Exclusive Discounted Offshore Trip | Waypoint Charters

Lake Superior Offshore Fishing Charter

Picture this: you're rolling over the deep blue waters of Lake Superior at sunrise, the biggest of the Great Lakes stretching endlessly around you. Captain Nick Hagadone's got his 27-foot Pursuit dialed in perfectly for the conditions, and you're about to spend a full day chasing some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Midwest has to offer. This isn't your typical guided trip – it's a special discounted charter that Waypoint Charters runs for a limited time, giving groups of up to four anglers the chance to experience world-class offshore fishing without breaking the bank. Whether you've been out with Nick before or you're looking to get your family into some serious fish, this is the kind of day that reminds you why Lake Superior has such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Nick's Pursuit, you'll immediately notice this isn't some bare-bones operation. The boat's set up specifically for Lake Superior's unique offshore conditions, with quality rods and reels already rigged and ready to go. Captain Nick knows these waters like the back of his hand – he's been running charters here for years and has that local knowledge you just can't get from reading fishing reports online. The day starts early, which is exactly what you want when you're targeting active fish in their prime feeding windows. You'll head out to structure and temperature breaks that most weekend warriors never even know exist. The beauty of a guided charter like this is that Nick's constantly reading the electronics, watching for bait schools, and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling him. Some days that means running downriggers in 80 feet of water, other days you might find yourself working shallower structure where the thermocline is holding fish. The boat comfortably handles four guests, so there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at the action.

Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup

Lake Superior offshore fishing is all about precision trolling, and that's where Nick's expertise really shines. You'll be running a spread of lines at different depths and distances, using a combination of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to cover the water column effectively. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish want on any given day – sometimes that's bright spoons fluttering behind a flasher, other times it's more subtle presentations like stick baits or meat rigs. Nick keeps the tackle box stocked with proven Lake Superior producers, from classic Northern King spoons to the latest dodger and fly combinations that have been putting fish in the box. The electronics package on the Pursuit lets you see exactly what's happening below the boat – bait schools, thermoclines, and individual fish marks that help determine the most productive depths. Water temperature is crucial out here, especially when you're targeting salmon that are holding in that narrow comfort zone between warm surface water and the frigid depths. Most successful trips involve constant adjustments to speed, depth, and lure selection as conditions change throughout the day.

Top Catches This Season

Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Superior fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fish, often called kings, can push well over 20 pounds and will test every bit of your drag system when they decide to make a run. What makes chinook special in Lake Superior is their incredible strength – the cold, oxygenated water keeps them fighting hard from the first hookup to the net. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, which is why those early morning starts pay off big time. Kings have this habit of following the bait schools along temperature breaks, and when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely electric. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – these fish will strip line, jump, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook.

Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. They're typically smaller than chinook but make up for it with aerial acrobatics that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their phones. Coho love to jump, and they'll often clear the water multiple times during a fight. They're also more likely to feed aggressively in varied conditions, making them a reliable target species when the bite gets tough. Summer and early fall are prime time for coho, especially when they're staging near tributary mouths preparing for their spawning runs.

Lake trout are the native heavyweights of Lake Superior, and catching one of these deep-water bruisers is always a highlight. Lakers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 30 inches not uncommon in these waters. They're typically found in deeper water than the salmon, often suspended near bottom structure or cruising along steep drop-offs. Lake trout have this deliberate, powerful fighting style that's different from the flashy runs of salmon – they'll use their weight and the depth to their advantage, making long, steady pulls that'll put a serious bend in your rod.

Steelhead trout round out the target species list, and they're arguably the most athletic fish swimming in Lake Superior. These chrome-bright fish are essentially rainbow trout that have adapted to life in the big water, and they fight like fish twice their size. Steelhead are known for their speed and jumping ability – when one gets hooked, everyone on the boat knows it immediately. They're often found in the same areas as salmon but can be more finicky about presentation, requiring lighter tackle and more subtle approaches on tough days.

Time to Book Your Spot

This limited-time charter represents serious value for anyone wanting to experience top-rated Lake Superior fishing without the premium price tag that usually comes with guided trips on these waters. Captain Nick's reputation speaks for itself – he's built his customer base on repeat clients and referrals, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the experience. The fact that he's offering this special rate makes it a no-brainer for families wanting to get into some world-class fishing or groups of friends looking to make memories on one of the most beautiful bodies of