At Dawn Guide Service LLC
At Dawn Guide Service
Before you Book
What to bring on every charter
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Current MI Fishing License Required for everyone 17 and older. (underwater spearfishing license if going spearfishing)
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Cooler to take home your Fish. Most fish are cleaned and bagged (some species like Carp and Bowfin will not be cleaned.)
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Sunglasses and hats
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Sunscreen
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Dress in layers and always bring a raincoat
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Bring drinks and snacks/sandwiches. (No Glass, Hard Liquor, or drugs)
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Closed toe shoes, crocks, or similar (no Flip-flops)
What you need to know for a Michigan Spearfishing trip.
Equipment:
You are responsible for bring your own equipment (besides an Intro to Spearfishing Trip where equipment is provided.) We do offer equipment rental. It is imperative that you contact us in advance to discuss what equipment you may need to rent. A 5mm open-cell wetsuit is recommended in the Great Lakes. We recommend 75-100cm spearguns. Pole spears are always welcomed on the boat.
Experience:
Be honest with your experience and your dive depths so you can have an enjoyable day. Fish can be found anywhere from 10' to 50'+. New spearfishers must begin with an Intro to Spearfishing Charter before participating in other spearfishing trips with us.
Safety on the water:
Safety is always the top priority. As a USCG captain and operating a fully licensed and inspected vessel. Divers will use the buddy system and one-up, one-down diving. We are excited to introduce new spearos to the sport and are committed to making your day both safe and enjoyable.
Questions?
If you have any questions about preparation, equipment, or expectations, please reach out prior to booking. We’re happy to help you plan your next adventure.
What to Expect Underwater Spearfishing
A Great Lakes underwater spearfishing day starts late, often after sunrise to ensure we head toward the best conditions rather than a fixed location. Conditions on the Great Lakes can change quickly, so flexibility is key. We monitor weather, waves, currents, visibility, and water temperature closely to ensure the day will offer favorable conditions.
Travel times can range from short runs to over 15 miles depending on the port and the plan for the day. Many fish can be found in shallow water less than 20 feet. Fish can also be found deeper in 50+ feet. We will target what you are comfortable diving and will never expect you to over exert yourself for a fish. During the ride, we review dive plans, safety procedures, and expectations for the day. Every diver is paired with a buddy, and one-up, one-down diving is mandatory. One of us will be in the water with the group helping find fish, carry the fish, and even make you a better spearfisherman.
Dives may take place on natural or artificial structure, weeds, rock reefs/ledges, drop-offs, historic shipwrecks, or anywhere the fish are. Visibility can vary from limited to over 50ft crystal clear. Visibility can also be striated, meaning the top 10ft could look like chocolate milk and underneath be much clearer, making each dive unique.
Time spent on the boat is up to you. We are here to get you in the water and on fish. On the boat time is spent resting, hydrating, warming up, and adjusting plans as conditions evolve.
We plan for 8 hours in the water diving, by the end of the day, most trips wrap up tired, satisfied, and with a deeper appreciation for the scale, challenge, and reward of diving the Great Lakes. No two days are the same. That’s why we spend so much time in the water.