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What we do.
One of the first things you'll see when you Google "What to do outdoors in Michigan?" are results promoting things like hiking, biking, and fishing. We can't help you with the hiking or the biking, but fishing is more than a pass time here- it's a lifestyle!
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Specializing in spring/fall run Steelhead and Salmon on West Michigan's coastal and inland waters, you'll fish with premium and custom gear outfitted for landing your Personal Best. Trips ran in the off seasons are still full of great fishing, featuring Walleye, Pike, and a variety of pan fish and trout.
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New to fishing or introducing a little one? Not to worry! Our experienced Captain takes extra time with those inexperienced to make sure everyone gets their chance to enjoy the thrill the waters have to offer while learning about working WITH our greatest natural resource.
Certifications
CERTIFIED 2018
IPL
Inlands Pilots License
An Inlands Pilot License is required to guide sports fishing charters on waters with a surface area greater than 5 acres.
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CERTIFIED 2021
MMC
Merchant Mariner Credential
A Maritime Captain's License is required to fish coastal waters. Applicants must successfully complete a Coast Guard registered Maritime Captain's class & its exams, obtain the certifications listed below, and register with the State.
Not required, but also obtained were a Coast Guard Vessel Inspection and commercial watercraft insurance with passenger accident coverage.
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CERTIFIED 2021
TWIC
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
A TWIC card is a biometric credential that ensures only vetted workers gain access to MTSA ports or vessels.
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CERTIFIED 2021
First-Aid
First-Aid training and certification are required for licensing. In addition, guides are to have a first-aid kit that includes, but not limited to, the following: a tourniquet, chest seals, and compression gauze, CPR mask, trauma shears, sterile eyewash, mylar emergency blanket, bandages, moleskin and tweezers.
25 Years of Experience
When you grow up in one place all your life and have a singular passion for the outdoors, your life becomes experience. You have the freedom to take childhood memories and teenage adventures and turn them into a career you're passionate about. Passion and respect go hand in hand when it comes to Nature, and we hold that as one of our core beliefs at Swift Waters Guide Service.
Mother Nature
We can all agree that water is our greatest natural resource and protecting it and its eco-systems should always be a top priority.
Here at Swift Waters Guide Service, we take our role in protecting the environment seriously by educating clients about efficient and ethical fishing practices.
CONSERVATION
Some conservation efforts include "Catch & Release"- a practice of returning healthy fish back to the water where it was caught.
HOW DOES IT HELP?
By practicing "Catch & Release" in recreational fishing, we can help native fish populations regenerate our rivers and continue playing a crucial role in our Great Lakes.
Our Fishing Destinations
Many rivers allow you to keep the fish that you catch, up to the State set allotment for the species/location. Due to decreased fish populations over the last several decades, many local guides run "Catch & Release" programs on several of West Michigan's river systems.
Muskegon River
Pere Marquette Lake & River
Manistee River
Grand River
Our Professional Crew
Captain Dustin Lehnert
Having almost 30 years of individual hunting and fishing experience, combined with a deep respect for nature strongly engrained from his childhood raised on a farm, Captain Dustin is a true outdoorsman. He understands that nature hangs in a balance and that we as stewards of the land and water, must help maintain that balance. Over the last 5 years, he has initiated and furthered community efforts of educating the general population in ethical fishing and conservation efforts on local waters.
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With a fun and laid back environment, he makes every trip a vacation and works tirelessly to put you on fish and to ensure you have a good time. Its a source of pure joy watching someone reel in their personal best or better yet- a kid reeling in his first catch! With a return rate that speaks for itself, you'll feel like family.
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As a husband and father, he delights in passing this love and knowledge to his family, and we hope you'll give him the opportunity to share in your family's next outdoor adventures!
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