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Trip Preparation

Trip Preparation

Be Prepared for the Great Lakes

Proper preparation is the difference between a good trip and a great one. The Great Lakes can be unpredictable; even in the summer, it is often 10-15 degrees cooler on the water. Please review the requirements for your specific adventure below.

General Trip Information

  • Booking Confirmations: Once your trip is booked, you will receive an automated confirmation email. This includes your specific Google Maps meeting link and a summary of your trip details.

  • Trip Reminders: Look for a reminder email 48 hours prior to your departure. This contains final instructions and serves as a prompt to check the weather with your Captain.

  • Pre-Trip Check: Even with our automated system, we require you to contact your Captain 24 hours prior to your trip to discuss the weather outlook and finalized start time.

  • Payments: A valid credit card is required to book. Final payment is due at the dock via Cash, Venmo, or Credit/Debit cards (Note: Cards incur a 3% service fee).

  • Firearms (Duck Hunting): Please bring your shotgun (plugged for a 3-shell maximum capacity). Per Michigan law, only one (1) shotgun is permitted per hunter on the vessel.

  • General Safety: For all other trips, no handguns or unauthorized firearms are permitted.

  • Substance Policy: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for all drugs and marijuana on all trips.

  • Alcohol Policy: No glass bottles are permitted on any trip.

    • Detroit River Trips: Absolutely NO ALCOHOL is permitted on the vessel as we frequently cross the international border into Canadian waters.

    • Ice Fishing Trips: Absolutely NO ALCOHOL is permitted, as clients are required to operate our snowmobiles.

    • Other Trips: Small amounts of alcohol are permitted for guests 21+, but must be kept to a minimum for safety.

  • Conduct: Your Captain has the final say on all safety matters. We reserve the right to terminate a trip immediately, without refund, if safety policies are violated.

A trolling rod doubled over on Lake Huron out of Oscoda, MI, with a Great Lakes freighter passing in the distance during a Reel Fish'n trout and salmon charter.

Cancellations & Confidence

Book With Confidence. If your Captain cancels due to unsafe weather, you receive a 100% refund.

  • Customer Cancellations: 14-day notice is required for a full refund. Cancellations within 14 days will be charged 50%.

  • Rescheduling: We always prefer to reschedule your adventure over a cancellation—no penalties for moving your date!

    • Valid Michigan Fishing License: Required for everyone 17 and older.

    • Detroit River Only: An Ontario one-day license is also required. We recommend waiting until the day before your trip to purchase this in case of weather cancellations. [Link to Ontario License]

    • Apparel: Dress in layers. Rain gear is highly recommended regardless of the forecast.

    • Essentials: Sunglasses (polarized preferred), hats, and sunscreen.

    • Food & Drink: Bring snacks and beverages of your choice. No glass bottles.

    • The Catch: Bring a cooler and ice to transport your fish home.

  • Note: We specialize in 100% open-water layout boat hunting.

    • Valid Hunting License: You must have a valid Michigan Base License, Waterfowl License, Federal Duck Stamp, and HIP Survey.

    • One-Gun Policy: Per Michigan law, only one (1) shotgun is permitted per hunter on the vessel. Please do not bring backup firearms on the boat.

    • Shotgun & Shells: Plugged shotgun (3-shell max). Minimum 2 boxes of Non-Toxic Shot per hunter.

      • Recommendation: #2-3 Steel or #4-5 Bismuth for layout hunts.

    • Chokes: We recommend Open Chokes (Cylinder or Improved Cylinder) for layout hunting as shots are fast and close.

    • Clothing: Waterproof jackets and pants are mandatory. Waders are optional but highly recommended for stay-dry comfort.

    • Extra Gear: We have extra shotguns available if a hunter in your party does not have one—please let us know in advance.

    • Valid Fishing License: Required for everyone 17 and older.

    • Safety Gear: Ice picks are required (we have extras if needed).

    • Apparel: Heavy winter weather gear is mandatory. Dress in layers—riding a snowmobile across the bay is much colder than standing in a shanty.

    • Pro-Tip: If you have your own snowmobile helmet, feel free to bring it; otherwise, we provide them.

    • Note: We do not clean fish during the ice season. Please bring a cooler for your catch.

Book your Great Lakes adventure today!