General Guidelines, Online Deposits, & FAQs

General Guidelines

1.  Limit – Each person is allowed 3 lake trout with a limit of 5 fish total (i.e. 3 lake trout, 2 coho/rainbow salmon).  Coho or rainbow are most likely to be caught on the local trip; whereas lake trout are the main catch at the Rock and Reef. 

2.  License –A Michigan resident or non-resident license and trout stamp are required.  A resident/non-resident one-day license can be obtained at most gas stations/convenience stores for approximately $7.  This is required for persons ages 17 and older. 

3.  Equipment – Customers should bring proper clothing for the weather, sunglasses, hats, soft-soled shoes, cameras, and a coolers for their fish.  Food/Beverages should also be brought along and if one prefers, his or her own rod/reel.  Small coolers and ice are available. 

4.  Season – Rock and Reef charters run daily (weather permitting) from early June to the end of August.  Trips in May and September are considered, depending on weather conditions.  For the local trips, charters may be booked from May to October, as long as the weather is favorable. 

5.  Weather Conditions – When the weather is not favorable to fish the Rock and Reef, the charter may run out of Shelter Bay and prices will be adjusted accordingly.  If no charters are able to go out, the charter can be rescheduled for a later date or the deposit will be refunded. 

6.  Reservations - Reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged.  To ensure that you get the date you would like, we recommend that you make a reservation - especially for weekends - they fill up quickly!  Dates can be reserved by phoning (906) 892-8277 or filling out an online request.  After you have made a reservation, you will need to pay a deposit fee:

7.  Deposit - A two-man deposit is required for each reservation.  A deposit is not required for those that do not have a reservation.  There are 3 different payment options for you to choose from:

 **It is not necessary for you to have a PayPal account - anyone with one of the above credit cards can pay via PayPal!

Online Deposits
Please do not pay until we have contacted you and confirmed your reservation request!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  I am interested in a charter.  How should I book one?
   
    There is currently two ways to book a charter. (1) You can fill out the online Reservation Request Form and we will contact you or (2) You can call us at (800) 
     419-2242 and someone will be available to take your reservation.  Upon confirming your reservation, you will need to pay a deposit via mail, phone, or PayPal. 

2.  I have booked a charter and I am wondering "What will the weather be like?"

     It can be very difficult to predict the weather!  The easiest way to check the weather is to go to our website and check the weather banner.  You can also call the night
     before your charter and Captain Dave can give you more insight into the lake conditions and how it looks like the weather will be fairing for your big day on the lake.

3.  I am not from the area - Is there any places I can stay nearby?

    The nearest place you can stay is 100 feet from the dock!  We have lodging available onsite in our 2, 3, or 4 bedroom cabins.  Captain Dave can even wake you up in
    the morning!

4.  How long does it take to get to Shelter Bay - and when do I need to arrive?

    Shelter Bay is centrally located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 24 miles E of Marquette and 18 miles W of Munising.  We are approximately 2.5 hours from both
    the Mackinaw Bridge and the Wisconsin Border. 

    It is not necessary for you to arrive early - just be sure to be at the dock about 5-10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. 

5.  I need to cancel my charter.  How do I go about doing this - and do I get my deposit back?

    If you need to cancel or reschedule your charter, please call (906) 892-8277.  Cancellations made before 30 days of the reserved date will automatically be refunded.
    Cancellations made less than 30 days before the reserved date will be refunded as long as someone else reserves that date.  If the charter is cancelled due to bad
    weather, the deposit will be refunded.

6.  I have been fishing before and I would like to have the same captain as before - Is this possible?

    You can always request to have the same captain, and as long as he doesn't have prior arrangements, he would love to be your guide!