Thin Blue Line Fishing Llc
Charter operator

Thin Blue Line Fishing Llc

Chicago, United States
Angler's choice
50+ reviews
I understand what it's like to be in your shoes, searching for the right charter, hoping for a great experience, and wanting to feel confident in your choice. As someone who's been both a customer and now a captain, I know how important it is to find a trip that's not only professional and enjoyable, but also personal and memorable. That's why I treat every charter as more than just a day on the water, I see it as an opportunity to create a genuine, lasting experience tailored to your expectations. Your time, trust, and excitement matter, and I'm committed to making sure your trip is everything you hoped for and more. Looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the Chicagoland area? Step aboard with Captain Ernesto and get ready for an exciting day on the water! With over 30 years of experience and two unique boat options to match your fishing style, Captain Ernesto's hands-on charters offer the perfect blend of action, learning, and fun. Reel in Salmon, Trout, Bass, Pike, and Perch while enjoying a fully guided experience tailored to anglers of all levels. And the best part? Every trip comes with the option to have your fishing trip recorded so you can relive the thrill anytime. Spots fill fast, book your trip today and let Captain Ernesto help you make memories that last a lifetime!

Charters

Rating

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

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (67)

Showing 1 – 5 of 67 reviews
  • Jack Brodeur
    Jack Brodeur
    Repeat angler
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    First time salmon/steelhead experience and it was incredible!

    5 Hour Trip – Chicago River- Bass • 2 adults

    What an amazing day with Captain Ernesto of Thin Blue Line Fishing! As pretty avid bass fishermen this was definitely outside our comfort zone. First time fishing for either species and being on Lake Michigan. From te moment we met the Captain at the boat launch until we stepped off that afternoon our safety and comfort were top priorities. The conditions wee less than favorable but we still caught 3 Kings and 4 steelhead, good enough to place 4th overall in the tournament. If Nick had shown up to fish and not Chris we could have definitely placed better but he let a few off unfortunately. 10 out of 10 trip, definitely recommend booking with Captain Ernesto!

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

    Hahah. Thanks Jack. Appreciate the review and inside joke.

  • John Davis
    John Davis
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Awesome fishing trip

    4 Hour Trip – Salmon and Trout - 10:10 AM • 2 adults

    Captain Ernesto was an awesome guide and helped us prepare well for the trip. Weather was perfect, and most importantly, caught some fish!

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you. hope yo see you out for Jigging season

  • Shiloh Lockhart
    Shiloh Lockhart
    us
    Alaska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fish galore!!!!

    5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) • 2 adults

    The captain was wonderful! Made the whole trip memorable! Found the fish and gave detailed instructions on how to reel them in. It was our first time fishing on a boat and will definitely do it again. He was super patient and very knowledgeable! We caught a King Salmon!! Loved every minute of this trip.

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

    Thank you. glad you had a good time. Cant believe we had 4 different species for your 1st time.

  • Ryan Ford
    Ryan Ford
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    I will 100% be booking with these guys again.

    4 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout SPRING • 6 adults

    Headline says enough. Ernesto and his brother run a great operation. We caught the fish we were hoping for. They have great experience and know what they’re doing. This trip is best for people who like trolling for Salmon/Trout on Lake Michigan. Before booking, Ernesto makes it very easy if you have any questions. Especially if this is your first time doing a fishing charter on Lake Michigan, I recommend going with him and his crew.

    Response from Charter operator

    Ryan thank you very much. i truly appreciate the review.

  • Kiecha Joseph
    Kiecha Joseph
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Fish On!

    4 Hr Salmon and Trout Downtown AM • 2 adults

    I purchased a trip for my Dad's birthday. He and my nephew had an amazing time and caught plenty of fish! Thanks Captain Ernesto!

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you. it was a great day

Real catches shared by our community

  • Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' Chicago
    Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' ChicagoChicago, IL
    Fish On!
    Kiecha J.
    Kiecha J.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' Chicago
    Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' ChicagoChicago, IL
    Fishing with Ernesto
    Lauro S.
    Lauro S.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' Chicago
    Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' ChicagoChicago, IL
    Fun day!
    Bennett S.
    Bennett S.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' Chicago
    Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' ChicagoChicago, IL
    First time salmon/steelhead experience and it was incredible!
    Jack B.
    Jack B.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' Chicago
    Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' ChicagoChicago, IL
    Fish galore!!!!
    Shiloh L.
    Shiloh L.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ft
    Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ftChicago, IL
    Great day on the water
    Steve V.
    Steve V.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ft
    Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ftChicago, IL
    Fun day out on the water
    Richard W.
    Richard W.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ft
    Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ftChicago, IL
    gran viaje!!!
    Javier D.
    Javier D.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ft
    Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ftChicago, IL
    Great experience!
    Olga V.
    Olga V.
  • Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ft
    Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ftChicago, IL
    Great fishing trip!
    Brian V.
    Brian V.

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago – 41ft in Chicago

Brown and Lake Trout swarm Lake Michigan. King Salmon are also in the cards. Perch can also be hooked, so bring the kids along and teach 'em the magic of fishing this Great Lake. Bass are still plentiful in the river.

Top catches for October