Captain
James Cooper

Member since July 2026 Delavan, United States
Background
Hi, I'm James Cooper, owner and head guide of Halligan Outdoors Guide Service. Fishing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I grew up learning from my grandfather and uncle, who owned a campground and operated a guide service, and I was lucky enough to spend my childhood on the water. From fishing the backwaters of Louisiana to growing up in Ohio chasing Lake Erie Walleye and bowfishing, I've been around the outdoors my entire life. Today, I guide anglers across Southern Wisconsin, sharing my passion through open-water fishing, bowfishing, ice fishing, and unique outdoor adventures. Whether you're targeting Walleye, Bass, Panfish, Northern Pike, or looking to experience the thrill of bowfishing, I'll work hard to make your trip enjoyable, safe, and successful. I'm also proud to be Wisconsin's only licensed bullfrog gigging guide, offering a one-of-a-kind experience you won't find anywhere else in the state. At Halligan Outdoors, our mission is simple: to open the door to the outdoors by creating unforgettable memories for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Whether it's your first trip or your hundredth, I look forward to sharing a great day on the water with you.

Hey, I'm Captain James Cooper

Delavan, United States
Background
Hi, I'm James Cooper, owner and head guide of Halligan Outdoors Guide Service. Fishing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I grew up learning from my grandfather and uncle, who owned a campground and operated a guide service, and I was lucky enough to spend my childhood on the water. From fishing the backwaters of Louisiana to growing up in Ohio chasing Lake Erie Walleye and bowfishing, I've been around the outdoors my entire life. Today, I guide anglers across Southern Wisconsin, sharing my passion through open-water fishing, bowfishing, ice fishing, and unique outdoor adventures. Whether you're targeting Walleye, Bass, Panfish, Northern Pike, or looking to experience the thrill of bowfishing, I'll work hard to make your trip enjoyable, safe, and successful. I'm also proud to be Wisconsin's only licensed bullfrog gigging guide, offering a one-of-a-kind experience you won't find anywhere else in the state. At Halligan Outdoors, our mission is simple: to open the door to the outdoors by creating unforgettable memories for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Whether it's your first trip or your hundredth, I look forward to sharing a great day on the water with you.
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(5 reviews)
Delavan
 Last booking: 4 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $150

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 5 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Photo by reviewers (1)
We had a great day fishing with James
Angler rating
4
0
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
50%
Friendly captain
50%
Recommend this charter
80%
Appropriate for children
50%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
80%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 5 reviews
Ben B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

We had a great day fishing with James

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hr โ€“ Fishing Trip on August 18, 2026
James was awesome! easy to communicate with, on time, & put us on fish all day. He even filleted our keepers! Ill be booking...
Ben B. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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Kyle N.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Experience

VERIFIED   6 Hour โ€“ Fishing Trip on July 17, 2026
caught enough to eat then switched up to bow fishing! great experience!
Kyle N. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Kyle N. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful

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

Very enjoyable!

VERIFIED   4 Hr โ€“ Fishing Trip on July 19, 2026
Nice accommodations trip very successful!
Stuart S. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Stuart S. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful

Lennie D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

James is great !! fun trip

VERIFIED   4 Hr โ€“ Fishing Trip on July 20, 2026
Lennie D. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Lennie D. recommends Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful

Randy R.
Very good
3.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Good
3.0 / 5
Crew
Good
3.0 / 5
Overall

Not what was expected

VERIFIED   Special 4 hours trip for Hopecauthen Freebird on July 24, 2026
We struggled to get the captain to reply to messages to book. The captain was talkative at the start of the morning but as...
Randy R. does not recommend Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
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  James Cooper Captain replied