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Q: When using a fishing charter, do I need a fishing license? A: Yes, Michigan law requires that anyone fishing in Michigan waters be licensed. When you make your fishing charter reservation ask your fishing charter captain if they sell Michigan fishing licenses on board their charter boat.

A Lake Michigan Charter Boat Operator Permit can be obtained by selecting the following link, Lake Michigan Sportfishing Charter Operator Permit Application, or by contacting the IDNR Lake Michigan Program office at (847) 294-4134. Print and fill out the application as instructed.

If you are 17 years of age or older and fish in Michigan, you must purchase a fishing license. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. If turning 17 at any point during the current season (April 1 - March 31) you'll need to buy a license.

The Great Lakes are considered Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. If you wish to operate professionally (take on paying passengers), you would need either the OUPV/Six-Pack or 25/50/100-Ton Masters captain's license for the US waters.

Tags: So, You Want to be a Captain? The Great Lakes are considered Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. If you wish to operate professionally (take on paying passengers), you would need either the OUPV/Six-Pack or 25/50/100-Ton Masters captain's license for the US waters.

Before you can become a Charter Captain, there's several hoops to jump thru. A complete physical, a recent drug test, knowledge of first aid and proof of citizenship (birth certificate). Then you have to be accepted by the United States Coast Guard just to qualify to take an extremely difficult test.

Other than for charter boats on the Great Lakes, there are no fees or training required for someone to guide clients on a hunting or fishing trip in Michigan. The state only requires a free permit application for hunting guides to operate on state managed public land, ing to wildlife officials.