Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHY SHOULD I USE A PROFESSIONAL CHARTER?
A. Fishing with a professional is your guarantee of a safe, successful outing. Our captains know the area, fish regularly and work with other captains. Being in the right places at the right time is a very important part of fishing.
Q-DOES THE SIZE OF THE CHARTER BOAT MATTER?
A- The answer is yes, the boat is an integral part of your total fishing experience. The size of the boat is important because of your comfort, its seaworthiness and space to move around. Larger boats have less people that get seasick. The larger the boat the heavier it usually is which means it displaces more water and will have a more stable ride. The Meat Wagon is a Grady White which is known worldwide for being the best and most expensive on the market. All of the equipment aboard The Meat Wagon is the best available. All of these will make your trip the most enjoyable experience possible.
Q-ARE RATES A GOOD INDICATION OF QUALITY?
A-Yes. You get what you pay for, which is true for everything in life. The busier a Captain is, the more likely it is that rates will be higher. Captains get that busy by providing clients with an excellent all around experience on the water. It’s not just about catching numbers of fish, it’s about making the whole day fun, and a part of that is the quality of the catch.
Q. IS A FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED?
A. All persons age 17 or older are required to have a fishing license. Please purchase your Michigan All-Species Fishing License before you get to the boat. You will need to bring a paper copy of your license with you per Michigan DNR rules for outlying waters. You can purchase your license online by clicking the license page on our website.
Q – DO I NEED TO BRING ALONG ANY FISHING EQUIPMENT?
A – No. All fishing equipment is provided for your fishing trip. We have the finest equipment available.
Q – HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ALONG?
A – In compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations we are licensed and insured to carry a MAXIMUM of six (6) passengers per charter boat. Even though we a legally allowed to take (6) passengers our boat can only accommodate up to (5), with (2-4) being the ideal group size per charter. Hooked Up Charters provides private charters; we do not mix groups or combine single people into groups.
Q – WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER FISHED BEFORE?
A – No experience is no problem with Hooked Up Charters our Captain is great with newcomers to the sport by giving simple explanations and demonstrations, they will have you feeling like an expert in no time!
Q – CAN I BRING ALCOHOL ON THE BOAT?
A – Yes. Adults 21 years and over may bring beer, wine etc. cans and plastic bottles are preferred over glass as it is very easy to break glass with the boat moving. We request that you drink responsibly as excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. *Absolutely no illegal substances of any kind are allowed on the boat.
Q- CAN I BRING MY KIDS?
A – There is no definite age restriction on our boats. We do encourage parents to take their children fishing when they feel they are ready and get enjoyment from the experience. We suggest over the age of 5 for the enjoyment of all.
Q. HOW FAR DO WE GO OFFSHORE TO FISH?
A – It depends on the trip that you book. Local trips range from 3-15 miles off shore. With our most popular trip being Stannard Rock at 45 miles off shore.
Q – WHO CLEANS THE FISH?
A – Our Captain will clean, prepare and bag your catch to your liking at no extra cost.
Q – WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE MY FISH LONG TERM?
A – Keep your catch cold (iced) while traveling back home. Before you freeze your catch we suggest packaging individually using a vacuum sealer. Fillets can be stored for up to a year in proper conditions.
Q – WHAT IS A LIMIT CATCH?
A – The limit is 5 fish per person, per day. Everyone is allow 1 spot fish that is over 34″ that is included in your 5 fish limit. If a group should get their limit early we take pictures and head back to the dock. We do not stay out once a limit has been caught per DNR rules.
Q – WHAT IF IT RAINS?
A – Rain is not a problem we will head out as planned as we have a hardtop and cabin for you to get out of the rain. Your safety is our number one priority. If the weather causes unsafe fishing conditions your Captain will cancel the trip and reschedule for another date.
Q – WHAT TIME WILL WE LEAVE THE DOCK?
A – Hooked Up Charters will book up to 3 charters per day 7 days a week. Our morning trips can vary from a start time of 4:30am-6:00am usually prior to Sunrise depending on the bite. Our Afternoon charters can vary from 9:30am -11:00am, and our late trip will usually start between 2:30pm and 4pm. Your Captain will give you the exact time as your trip draws near or just give us a call at (906) 458 – 0783.
Q – WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CATCH FISH?
A - We have great success throughout the entire season. Contact us for details on target species.
Q – IS A TIP REQUIRED?
A – Our captains work very hard to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience, and they are grateful and appreciative of your tips however, they are not required.