5 Things Every First-Time Charter Guest Should Know
If you've never booked a fishing charter before, the whole thing can feel like a lot to figure out. Good news: it's not. A great charter day mostly comes down to showing up prepared, knowing what's already taken care of, and trusting the captain to put you on fish
Here's the short version, from someone who runs trips on Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River every week.
1. We've got the gear — you bring the snacks
Every Fancy Fish Charters trip includes rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fish cleaning at the end of the day. You don't need to buy anything. You don't need to know how to tie a knot. You don't need to bring a tackle box.
What you should bring:
Snacks and drinks — pack a small cooler (no glass)
Sunglasses — polarized if you've got 'em, helps you see fish and protects your eyes
Canadian fishing licenses — is not only suggested but recommended
Layers — Michigan weather is Michigan weather; mornings on the river are cooler than you think
A Michigan fishing license — required for everyone 17+, easy to grab online before you come
That's the whole list. Skip the rest.
2. Dress for the weather, not the season
The biggest mistake first-timers make is showing up underdressed. Even on a sunny May morning, the wind across Lake St. Clair will cool you off fast. We always tell people:
Layer up. You can always take it off.
Closed-toe shoes are smart (deck gets slippery). Rain shells are smart in spring and fall. If it's hot, light, breathable layers + sunblock are your friend.
3. Trust the captain on the trip type
We offer half-day river walleye, multi-species, Lake St. Clair walleye, and LSC perch trips — and we'll often suggest one tactic over another based on what's working that week. If we recommend a different tactic than you booked, take the suggestion. That's local knowledge talking.
The Harsens Island delta is a unique fishery. Some weeks the river is on fire. Other weeks the perch are stacked across Lake St. Clair. We chase what's biting, not what looks good in a brochure.
4. You don't need to be experienced
About half our clients have never held a rod before. That's fine. We'll teach you everything you need to know on the boat — how to drop, how to set the hook, how to fight a fish without losing it. By trip two, most first-timers are running their own rods.
If you've got kids, this area is perfect for getting them on fish. The river action is fast and forgiving — exactly what young anglers need to stay engaged.
5. Tipping, parking, and what happens after
A few last practicals:
Tipping a charter captain is customary — typical range is 15–20% of the trip cost, more if it was a great day
Parking and meeting up — we'll send you exact directions when you book; the launch and meeting spot near Harsens Island is easy to find once you've been
Fish cleaning is included — we'll process and bag your catch so you can drive home with dinner (we clean 50 perch of the daily catch anything after that is your responsibility)
Bad weather — if Mother Nature shuts us down, we reschedule for a date that works for you. We don't take chances with safety.
Ready to book?
Best part of being on the water at Harsens Island is how unique it is — you'll see why on the first run out. If you've been on the fence, this is the easiest "first charter" decision you'll make.
Or call 810-278-3389 and we'll figure out the right day and trip for you.
See you on the water.
— Captain DakotaFancy Fish Charters · Harsens Island, MI