Questions?

We've got ya! Check out the list of frequently asked questions below

What should I bring on the charter?

We encourage all clients to dress for the weather. Helpful items include: Jacket, hoodie, towel, comfortable footwear, sunglasses, ballcap or hat, sunscreen, and Dramamine or similar motion sickness relief.

A small bag with a zipper or closure to keep personal items/snacks.

A small personal sized cooler for any beverages or food items that need to stay cold while on the charter.

Fish Cleaning/Filet Service - Offered for Detroit River Charters

*Large coolers are not allowed on the vessel. However, we do encourage clients to bring a cooler with ice/ice packs they can leave in their vehicle to take their fish home at the end of the charter.

Are Children Allowed on the Charter?

Children ages 10 and up are welcome on the charter and are counted as passengers just like adults. If a charter is booked for four (4) people and you bring a child, they are included in that total.

Safety Policy:

All children must wear a JIG-N-TROLL CHARTER-approved life preserver for the entire duration of the trip. No exceptions. Safety is our top priority.
Parents or guardians are fully responsible for supervising their child(ren) throughout the charter. The captain’s primary focus is ensuring a safe and successful experience for all guests.
If a child’s behavior creates a safety hazard the charter will immediately return to the dock. No refunds. No rescheduling.

We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Non-Fishing Passengers

Non-fishing passengers are counted toward the total passenger limit for the charter. For example, if you book a charter for four (4) people and bring an additional “non-fishing” passenger without prior notice, a $200 fee will be charged before departure.

Charter Policies:

The maximum number of passengers allowed per charter is five (5).
Donated charters are limited to four (4) passengers, as clearly stated on the donation certificate. This policy is non-negotiable.

How do I pay for the charter?

So you want to book a charter? Great! Sounds good to us! TEXT/CALL: 989-906-9851.

We will confirm your preferred charter date/time via text message. Once your charter date/time is confirmed, we'll send you a Square link to safely pay for your charter deposit, or you can also pay your charter in full. Whichever you prefer.

Don't want to use a Square link? No problem. You can call us and we can take your credit/debit card info. over the phone.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Paying for your charter deposit/paying your charter in full, is easy with Jig-N-Troll Charters, LLC!

Good News! We've recently added digital wallet and BNPL options to offer our clients more payment flexibility!

Payment options:

Credit/Debit Card
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Cash App
Afterpay

*If you choose to pay your deposit to lock in your charter date/time. The balance of your charter is due at time of service. Cash, credit/debit card can be used as payment for charter balance.

*Cash - We will accept cash to pay the charter balance at the launch. Sorry, we don't accept cash to pay for the charter deposit at this time.

Can I bring alcohol on the boat?

Sorry, no alcohol is allowed on Detroit River jigging or night bite trolling charters.

*Glass is prohibited on the vessel.

*Captain Jeff reserves the right to cancel the charter at any time if a client appears intoxicated/impaired at time of service or at any point while on the charter.

Can I smoke on the boat?

Sorry, clients are not allowed to bring tobacco products on the vessel.

Vapes are acceptable.

*No drugs of any kind are allowed on the vessel at any time. Period.

*No weapons of any kind are allowed on the vessel at any time. Period.

Safety is our #1 priority.

Do you cancel the charter if it rains?

Safety is our #1 priority. A rainy forecast does not automatically cancel a charter. Captain Jeff will cancel the charter due to unsafe weather conditions and or small craft advisories. Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions 989-906-9851.

Do I Need A Fishing License?

Yes. All passengers on the charter need a State of Michigan Fishing License. The fishing license is not included in the price of the charter.

https://www.mdnr-elicense.com/

*Detroit River Charter passengers are required to have both a State of Michigan Fishing License and a Canadian Fishing License. Day passes are available.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-fees-non-canadian-residents

Do I Tip the Captain?

Tips are ALWAYS welcome and appreciated! We are often asked how much should clients tip the captain? It is truly up to the individual client. Here is a helpful average tip range:

$150 single walk on client - Average tip range for the captain = 20% - 40% ($30 - $60)

$550 group charter - Average tip range for the captain = 25% - 40% ($100 - $200)

Can You Guarantee That I Will Catch Fish?

Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, safe, and memorable fishing trip. While we strive to provide the best possible fishing experience, we cannot guarantee that you will catch fish. Fishing is influenced by various factors, including weather conditions, water temperature, and fish behavior, all of which are beyond our control. Likewise, while we may target trophy sized walleye, we cannot guarantee that you will catch a trophy-sized fish. Our experienced captain uses his knowledge and expertise to put you in the best possible position for success.

Client Loses/Damages JIG-N-TROLL CHARTERS Equipment or Damages Boat Policy

Clients are responsible for the care of all fishing equipment and the boat during the charter. Any damage or loss of equipment due to negligence, misuse or by "accident" will result in a charge for the full replacement cost of the item. Additionally, any damage to the boat, whether intentional or unintentional, will incur charges for the full cost of repairs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining our equipment and vessel for the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

What if I need to cancel a charter reservation? Will I get my deposit back?

Detroit River Charters: We get it. We understand things come up. Clients that need to cancel their reservation (7) days prior to the confirmed charter will receive a refund of their deposit less applicable Square processing fees.

Client initiated cancellations inside of (7) days of their confirmed charter are not eligible for a deposit refund.

*No show: If a client does not show up for their scheduled charter. The deposit is non-refundable.

*Client running late: If a client will be running late to their scheduled charter departure time, it is extremely important that the client call/text Captain Jeff immediately. *Please note: The charter time is not extended. Example: The client is 45 minutes late to the charter. The charter was scheduled 6:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. The client arrives at 7:15a.m. the charter will still end at 11:30a.m.

Saginaw Bay Charters: Book Now-Pay Later

Book your charter now (Walk On or Group) and pay the deposit the day before the scheduled charter, and the balance at time of service.

*Walk On Deposit $25 the day before the scheduled charter.

*Private Group Charter Deposit $50 the day before the scheduled charter.

Single Walk On

Single Walk On spots are paid in full at time of booking and are non-refundable - unless Capt. Jeff cancels the charter due to weather conditions/small craft advisory warnings. In the unlikely event that the charter is canceled, every effort will be made to select an alternative date/time.

*The charter will leave at the scheduled date/time. Walk On spots are "Open Boat" seats. If a single Walk On passenger is running late, the passenger will need to reschedule the charter date/time. Out of respect for Walk On clients who were on time, the Open Boat charters are not delayed.

Charter reservation cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions initiated by Captain Jeff

Mother nature can be unpredictable sometimes. Safety is our #1 priority. Captain Jeff reserves the right to cancel a scheduled charter due to unsafe weather conditions. This charter cancellation includes prior to charter launch and during the charter. All confirmed charter reservations will receive a text to the phone number in the reservation 24 hours before the scheduled charter. *Walk On charter bookings receive a text message to the confirmed phone number immediately following payment confirmation. If Captain Jeff cancels a charter due to unsafe weather conditions, an alternative charter date will be offered. If the client does not want to re-schedule the charter, the deposit will be refunded. *Please note: The deposit refund applies ONLY to situations where Captain Jeff cancels the scheduled charter due to unsafe weather conditions. If the cancellation is a client initiated cancellation inside of (7) days of the scheduled charter the deposit is non-refundable. If you have questions about this policy, please email Captain Jeff: jigntrollcharters@gmail.com

Client Safety & Liability Policy

Fishing involves inherent risks. While our captain takes every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, clients assume all risks associated with fishing and boating activities.

Fishing Injuries: Clients are responsible for handling fishing gear with care. If a client is accidentally hooked, our captain will assist with basic first aid, but we are not liable for any injuries sustained. Seeking further medical attention is the client’s responsibility.
Rough Water Conditions: Boating conditions can vary, and rough waters may result in an uncomfortable ride. While we prioritize safety and will not operate in dangerous conditions, clients should be prepared for possible motion discomfort. Refunds or rescheduling will not be provided due to seasickness or discomfort from rough water.

By booking/paying/participating in the charter, clients acknowledge these risks and agree that JIG-N-TROLL CHARTERS is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or discomfort experienced during the trip. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.