. The only place you will find Reaper and Vulcan spoons is on their web site at **hidden content** The wind has brought the temperatures near shore up to 61 degrees on the surface and that action in has slowed. Start your trip in 110 feet of water and fish out to deeper water. Look for 52-degree or colder water. Our best presentations are planer boards with 1,2,3 or 4 lead cores and downriggers 90 to 130 feet down. Our best speed was 1.7 to 2.0 mph. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing!! Jim charters
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 117 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (121)
Will book again
Good trip
Rewarding trip
+118
Angler rating
107
4
5
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
91%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
88%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 117 reviews
Chris B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Very knowledgeable and experienced captain.

VERIFIED   NEW  8 Hour Trip on June 6, 2025
Captain knows his stretch of water like the back of his hand. Seemed to n ow every trick in the book to maximize reeling in...
Chris B. recommends Blue Max Charters Salmon Fishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Jim Hirt Captain replied

Ben S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Epic trip on Lake Michigan

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday (PM) on September 12, 2024
Captain Jim and his wife were amazing hosts. Communication was great during the booking process. They explained everything...
Ben S. recommends Blue Max Charters Salmon Fishing
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Jim Hirt Captain replied

Brad B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on Lake Michigan!

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday (AM) on May 6, 2025
We had a great day with Blue Max charters on Lake Michigan in early May. It was a beautiful day and the Coho were very active....
Brad B. recommends Blue Max Charters Salmon Fishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Jim Hirt Captain replied

Miladin K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great experience with Jim and Anette

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday (AM) on September 11, 2024
Jim is the best captain Iโ€™ve ever had. Heโ€™s got a ton of knowledge, his equipment is in tip-top shape, and his boat is...
Miladin K. recommends Blue Max Charters Salmon Fishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Jim Hirt Captain replied

Mark S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a fantastic day!!!!!!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday (AM) on July 17, 2024
We caught our limit in 3 1/2 hours. Captain Jim knew all the right spots to fish. Jim and his wife make a great team! I would...
Mark S. recommends Blue Max Charters Salmon Fishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Jim Hirt Captain replied