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Expert-Guided 6HR Open Boat Trip with Ah Shore Thing
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- New York
- $400 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: October 4, 2025
Summary
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Offshore Catches of the Day
Bait, cast, catch – NY delivers
Reel moments in the Empire State
From NYC docks to Adirondack lakes
Hooked on NY’s freshwater fishing fun
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Finger Lakes fish, memories made
Lunkers lurking in New York depths
Reeling it in, New York-style
Walleye days and New York nights
Bait, cast, catch – NY delivers
Reel moments in the Empire State
From NYC docks to Adirondack lakes
Hooked on NY’s freshwater fishing fun
null
null
Finger Lakes fish, memories made
Lunkers lurking in New York depths
Reeling it in, New York-style
Walleye days and New York nights
Bait, cast, catch – NY delivers
Reel moments in the Empire State
From NYC docks to Adirondack lakes
Hooked on NY’s freshwater fishing fun
Reel in Trout & Salmon on Lake Michigan
Looking for a taste of Lake Michigan's legendary fishing without breaking the bank? Captain Silas has you covered with this shared 6-hour charter out of Dexter. We'll be targeting some of the lake's most prized catches - from hard-fighting brown trout to monster Chinook salmon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, you'll have a blast hauling in fish after fish on this action-packed trip. The boat leaves at 6 AM sharp, so grab your coffee and get ready for an unforgettable morning on the big water!
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we clear the harbor, it's go time. Captain Silas knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have us on the fish in no time. We'll be using a mix of techniques - trolling, jigging, maybe even some cast-and-retrieve if the conditions are right. The captain provides all the gear, so you just need to show up ready to fish. With room for 3 anglers, it's the perfect setup for a small group or to make some new fishing buddies. And don't worry if you're new to this - the crew is always happy to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy catch.
Trolling, Jigging & More
On Lake Michigan, versatility is key. We'll likely start the day trolling - that's when we drag lines behind the boat with lures that mimic baitfish. It's a great way to cover water and find active fish. Once we locate a school, we might switch to jigging, where you drop a lure straight down and give it some action. For brown trout, we often use spoons or crankbaits that imitate their favorite prey. With salmon, big flashy lures or cut bait can do the trick. The captain's got a full arsenal of rods, reels, and tackle on board, all top-notch gear that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Michigan's been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. Brown trout in the 5-10 pound range have been common, with a few monsters pushing 15+. The Chinook (King) salmon fishing has been off the charts too - 20-pounders aren't uncommon, and there's always the chance of hooking into a 30+ pound beast that'll test your arms and your drag. Don't forget about the lake trout either - these deep-water brawlers put up one heck of a fight and make for some fantastic eating.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Brown Trout: These hard-fighting fish are a Lake Michigan staple. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Browns typically range from 2-10 pounds, but trophy fish over 20 pounds are possible. They're most active in the cooler months, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting browns for their beautiful coloration and the challenge they present - they can be finicky eaters one day and absolute gluttons the next.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweight champs of the Great Lakes. Chinooks can grow over 30 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. They're most active in late summer and fall as they prepare to run up the rivers to spawn. Hooking into a big King is an experience you'll never forget - their initial run can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They're also fantastic eating, with rich, orange flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Lake Trout: These deep-water predators are the true natives of Lake Michigan. They're built like torpedoes and fight like freight trains. Lakers typically range from 5-20 pounds, but 30+ pounders are caught every year. We usually target them in deeper water, often using downriggers to get our lures down where they're feeding. Lake trout are known for their oily, rich meat that's excellent when smoked or baked.
Walleye: While not as common as in some of the other Great Lakes, Lake Michigan still holds a healthy population of walleye. These fish are prized for their excellent table fare - there's a reason they're called "the fish of 10,000 casts." We typically catch them in the 2-5 pound range, but bigger ones are out there. Walleye have a unique look with their glassy eyes and razor-sharp teeth.
Smallmouth Bass: These bronze bombers might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighters you'll encounter. Smallies in the 2-4 pound range are common, with some pushing 6 pounds or more. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and bulldog-like runs. We often catch them while targeting other species, but they're always a welcome surprise.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Lake Michigan that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a monster King salmon or the satisfaction of perfectly presenting a lure to a wary brown trout. Or maybe it's just the simple pleasure of being out on the big water, watching the sun rise over the horizon as you wait for that next big strike. Whatever it is, once you experience it, you'll be hooked. And with Captain Silas at the helm, you're in for a day of fishing you won't soon forget.
