What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Grand Haven, Michigan for the first time?

Total disappointment, nothing to do with fishing, except for a boat decorated with spinning rods, not even a "harbor", the captain organized a trip for us along the river through the industrial area of ​​the city, which ended in an area of ​​fashionable houses with active boat traffic, to our questions about fishing the captain constantly answered that we will fish ourselves under his supervision, but in the end we paid 325$ + 20$ for a fishing permit (which FishGH - Kingpin asked us to buy, can you explain to us why?) just to watch the captain play with spinning rods, and ... to look at dead fish overboard, this was our first boring trip, by the way, at the end of this «trip» the captain expressed hope for a tip and advised to go to Detroit if we are looking for «real» fishing, we need to post pictures of our upset sons to show the depth of our disappointment.

All four of us were first timers fishing on Lake Michigan. There was a 55 year gap in our ages. Everyone had a great time catching fish and appreciating an opportunity to be on the lake. We received the professional support when needed but had the thrill of reeling in the fish.

Capt. Jarod let us know that July is a great time to go out fishing. He said that anytime from mid-July to September is good for fishing. Also the weather was phenomenal. We were only a mile off shore so it was definitely warm with a nice breeze.

You never know how well the fish will bite. I was on two different charters where fish bit quite frequently, this time not so much, but the crew never gave up looking for the fish until it was time to return to the marina. They said they were kid friendly and lived up to their word. It shows they love their job.

No, your not really fishing, your just on a $400 boat ride. Your not really fishing in Lake Michigan, your trolling the channel out to the lake, then you troll back. I guess maybe I thought we were going to go to a spot and fish, but the deck hand fishes, you just reel it in after he hooks it, like I do with my grandson at home. Captain and deck hand were great, but this isn’t a fishing trip, it’s a boat ride.

Don't go expecting to catch anything. It was my 1st time and we only had a trout bite but we lost it. The flies and other biting insects were relentless since there was no breeze. It ended up being just a very expensive boat ride. I will not be charter fishing again.

There's a dedicated pier for charter fishing at the Chinook pier, but I would recommend booking well in advance. Parking can be a pain(especially if it's a nice beach day), but even if you cannot find parking at the pier, the parking around the area makes for a short walk through beautiful downtown Grand Haven.

Talk to your captain ahead of time to see when the best times are to go and if there is somthing specific you would like to catch.

While you should know it’s 1/2 Luck with the weather and 1/2 how good the Capt is on knowing the lake and where and when to get you hooked up at the right time.

Important to let captain know your priorities for the trip. A great experience being out on Lake Michigan.

Get a charter booked with kingpin charter what a awesome experience and wonderful family run business

Dress for the weather, watch the videos on FishBooker, communicate with your captain, and get ready to have fun!

Try to book morning chater over afternoon. Both are good but mornings seem more productive. Either trip you will have a great time.

It's a great experience with great fishing. Especially if you can book with Captain Jarrod on Last Call Charter Fishing!

Timing seemed perfect, today was Friday May 13. According to Captain Dana, around this time, is your best chance of catching big fish, and he was right.

Well the swells on the water are big. If you get sea sick well wear wrist bands for motion sickness. But sunscreen and have a great time. Get ready to burn up your arms reeling in a big one..

There are so many different charters it felt overwhelming. I definitely recommend researching and taking your time to choose. The right one will more than likely be in Grand Haven!

Fish with another company . Book with another company and don't always believe the reviews you read. Don't book any charters until end of may apparently the water is too cold and fish aren't biting till then so you're wasting money, but the captain won't tell you this till you've already gone out on dangerous waters and caught nothing.

Bring rain gear it was supposed to be sunny but we got caught in a couple pretty good rain showers

Be prepared to not catch fish you can eat. Lots of Drum fish which are not good to eat.

I highly recommend captain Sam. He will put you on the fish and he is a pleasure to fish with.

Water was very choppy on the day we were out there, other than that weather was perfect

While we had a great trip in the evening, you would likely get more fish on a morning trip.

It was great! I’d do it again. But heard May is a better month for catching fish.

May might be the best month to catch fish. But we caught an average catch and were satisfied.

I recommend letting the captain know what you're fishing for and let him put you on the fish

Have no expectations! Enjoy the time on the Lake whether you catch fish or not.

Fishing is fantastic. Go to the Marina and talk to a few captains. I recommend Last Call charters.

Try to go on a cool day. Cooler water is better for fishing. Love them King Salmon.

A map of the pier area would be helpful. The address alone doesn't get you right to the boat.