RJ’s Compass Guide Service

Threw the boys in the boat this morning for a recon run! First spot had us questioning our life choices, so we ran a few miles east... and BOOM—bingo! Turns out the fish forgot to send us their new address. 🎣😂

Good Morning, from Linwood Beach Marina!!!!!! Gonna be hot so getting after them Walter’s early!

For anyone who thinks charter boat captains have everything under control at all times, allow me to provide a public service announcement:
We do dumb stuff too.
Last night's evening charter was going great. Fish were cooperating, clients were happy, and six rods were running perfectly off each side of the boat. The kind of trip that makes you think, "Wow, this is almost too easy."
Which should have been my first warning.
Somewhere during the troll, the remote for my trolling motor managed to have the Anchor button pressed.
Now, those of you familiar with trolling motors already know where this story is headed.
For those who don't, imagine you're cruising along nicely at 2 mph when your trolling motor suddenly decides, "You know what? This exact spot seems great. Let's stay here forever."
The trolling motor instantly tried to lock onto a waypoint while the kicker motor continued doing its job and pushing forward.
The result?
Physics took over.
The boat performed a maneuver best described as a drunken figure skater having a medical emergency.
One second we were trolling. The next second we were doing a complete spin in the middle of the lake.
Twelve rods immediately decided they no longer respected personal space.
Lines crossed.
Boards crossed.
Rods crossed.
At least three fish from neighboring counties were probably tied into the mess.
Lines wrapped around the boat, around each other, around things I didn't even know lines could wrap around. Somewhere in the chaos I think one rod was trying to lasso me.
By the time the boat stopped impersonating a carnival ride, we had a floating ball of monofilament that would have impressed professional macramé artists.
Forty minutes later we finally had things sorted out. Several lines were sacrificed to the fishing gods, everyone's blood pressure returned to normal, and we somehow finished the trip.
So now it's Sunday.
Instead of relaxing, I'm recalibrating rods, re-rigging tackle, pulling wads of recovered line off the boat, and digging enough braided line out of my props to knit a winter sweater.
Moral of the story: Even charter captains occasionally turn a perfectly good fishing trip into a live demonstration of what not to do.
At least the clients got a bonus show.
"Captain, what are we doing?"
"Teaching a master class on line management, apparently."

Rest in peace men!

Today’s fishing trip to the bay with my crew—Jake, Wesley, Nick, my son Nick, and yours truly—was one for the books 🎣
We set out at the crack of dawn chasing after some “Walters”… and let me tell you, those Walters must’ve heard we were coming and put up a fight 😆
The good news: we hauled in eight absolute studs 💪
The better news: they also proudly landed several 12-ounce “trophies”… which we’re currently accepting offers for if anyone’s looking to mount one 😂
Between the laughs, the stories, and the questionable fish sizes, it was an all-around great day with the boys. Not sure what we caught more of—fish or jokes—but either way, we’re counting it as a win.
Already looking forward to the next trip… and maybe slightly bigger “Walters” 😎
Hat tip to the captains for helping me determine where to head that gave us opportunity for the 8 we harvested!

RJ and I got our Dry dock and Wet dock inspections completed over the last few days through the DNR FACTs system! Once again we have passed and vessel is in tip top shape all our documents are in order for our customers safety and reliability!

**Secure Your Spot for the 2026 Walleye Season with RJ’s Compass Guide Service!** 🎣

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**RJ’s COMPASS GUIDE SERVICE**
We are now taking reservations 2026 spring/summer walleye season. Book now with a 50% down payment to secure your adventure!

Our excursions are fully customizable to meet your needs. Here are our typical rates and times:

**Saginaw Bay Walleye Excursions:**
- **Morning Excursions:** 6am - 12pm or species limit - **$550/group up to 4 people**
- **Evening Excursions:** 4pm - 9pm or species limit - **$500/group up to 4 people**

**Reel Big Fish - Season-long Contest:**
Kick off the 2026 open water season with our “All Season Biggest Walleye Contest”! The angler who catches the biggest walleye from our vessel between May 1st and November 30th will win a 50% off guide service in 2026 (Determined by overall length) current leader is 26”

**Capt. Len’s Luck Lures:**
Kids 14 and under can become the honorary 1st mate! Help the Captain select a lure, and if it catches a fish, you'll earn a random draw from the Gift Card bag.

**Safety First:**
RJ’s Compass Guide Service reserves the right to postpone or reschedule any excursion if weather conditions are unfavorable. Your safety is our top priority.

A huge shout-out to everyone who fished with us in the spring/summer of 2025 We are truly blessed to have such amazing support!

“For a reel good time,” give us a call for some bay therapy

Capt. Len Harrington
989-280-0719.

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Looking forward to seeing you on the water! 🌊🐟