Welcome to Ross Fishing Charters! We are a full service charter and river fishing opportunity right around the corner from Chicago. Located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan (in Michigan City, Indiana) we have a year-round schedule of fishing always available! Our tours are operated privately by Jerry Ross; a licensed, seasoned, and tournament award winning captain of 30 years!

We have charter tours on Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. We hook and land hefty Coho Salmon, King Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Perch from April through September with ease! Then from October through April we offer the same adrenaline-pumping experience in landing King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and Walleye!

These charter tours are a boatload of pure fun and the excitement ramps up when you [quite commonly] get 1, 2, 3, or more “Fish-on!” at the same time! Many of the fish we land are upwards of 10lbs, 15lbs, or more – so you’re bound to get quite a few “good fights” on the other end of the line!

Charter boat fishing is great fun for the whole family and our promise is for you to have fun. We make it a practice to make you and your family a part of the crew whenever possible. Whether you’re returning for more fun or this is your first time… You’ve come to the right Captain for an outstanding, happy experience! Without a doubt, you will get the full excitement and experience of Fishing like the Pros!

All charter tours are led by Captain Jerry Ross, a USCG Licensed Captain for over 30 years!

Jerry has won too many awards and competitions to list, but to name a few:

- 2000 MC Charter Boat Association Captain of the Year
- 1999 MC Charter Boat Association Captain of the Year
- 1999 4th Place: Hoosier Coho Club/Sea Ray Classic Tournament
- 1998 2nd Place: Hoosier Coho Club/Sea Ray Classic Tournament
- (All time 9th highest scoring Captain in the first 25 year history of the Hoosier Coho Club/Sea Ray Classic fishing tournament)

In addition to owning and operating Ross Fishing Charters, the always friendly Captain owns Lake Michigan Tackle, the premier bait and tackle shop in Michigan City, Indiana.

Most importantly… Jerry loves to fish!

Our flagship boat is the “Seeker”: A 32-foot marinette with a 12′ beam. The Seeker sports twin Chrysler V-8 engines, and is fully equipped with Radar, GPS, Color Fish Locators, electronically operated downriggers, and top of the line rods, reels, & tackle. The interior of the Seeker is spacious, enough to house more than a family, has an upstairs back deck, indoor bench seating, a downstairs resting area (bed), mini-kitchen, and yes.. a nice clean bathroom!

Our brand-new customized 21′ Carolina Skiff is perfect for manuvering the St. Joseph river with ease. This river boat is made for off season temperatures with a custom built enclosure and plenty of heaters. Winter fishing done right!

All boats are inspected & licensed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), US Coast Guard, and operated by a licensed USCG Captain.

When out in the summer sun on the “Seeker”, we fish Lake Michigan for Coho Salmon, King Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Perch! Fish range from a few lbs to a whopping 20lbs or more! Many of these fish put up an exciting fight! During the summer months, these large fish stay down at lower depths for more comfortable temperatures. After fishing these waters for over 30 years, the Captain always knows where to find them, and at what depth.

In the winter months, we take our Carolina Skiff out on the St. Joseph river for Coho Salmon, King Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and Walleye! Once again, these fish can get big and put up quite a battle! All fish are kept on ice during the trip and cleaned for you at the end of the trip. Clear some room in the freezer, because you’ll have enough to store and share with friends!

Types of Charters Available:
Lake Michigan Deep-Water Fishing (Apr-Sept), Lake Michigan Perch Fishing (Late Summer – when in Season), St. Joseph River Fishing (Oct-Mar). Morning and Evening Charters are available! (Check our calendar for availability)

Rates:
For Lake Michigan Deep-Water fishing: $100/person (4 Person or $400 Minimum per trip). Balance due on the day of your charter. We have a “No Fish? No Pay.” policy for Lake Michigan Charters – in case the fish aren’t hungry or on vacation the day of your trip! Unlike most charter boats, we don’t watch the clock – we know that sometimes it can take a little hunting around to find the big ones!

For river and perch fishing rates: please call us for the latest competitive rates.

$100 Deposit Required upon reservation. Captain Jerry makes all weather decisions; In the event of bad weather (rough water, wind, etc.), you can opt for a full refund of your deposit or we can reschedule your trip.

Where To Go:
Our Lake Michigan charter tours take off from Pioneer Pier in Michigan City, Indiana (Map Link). Our St. Joseph river tours take off from Shamrock Park in Berrien Springs, Michigan (Map Link & Map of Shamrock Park).

What To Bring:
Single day fishing licenses are available and can be purchased while onboard the boat. On the day of your charter, bring food and beverages for the day. We fish in the rain so bring rain gear if necessary. Dress in layers, as the temperature can and does change often on the water! We provide all the equipment (rods, bait, etc.) but you’re welcome to bring your favorite rod if you wish.

At the end of your charter, all your fish are cleaned, cut into boneless fillets, and bagged for you at no extra cost. Make room in your freezer!

Daily fishing reports are coming soon as the site comes together. Come back in a week or two for updated information!  Thanks for stopping by!