FAQs
*Important Notice*: The vessel is completely drug free. No illegal drugs will be tolerated on board and the vessel is regulated and monitored by the US Coast Guard. Any violation will result in the forfeiture of your payment and the trip will end immediately.
April 1 – October 31
Trolling is when fishing lines are baited with lures or bait fish and are trailing in the water behind a moving boat. It can also be defined as slowly winding the line in when fishing from a stationary position, such as on a jetty. Not to be confused with trawling, which is usually a commercial method of fishing by casting a net into the water.
It is always a little bit cooler on the lake than on land. In the Spring, plan on being cold and possibley wet. Bring a hooded sweatshirt and/or a rain jacket. Some of the best fishing happens on overcast and wet days. However, we constantly keep your safety in mind and are always tuned to USCG weather advisories.
Yes. In the summer the sun can be scorching and we all need to be careful with our eyes and skin. Proper protection is needed and the reflection off the lake can be brutal. Remember your sunglasses and sunscreen. UV protective clothing is always an option and isn’t a bad idea either.
Yes. You will need your 1 day Illinois Fishing License with a Salmon Stamp. Both the 24-hour license and salmon stamp are available for purchase at the harbor or online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Absolutely! You want to capture all the excitement, the beautiful views, and most likely do a little bragging to your friends.
Yes. You want to bring a cooler to transport your catch home and ice is available at the harbor. Also a smaller cooler to bring your food and drinks on the boat.
You want to bring enough food and drinks to satisfy yourselves on the trip. Sandwiches and candy bars work out the best. Also, you want to bring a small soft cooler or backpack to bring your food and drinks on the boat. Beer and wine are allowed, but only in cans, plastic bottles, or a box.
*PLEASE NOTE: Alcoholic beverages are allowed in moderation, however this is not a booze cruise. Please be responsible as we have a responsibility to keep you safe at ALL TIMES. Bear King reserves the right to not allow any intoxicated person on board and terminate the trip while retaining the deposit. If any angler is intoxicated, Bear King reserves the right to abort the trip and return to dock, charging no less than half the package price.
Please make the captain aware of ANY medical conditions of anyone in the party. At times we may be hours from shore and will need to have all proper medication necessary. Captain Dave is certified in CPR and First Aid and carries a full first aid kit on board, but you will be responsible for bringing specifics, like inhalers or allergy specific medicine.
Yes. A $100 deposit is required for all trips. All deposits must be received 14 days prior to the scheduled date. All deposits are non-refundable if trip is cancelled within 7 days or less of the scheduled date.