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Rippin Drag Charters
Charter operator

Rippin Drag Charters

Manistee, United States
Angler's choice
10+ reviews
With over 25 years of fishing experience, I am passionate about both the sport and sharing my knowledge of fishing with others. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, my extensive expertise ensures you'll have a memorable and successful fishing trip. Specializing in a variety of species, including steelhead, salmon, and walleye, I tailor each trip to suit the needs and experience level of my clients. I am is also a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, licensed, and insured captain, providing an added layer of safety and professionalism to every trip. I am commitment to top-tier service means your time on the water is not only fun but also safe and well-organized. When I am not guiding fishing trips, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter in northern Michigan, where you can often find them fishing on the region's pristine waters. While I'm at the helm, you're guaranteed an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, learning, and, of course, great fishing!
Karla S.
Karla S.
First mate
Derek S.
Derek S.
Captain

Charters

Rating

5.0
22 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

All reviews (22)

Showing 1 – 5 of 22 reviews
  • Laura Free
    Laura Free
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic!

    6 Hour Trip – Lake Michigan (am) • 3 adults • 1 child

    ​From the second we stepped onboard until the moment we docked, this trip was an absolute blast! As first-timers with kids in tow, we weren't sure what to expect, but the crew completely had our backs. They showed us the ropes and gave us the ultimate tips and tricks for reeling in the big ones—which was a lifesaver when our arms felt like they were going to fall off! (Especially for the kids, who managed to pull in a massive 15-17 lb catch!). ​The crew was phenomenal: super knowledgeable, funny and entertaining, and by the end of the day, it felt like we’d been friends for years. Hands down the highlight of our vacation and a memory we’ll cherish forever. Plus, we walked away with nearly 100 lbs of beautiful, delicious salmon and trout. Highly, highly recommend!

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you so much for coming out with us! We enjoyed helping you all create long lasting memories.

  • Missy Atwood
    Missy Atwood
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Highly Recommend!

    5 Hour Trip (PM) • 2 adults

    This was our first experience with a fishing charter and it could not have been better! Despite the wind that challenged the captain, we had a great time learning how to 'feel' the bottom for jigging and ultimately catching our limit. The crew were attentive and friendly, very willing to let us learn and enjoy the experience but ready to step up and help when direction was needed. It was also an added benefit that the boat had a sheltered area that we were able to sit in and be protected from the wind and spray as we moved from one area of fishing to another. i would definitely recommend Rippin Drag Charters and Captain Derek for any future fishing trips!

    Response from Charter operator

    So glad that you had a great experience, you did great and caught on quickly! We appreciate you choosing Rippin Drag Charters! Looking forward to your next trip!

  • Andrew Blease
    Andrew Blease
    us
    Michigan, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome

    5 Hour Trip (AM) • 3 adults • 2 children

    I brought both my son's ages 7 & 9 for walleye fishing on the detroit river. I cant say enough about the experience we had with Rippin Drag. Granted we did catch our limit of walleye but even on a bad day of fishing I would recommend these guys. Great with kids. Top notch guide. Answered any questions I had before hand. Took tons of pictures for us. Thanks again. I hope to do this again sometime soon. Memories were made and will last a lifetime for me and my family.

    Reported catch:
    Walleye
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you Andrew for booking with us and the review. You and your boys did a great job fishing. Enjoyed having you all on the boat and looking forward to your next trip.

  • Anthony Ortiz
    Anthony Ortiz
    us
    Chicago, IL, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    learned alot and caught my pb salmon

    6 Hour Trip – Lake Michigan (am) • 4 adults

    Derrick and his wife were amazing. best charter ive been on. I asked to catch my pb salmon and they didn’t disappoint. i caught a 15 lber then a 17lb and got my 20.1 lber. Already booked another trip woth them for november. Highly recommend this charter great people and they care about you and your experience not out just for moneyz

    Response from Charter operator

    Tony thank you for choosing Rippin Drag Charters! So glad we could get you hooked up on your PB salmon! Looking forward to taking you again in the future to top it!

  • Jacob Lynch
    Jacob Lynch
    us
    Indiana, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    one of my best days fishing

    6 Hour Trip – Lake Michigan (am) • 2 adults

    me and a buddy got the most salmon and trout we have ever got. He caught his first salmon and trout and we had a really great morning.the captain and first mate knew exactly what to do to put you on fish and were great nice people. It was better than we expected. The enclosed cab was nice to have also.

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you Jacob and Adam so much for coming out. It definitely turned out to be a great day and the fish were rippin drag. So glad we could help Adam get on his first trout!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    learned alot and caught my pb salmon
    Anthony O.
    Anthony O.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    Fantastic!
    Laura F.
    Laura F.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    Fishing with Derek
    Kevin M.
    Kevin M.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    one of my best days fishing
    Jacob L.
    Jacob L.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Detroit River Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Detroit River TripWyandotte, MI
    Highly Recommend!
    Missy A.
    Missy A.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Detroit River Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Detroit River TripWyandotte, MI
    Awesome
    Andrew B.
    Andrew B.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Detroit River Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Detroit River TripWyandotte, MI
    Great crew, even better communication
    Brandon K.
    Brandon K.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    Wonderful
    Jason J.
    Jason J.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    Fishing with Derek
    Kevin M.
    Kevin M.
  • Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan Trip
    Rippin Drag Charters - Lake Michigan TripManistee, MI
    Wow!!
    Scott S.
    Scott S.

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Rippin Drag Charters - Steelhead Trip in Manistee

If you head north of the port, you can explore the waters up to 150-foot deep for Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon. The Manistee River and Lake Michigan are also bustling with plenty of fishing action. 

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

A young angler proudly displaying a Rainbow Trout while accompanied by two adults on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful outing.

Rippin’ Drag Charters – Steelhead Report

Nov 15, 2025 • Manistee
Steelhead fishing on the Big Manistee River is off to a strong start this November. Water conditions have been steady, and recent pushes of fish have provided solid catch numbers throughout the system. We’re seeing a healthy mix of fresh chrome moving in along with holdovers settling into classic runs. With the current river temps and flows, action should continue to build—setting the stage for what looks to be a great steelhead season ahead. Our clients are already putting some beautiful fish in the net, and the momentum is only increasing. If you're looking to get in on the early bite, now’s the time—November is shaping up to be prime steelheading. Book your trip and let’s rip some drag!
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An angler proudly displaying a large Salmon while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Salmon fishing is heating up!

Jul 13, 2025 • Manistee
Headed out this morning and found an active pod of fish! We are seeing the larger adult salmon beginning to show. Looking like its going to only get better and better from here on out!
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Three anglers proudly displaying a large Walleye caught during a winter fishing trip, showcasing their successful catch in a boat.

Excitement Builds for March Steelhead

Feb 8, 2025 • Manistee
The fishing on the Manistee River is on fire, and there’s no better time to book your trip with Rippin Drag Charters! The steelhead numbers are climbing, and March is shaping up to be one of the best months for fishing we've seen in years. With the river in prime condition and fish actively biting, this is the perfect opportunity to reel in your next big catch! If you’re ready for a memorable steelhead adventure, Rippin Drag Charters has you covered. Our experienced guides know the Manistee River inside and out and will put you right on top of the action. We’re here to make sure you have the best experience possible, whether you’re after your first steelhead or chasing a personal record. Don’t miss out! Book your trip with Rippin Drag Charters today and get in on the exciting March steelhead run before it's gone!
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