Charter Information, pricing and payment

Mike Donovan, NH Licensed Guide (#RF220029) - I am a resident of Moultonborough NH and live on Lake Winnipesaukee in Buzzells Cove. I have been fishing the lake since the 1980's and retired in 2015 to live here full time. My passion is trolling for Landlocked Salmon and Trout and have developed fishing techniques that have proven successful in catching these elusive fish. 

I am fully insured and have been certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.

The boat - Ouananiche is a 23' Boston Whaler 230 Vantage and equipped with the electronics and trolling accessories needed to target fish throughout the open water season. All fishing rods, reels and tackle are provided but you are welcome to bring your own equipment and tackle. Each angler is allowed 2 fishing lines. There is an onboard head and freshwater sinks if needed. I will provide PFD's (flotation devices) and all guests that are 12 and under must wear a PFD at all times when underway.

Ouananiche has a Commercial Boat registration and has been inspected by NH Marine Patrol. I have a Commercial Boating License that is also administered by NH Marine Patrol.

Requirements - each angler that is 16 years and older are required to have a NH Fishing License. Fishing Licenses can be obtained online at the following link:  

              NH Fishing License  

You do not need to have any fishing experience to come out and enjoy an outing on the lake!

What to bring - you will want to bring certain items depending on the time of year and weather conditions that may include: rubber soled boots/shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rain gear, warm clothing, snacks and additional beverages (I provide water and ice) and a cooler for transporting your catch home.

Types of Fish - we are primarily targeting Landlocked salmon, Rainbow trout and Lake trout but depending on the time of year you will catch smallmouth bass, white perch, rock bass, crappie and pickerel also.

Fish policy - each angler is allowed to keep 2 fish per day in any combination of salmon and the 2 trout species. When the bag limit is met the anglers will be done fishing for that day. Fish will be placed on ice and must be taken off the lake whole. We can process fish back at the dock for travel. Bring a cooler to keep your fish fresh for the travel home.

Fishing Locations - There is no specific fishing location as all outings are different depending on weather patterns, recent catch locations, time of year, time of day and other factors. I use state of the art navigation and sonar equipment and my knowledge of the lake to provide you the best opportunity to catch fish. Some of my favorite locations have names like:

Salmon saddle, the Corners, Sandy shoals, Sandy flats, Camelbacks, the Knuckles, Race point and the Wall! 

Motion sickness - motion sickness can be a problem for some people and depending on the wind and wave conditions might be quite severe. Motion sickness medications can be taken the night before the charter and again before we leave the docks. Please consult your Dr. or pharmacist if you have questions.

Alcohol and drugs - Beer is permitted on the trip (cans only please). No liquor or bottles are allowed and absolutely no illicit drugs of any kind.

Weather - I am constantly following current weather/lake conditions and forecasts. If I deem the lake is not conducive to safe boating conditions, I will cancel the trip and accommodate you as best possible if you chose to rebook. When I have determined that a particular outing may be in jeopardy, I will contact you as far in advance as possible, so you minimize any unnecessary expenses.

Liability agreement - We, the charter guests, fully understand that we are boarding a charter fishing vessel to fish in open water. We understand and assume the risks and hazards associated with boating and fishing such as (but not limited to) sun, lightning, sea sickness, slippery and wet decks, injuries from boarding and disembarking the vessel, fishing tackle and gear and unintentional conduct of other persons on the boat. We understand and agree that we will not hold the Guide or the LLC liable for risks associated with the charter services and expressly release them from all such risks and hazards. Moreover, we are not in possession of any illegal substances, and I release the Guide from any liability for illegal actions taken by myself while on the charter.

Directions to Charter Boat location - You will depart from the dock at my residence in Moultonboro. Directions are provided by following the below link. Ask about 'on lake' pickup for guests that have a suitable dock location or prefer pickup at some of the public docks on the lake. 

           Directions to 'Wanna Fish'

Pricing

Charter Rates (2024 season 4/1 to 9/30) - Catering to individual anglers and groups up to 5 anglers, Charter rates are charged at a flat rate per outing (4 hours) plus an hourly rate for additional hours. Rates are based on trolling time (lines in the water). Children 10 and under fish for free when each is accompanied by a full paying guest.

Total 4 hour Charter fee:

single angler $300      

two anglers $375 

three anglers $450 

four anglers $500

five anglers (max) $550

     additional hours charged at $50/hr.

Flat Rate deposit at the time of booking of $175 applied to total charter fee.

Interested in a Fish and Stay package?      see Cairns and Crags Lodge

Bookings - you can contact me by email to make requests for a reservation. 

      make email reservation request

Deposits - the $175 flat rate deposit will be collected at the time of booking and secure your trip date and times.

Final payment - final payment is due 48 hours prior to the charter date.

Payment types - online credit card, PayPal and Venmo

Cancellations - cancellations made by the guests before 48 hours prior to the charter will be fully refunded. Within the 48-hour period a cancellation may incur the loss of the deposit at my discretion. Weather cancellations will result in a credit.

Gratuity - Tips are not mandatory but are certainly greatly appreciated!

Big lake Big fish!  

Happy Clients!

The Charter boat 'Ounaniche'