Adventure brief
Private Charter
Charter the 60-foot “Big Blue” on Mille Lacs for fishing, swimming, or a private celebration. Up to 30 guests, supplied tackle, and pre-launch rec room access make this an efficient and carefree lake day.
On Mille Lacs Lake near Garrison, Minnesota, a Private Charter aboard “Big Blue” turns a day on the water into a private celebration. The 60-foot boat hosts up to 30 guests and runs 4-, 6-, or 8-hour trips tailored for birthday parties, reunions, bachelor and bachelorette outings, or corporate team-building. Boarding begins at the resort’s rec room—yours up to two hours before departure—so friends and family can set up food and gear before the captain casts off.
Big Blue is laid out for easy socializing and flexible use. A broad main deck and sheltered cabin mean anglers and loungers share the same space: the operator supplies bait, poles, and tackle for groups that want to fish Mille Lacs’ famous walleye and smallmouth bass, while those who prefer a slow cruise can return to cocktails and conversation. Because the vessel is a private charter, you choose the pace—chart a quiet shoreline cruise, make a fishing run to productive structure, or anchor in a protected cove for swimming and picnicking.
The shoreline around Garrison alternates from granite outcrops and pine-studded beaches to shallow, weed-lined bays, giving photographers and anglers distinct options within minutes of each other. Wildlife is common: bald eagles perch on dead trees above the lake and loons call across open water. The lake’s mixed sand and rock bottom supports popular gamefish and reveals clear shallows at low wind.
Logistics are simple: bring a cooler with snacks and beverages, dress for changeable lake weather, and arrive during the rec room window (open 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays for resort turnover). The charter is family friendly—no minimum age listed—and the crew handles anchors, lines, and safety briefings so groups can relax. This Private Charter is special for its combination of scale and service: a 60-foot platform with room for large groups, fully provisioned fishing gear, and a private pre-launch space.
For visitors staying in Garrison or nearby towns, it’s an efficient way to access Mille Lacs’ best shoreline and structure without ferrying boats or circumnavigating public ramps. Whether you recruit an experienced angler or bring a mixed-ability group focused on food, views, or prizes, Big Blue delivers a tailored, easy-to-manage day on Minnesota’s big lake. Captains who know Mille Lacs read weather and water—learned techniques for finding weedlines, points, and submerged humps make productive days.
For anglers, remember Minnesota fishing license requirements and bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera for eagle and loon encounters. For event planners, rec room’s prep time cuts stress: bring decorations and a playlist, and the crew will handle lines and docking. Bookings go through the resort’s reservation system; plan early in summer weekends and holiday weeks when demand spikes.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Bring a cooleressential
Pack snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in a soft-sided cooler—the boat provides little storage and you’ll want easy access during the trip.
- 02Buy a fishing licenseessential
If you plan to fish, secure your Minnesota fishing license in advance; the charter supplies bait and tackle but not licenses.
- 03Dress for wind and suninfo
Layer a windproof top and hat; open water feels colder and sun exposure is higher than on shore.
- 04Arrive during rec room windowwarning
Use the two-hour pre-launch access to set up food and gear—rec room is open 8 a.m.–8 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays for turnover.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Soft-sided cooler
Keeps snacks and drinks accessible on deck without bulky storage needs.
summerEssentialLife jacket (if you have one)
Boat provides life jackets, but a personal fit improves comfort and safety.
EssentialPolarized sunglasses
Cuts glare for sight-fishing and protects eyes during long exposure to reflected light.
summerEssentialLayered, water-resistant jacket
Shields against wind and sudden showers on open water.
springLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Sheltered eastern bays for calm swimming and shallow fishing, Granite points just off Garrison where eagles often perch
Local fauna
Bald eagle, Common loon
Historic heritage
Mille Lacs Lake and surrounding shoreline have long been important to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe for fishing and cultural traditions.
Mindful exploration
Follow catch limits, pack out all trash, and avoid anchoring on submerged vegetation to protect fish habitat and clarity.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Bow of the boat looking toward shoreline, Anchored cove near a pine-studded beach, From the rec room before launch for staging shots
- Subjects
- Shoreline granite outcrops, Wildlife such as eagles and loons, Action shots of fishing and group celebrations
- Best times
- Golden hour, Morning, Overcast midday
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How many people can fit on the boat?
Big Blue accommodates up to 30 passengers for private charters.
Is fishing gear provided?
Yes—the charter supplies bait, poles, and tackle for anglers in your group.
Can we use the rec room before departure?
Private charters include up to two hours of Rec Room access before the start time; hours are 8 a.m.–8 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays for resort turnover.
Are drinks and food included?
No—guests should bring snacks and beverages in a cooler; the crew focuses on boat operations and safety.
Do we need a fishing license?
Yes—anglers must comply with Minnesota fishing license regulations; purchase licenses ahead of time.
How do I book?
Book through the resort’s reservation system using the provided referral link and plan ahead for summer weekends.