Captain
Ray Stare

Member since May 2019 Waukegan, United States
Background
I and the other two captains that work aboard Xtasea IV Charters grew up together fishing on Lake Michigan. All three of us each have 50 years of experience fishing on Lake Michigan. We decided to all get our credentials so we can share our passion for Lake Michigan with others. We have seen the place evolve over the last 50 years, and we are always keeping up with the very latest techniques and equipment.
Techniques
We troll at a speed of 2 to 3 miles pr hour. We will be using from 10 to 18 rods. We will normally be fishing for Coho Salmon, King Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Sometimes we will drift fish for Yellow Perch.

Hey, I'm Captain Ray Stare

Waukegan, United States
Background
I and the other two captains that work aboard Xtasea IV Charters grew up together fishing on Lake Michigan. All three of us each have 50 years of experience fishing on Lake Michigan. We decided to all get our credentials so we can share our passion for Lake Michigan with others. We have seen the place evolve over the last 50 years, and we are always keeping up with the very latest techniques and equipment.
Techniques
We troll at a speed of 2 to 3 miles pr hour. We will be using from 10 to 18 rods. We will normally be fishing for Coho Salmon, King Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Sometimes we will drift fish for Yellow Perch.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(37 reviews)
Waukegan
 2 bookings in the past week.
Trips from US $610

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 37 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (51)
FISH ON! FISH ON!
FISH ON! FISH ON!
FISH ON! FISH ON!
+48
Angler rating
34
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 37 reviews
Vincent R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Building Memories

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday (PM) on June 16, 2025
Had a great time bringing my son and his classmates. It was everyoneโ€™s first lake michigan fishing experience. Captain Ray...
Vincent R. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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Vincent R. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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David B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

FISH ON! FISH ON!

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekend (AM) on July 12, 2025
Youโ€™ll never stop hearing these words.ย  Fish on! The captian knew how to get on the fish.
David B. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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David B. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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Josh W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic trip especially for people with disabilities

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday (AM) on June 26, 2024
Captain Ray is the man! We had fish in the boat 15 minutes after leaving the harbor and he kept us on the fish for the entire...
Josh W. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Josh W. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

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

Great day!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekend (AM) on July 22, 2023
Within the first hour Captain Ray had us on the fish! We ended up with 6 very nice Coho salmon and two huge lake trout! I would...
Melinda B. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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Melinda B. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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James D.
Arlington Heights, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip on the Xtasea IV

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Weekday(PM)3-4 people on July 17, 2023
Wonderful day fishing. Captain Ray and first mate Dave were outstanding. Beautiful weather and beautiful boat. Will definitely...
James D. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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James D. recommends Xtasea IV Charters
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