KIMAR'S CHARTERS

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​One of the oldest, if not the oldest, continuously operating charter operation in the State of Michigan!

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Brothers Al & Sonny Kimar started the family business in 1945 in its current location. During the 50s, the fishery was wiped out due to an invasion of lamprey.

 

In 1967, Al's son Dave brought back the charter business, at a time when charter fishing was in its infancy on the Great Lakes.  A natural born innovator, Captain Dave purchased a boat in 1976 with a larger engine and greater fuel capacity, and became the first charter captain to venture nearly 50 miles out to Stannard Rock.

 

In 1992, Captain Dave's son-in-law, Ric O'Neill, obtained his captain's license and ran charters alongside Captain Dave for 30 years. In 1992, we began making trips to the Big Reef and are one of the only charter operations to do so.  
 

​Captain Justin joined our fleet in 2016 and trained under Dave & Ric, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience while completing his captain's license.  After splitting his time between Gitche Gumee and doing fly-in guiding in Alaska, he decided to settle down in the UP in 2022 and start a family.
 

Dave owned and operated the charters until his passing in January 2023.  He worked until the day he died; he even purchased fishing tackle and rods on the day of his passing.   

 

Captain Justin now leads the charters with the support of Dave's youngest daughter, Sarah, who has been booking charters since she was in elementary school.  Captains Eric, Scott, and our mechanic Roy make up our wonderful team and we have the pleasure of coordinating with Caleb Taylor, from Black Shadow Guides, to host crews that need 3 boats.  We are honored to carry on Captain Dave's legacy, and fish on!
 

The year 2026 marks our 50th year of venturing to Stannard Rock.  We have the knowledge and skills to provide an unforgettable fishing excursion.  Many of our patrons have returned again and again to enjoy a trip that is seen as a once in a lifetime opportunity!