Reel Addiction Charters
Door County charter fishing on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout
Frequently Asked Questions

- What should I bring?
- Soft-soled shoes such as running, boat, or tennis shoes; no street shoes!
- Rain gear
- Warm clothes, windbreaker (layers)
- Motion sickness pills if needed (take at least 2 hours before trip)
- Sunscreen
- Camera to remember your catch
- Sunglasses
- Food & beverage (small cooler please)
- Cooler to bring home your fish
- Wisconsin fishing license with salmon stamp (stamp not needed if two-day license)
- Do you sell fishing licenses?
- All anglers 16 years and older need a State of Wisconsin fishing license. Captain Tim sells 2-day Great Lakes fishing licenses on board as well as Wisconsin salmon stamps($10) for those already possessing a Wisconsin fishing license. The 2-day license sells for $14 and is the same price for residents and non-residents.
- Can one or two people join a charter group?
- Yes, that is normally not a problem unless the charter group has booked the whole boat, but be prepared to wait until there is an opening. A better alternative is to book a 3-hour charter for 2 people guaranteeing a date and time...affordable yet high quality.
- If there are fewer than 4 people who want to book a charter, should they book the whole boat?
- Most people want to have the whole boat to themselves. This is why Captain Tim prices the full-boat rate the same for 4-6 people and within $75 of the 1-3 person half-day. Make the trip memorable and charter the whole boat for your party; you won\'t regret it.
- Do you guarantee catching fish?
- It is called fishing, not catching. The average number of salmon caught per charter in 2009 was 7 keepers so the odds of getting skunked are small. If small fish are caught that are not injured, we recommend releasing them. Most charter operators offering guarantees have lots of string attached to those guarantees, so be wise. Our crew fishs every day of the season and knows how, where, and when to catch fish. Trust their experience and wisdom rather than marketing hype.
- What is the minimum recommended age for salmon charter fishing?
- Salmon are noted for being strong fighting fish. It takes strength to reel them in even for adults. But children 7 and older can generally catch fish with adult assistance. However, it is easy to loose fish if not fought properly, which can be a problem with small children. The Reel Addiction crew will assist all anglers including children to land fish successfully. Please, no infants or toddlers!
- When is fishing best during the season?
- Salmon normally start showing up in northern Door County waters in early June and stay around until late fall. Salmon fishing peaks in July and August. Brown trout fishing is best during early spring months and late fall. Rainbow trout can be caught all season long.
- What times are best during the day for catching salmon & trout?
- Experienced anglers know that fishing is generally best during low light conditions when fish are actively feeding. But weather conditions greatly affect fishing success so it is not unusual to catch fish during all hours of the day. Captain Tim knows where and when to catch fish during all hours of the day. But there is no question that those who get out on the water during early morning hours do best.
- I am traveling a long distance and want to make sure I catch fish; should I book more than one charter?
- It is always a possibility that foul weather can force cancellation of a charter. To ensure successful fishing Captain Tim recommends booking two charters a day apart. A good approach is to book the Captains Special....an evening 3-hour charter one day followed by a half-day charter the next. Bring a big cooler!
- Is seasickness a problem?
- Nothing can ruin a trip faster than getting seasick, especially when the fish are biting. Don't take chances. Take an over-the-counter anti-seasickness medication before leaving port and follow directions carefully. Captain Tim recommends Bonine brand medication. Also watch what you eat before and during the charter. Avoid greasy and highly spiced foods. Stick with salty snacks and especially those with ginger. Ginger ale is also a good beverage choice.