Time to Book Your Spot
So what are you waiting for? Whether you're a die-hard angler looking to add some Lake Michigan trophies to your list, or a newbie just wanting to see what all the fuss is about, this trip has something for everyone. With all gear provided and expert guidance from Captain Silas, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. And at just $X per person for a 6-hour trip, it's one of the best values on the lake. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons, so don't wait - book your adventure today and get ready to make some unforgettable fishing memories on the big water!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are wily predators, typically 12-20 inches long but capable of growing much larger. You'll find them in cool, well-oxygenated streams and lakes, often tucked under cut banks or near submerged logs. They're most active in low light, so early mornings and evenings are prime times. Spring and fall offer great fishing as water temperatures are ideal. Browns are known for their selective feeding and can be challenging to catch, which is part of their appeal. They put up a spirited fight when hooked, with quick runs and jumps. To land one, try matching the hatch with flies or using small spinners and minnow-imitating lures. Here's a local tip: after a heavy rain, target areas where muddy tributaries enter clearer water. Browns often move to these spots to ambush disoriented baitfish. Be stealthy in your approach – these trout are easily spooked but the reward of fooling a big brown is hard to beat.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the heavyweight champs of the salmon world. They average 10-50 pounds but can top 100 in some waters. You'll find them in deep, cold lakes and rivers, often near structure or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in to spawn. Chinooks are legendary for their powerful runs and jumps when hooked, giving anglers the fight of a lifetime. They're also prized for their rich, flavorful meat. Trolling with downriggers is a popular method, using cut bait or large lures that mimic their prey. Early mornings and overcast days can be most productive. Here's a local trick: look for temperature breaks in the water column - chinooks often hang out where warm and cold layers meet. When you hook one, be ready for a long battle. These fish have serious stamina and won't give up easily. It's all part of the thrill that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are coldwater giants, often weighing 15-40 pounds with some topping 50. You'll find them in deep, clear lakes, suspended over basins or near underwater structures. They prefer cooler water, so they go deep in summer and shallow in spring and fall. Lake trout are slow-growing but long-lived, which adds to their allure. They're known for powerful fights, especially when hooked in deep water. Jigging is a go-to method, using large spoons or soft plastics that mimic baitfish. Trolling with downriggers is also effective. Early mornings or overcast days can be most productive. Anglers prize lake trout for their size, the challenge of locating them, and their delicious, orange-pink flesh. Here's a local tip: in early spring, right after ice-out, look for lakers in shallow water near shore. They'll be there chasing baitfish and are more accessible to shore anglers. When you hook one, be ready for a test of endurance – these fish don't give up easily.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are feisty fighters, usually 12-20 inches long. You'll find them in clear, cool waters with rocky or gravelly bottoms. They love to hang around structure like fallen trees or boulders. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Early mornings and evenings are best, especially on calm days. Smallmouths are known for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs when hooked, making them a blast to catch. They're also excellent table fare. To land one, try working the edges of drop-offs or current breaks. Soft plastic baits like tubes or grubs work well, but don't overlook topwater lures in low light conditions. Here's a local tip: when the water's choppy, focus on windblown shorelines. Smallmouths often move in shallow to feed on baitfish disoriented by the waves. Be ready for explosive strikes and hold on tight - these bronzebacks punch well above their weight!
Walleye
Walleye are a prized catch, typically running 15-20 inches and 2-3 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near rocky bottoms and structures in deeper water during the day. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so those are prime fishing times. Walleye have excellent low-light vision, which gives them an edge when feeding. Spring and fall are great seasons to target them. Anglers love walleye for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. They can be finicky biters, so presentation is key. Try slow-trolling with live bait rigs or jigging near the bottom. One local tip: on sunny days, look for walleye in shaded areas or deeper water. They'll often tuck into those spots to avoid bright light. When you hook one, be ready for some solid resistance - walleye put up a good fight that'll keep you on your toes.
About the Ah Shore Thing Fishing Charter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7
Manufacturer Name: Yahmaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
