Salmon Fishing

By Autumn Gonda

On Saturday June 29th, I had the opportunity to go Salmon fishing with Dutchman Charters out of Grand Haven. After four months of planning and eager anticipation the weekend finally came. My boyfriend, Erik, and I packed up my Jeep and headed towards Lake Michigan. The first thing we heard on Saturday morning when we woke up was thunder. I immediately became disappointed because I thought for sure the salmon fishing would be canceled. Thankfully it wasn't. Erik and I drove out to the docks and got ready for our 5:30 AM departure time. Once the boat was out of the marina, the crew got busy getting the lines in the water.

Within 40 minutes Erik jumped up and yelled; "Hit, hit, hit" while pointing at the rod that had the fish action on it. The first mate gave Erik the rod, and it seemed like an eternity for him to reel up the first fish of the day, a coho salmon, a great start to the day!

After the excitement died down, we were able to relax for a few minutes before I noticed a line dancing. I got up pointing and yelling; " Fish on, fish on!! Then it was my turn to reel a fish in. I got a beautiful king salmon!! We were pumped, two for two within the first 45 minutes out in Lake Michigan. The morning continued steady with salmon. Before we knew it, only two hours went by and we were already at our limit with two coho and eight king salmon!! I highly recommend Dutchman Charters for salmon fishing!