WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News: Economy Forces Many Charters to Stay Docked

Economy Forces Many Charters to Stay Docked

by Jeff Alexander

The economic hard times are stretching to the waters of Lake Michigan. Fewer charter captains are taking fewer clients on fishing trips.

Of the 16 charter captains working in Two Rivers this summer, only two are on the water with clients this morning.

Joe LeClair of Cool City Charters says, "it's a tough business, a competitive business, and we've just been fortunate to put fish in the boat and have return business."

One couple from minnesota enjoyed their 50th anniversary catching salmon. But they also realize it's tough to reel in business right now.

Helen Fenstermacher says, "I really wouldn't want to own a boat over here just now. This captain of ours was very good and very fun, and he is busy he says, but most of them are not here and that's sad."

According to the DNR, charter excursions dropped 5-percent last year to just over 13,000 fishing trips. So far, this year the number of licensed charter captains is down 11-percent to just over 300.

Keith Heberlein runs Willie Bee Charters and wishes his boat was busier. Right now, he's just chartering on the weekends. "We did get some cancellations. People getting laid off and just saying they can't make the trips this year."

Making it hard to stay in business.

LeClair says three charter captains in the Two Rivers area called it quits this year. "Less boats that are going out, that's just more business for people that are sticking around."

And still, while LeClair says he's scheduled to be on the water all the way until July 20th, he's hoping the economy improves so everyone in the fishing industry can catch a break. "They say it's supposed to turn around this summer, hopefully we get back on our feet, i mean everybody gets back on their feet."