The Independence is a 34′ Tiara and is 12′ wide at the stern. She was built, designed, & outfitted specifically for salmon & trout fishing on the Great Lakes. The Tiara brand is widely recognized as one of the highest quality makes of vessel in the world. She is powered by twin, 350 fuel-injected Crusader engines that have the ability to get us offshore faster than most charter boats and can accomplish that at a more optimal fuel consumption rate, relative to other vessels. These latter features should enter your considerations when choosing a charter boat in regards to where we often need to go to catch fish and what that costs a captain for fuel for other, larger boats.
She comes completely equipped with a private bathroom, a large cabin to stow personal items, and most importantly, loads of fishing room in the stern cockpit to run a full spread of lines and battle fish. A raw water washdown system keeps the boat clean when we’re on the water. Passengers stay warm and dry beneath the large hardtop area if it rains. The Independence also undergoes constant technological and cosmetic upgrades every season to keep her streamlined and modern.
Getting slightly technical but in keeping with the philosophy of running the highest quality overall operation, the following gear features are listed for our more seasoned anglers. But remember, if you have never caught a salmon – let alone a fish – rest assured that Captain Rick is happy to guide you each step of the way.
Featuring top-of-the-line gear – Penn International 975, Shimano Tekota, & Daiwa Saltist reels/Shakespeare Ugly Stik & Shimano Talora rods – Captain Rick continuously invests in the best, highest quality reels & rods you will find on any charter boat on Lake Michigan.
Windycitysalmon proudly features top of the line equipment and primarily employ the gold, aluminum Penn International 975 reels
for our downrigger spread which were made famous in larger version for offshore, big-game ocean fishing charters. We also run brand new, high-speed retrieve Daiwa Saltist reels
for our ALL of our longline leadcore and copper line applications. Like the Penn 975’s, the Daiwa Saltist reels are the best reels available for running longline, leadcore and copper rigs because they allow you, the angler, to reel fish in faster from longer distances. It also allows Captain Rick the ability to change lures on these lines much faster too. All of our longline spread were upgraded to high-speed, Daiwa Saltists for the 2014 Season.
Seven foot, light action Shakespeare Ugly Stik and Shimano Taloracomprise the primary rod selections across most of the spread. Captain Rick specializes in light-line setups and at times, employs other ultra-light techniques as well as unconventional salmon fishing methods when conditions arise.
