The Captain

Captain Troy Gilleylen retired in 2023, after 25 years of Law Enforcement service from the Battle Creek City Police as the Deputy Chief of Police and Bomb Squad Commander. In his retirement he continues to work in safety and security fields when he is not spending time with family, on the lake, or in the woods hunting.

Captain Troy Gilleylen is a certified USCG master captain. He has been fishing Michigan lakes since childhood. Growing up in Kalamazoo, MI, not far from Lake MI, provided him the opportunity to learn how to safely navigate and fish Lake Michigan over the last several years. Learning by fun fishing, tournament fishing, to first mating with various charter captains, and now venturing on his own to operate a charter business.

Captain Gilleylen is happy that you have shown interest in viewing his site and looks forward to having you as a guest on his boat. He strives to work hard, but most importantly, operates a safe fishing mission.

‘As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fisherman. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him.’ Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22

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Big Gills

"Big Gills" is one of the largest trolling vessels in South Haven. She is a 1996 Tiara 3300 Open; that is USCG documented, state inspected, insured and licensed. Big Gills is 34' long, and 12 1/2 foot wide for the comfort of guest and has all the necessary safety gear and equipment that is required by law.

Big Gills is outfitted with well-maintained twin Crusader 454 engines and a clean and roomy bathroom. The fishing electronics are updated periodically with Raymarine autopilot, Garmin radar/chart plotter, and Fish Hawk.

The fishing gear includes Okuma, Shimano, Talora, Tekota, and Cannon, which offers the latest and greatest available gear.