Casting for Giants off Stannard Rock: An 11‑Hour Passage to the Big Reef

AU TRAIN FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Casting for Giants off Stannard Rock: An 11‑Hour Passage to the Big Reef

An 11-hour deep-water fishing charter from Au Train to Stannard Rock: a full-day outing for anglers targeting 20–30 lb fish among the lighthouse-studded reef.

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Casting for Giants off Stannard Rock: An 11‑Hour Passage to the Big Reef.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Au Train
Operator
Kimar's Charters
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Au Train, head offshore for a full day on the Big Reef—an 11‑hour charter that combines long transit with concentrated deep‑water fishing around the historic Stannard Rock lighthouse. Anglers spend the day casting and jigging over a natural hatchery where large fish congregate, framed by the isolated 1883 light tower.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Stannard Rock and the Big Reef

The outing centers on a remote reef crowned by the 1883 Stannard Rock lighthouse; the reef sits 49 miles from the dock in Shelter Bay and is surrounded by deep water that acts as a natural fish hatchery.

THE FISHERY

Casting and Jigging for Big Fish

Anglers fish primarily by casting and jigging for large specimens—fish in the 20–30 lb range are the target—making this a true deep‑water sportfishing day.

THE DURATION

A Full‑Day Commitment

Because transit to the reef takes more than two hours each way, the trip is structured as an 11‑hour outing with very early departure times to maximize fishing time at the reef.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Expect a long, purposeful day: an early departure, an extended run across open water, and concentrated fishing at the Big Reef beneath the solitary lighthouse. The rhythm is transit, fish, repeat—casting and jigging for sizable fish across deep water before the return passage to shore.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should think twice.

1
Serious anglersIdeal: anglers seeking deep‑water action and the chance at 20–30 lb fish will find this concentrated day on the Big Reef well matched to their goals.
2
PhotographersGood fit for photographers comfortable with an offshore run; the lighthouse and open‑water setting offer isolated, dramatic subjects.
3
Families with younger childrenNot ideal for young children: anyone 17 and over needs a Michigan fishing license, and the long day and offshore transit make this a better fit for older teens and adults.
4
First‑time anglersSuitable if you can handle a long day at sea; equipment is provided and you may bring your own rod, but licensing and the offshore distance are considerations.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Trip Duration

The charter runs 11 hours total.

What to Bring

Bring a valid fishing license (see DNR e‑license), warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, soft‑soled shoes, food and drinks, and a cooler plus ziplock bags for fillets. You may bring your own rod; all fishing equipment is also provided.

Licensing & Regulations

Anyone 17 and over must carry a Michigan fishing license; purchase options include seasonal or 1‑day licenses via the DNR e‑license page.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The charter is 11 hours long.

How far offshore is Stannard Rock?

Stannard Rock sits on a reef 49 miles out from the dock in Shelter Bay.

What species/size of fish can I expect?

At the Big Reef anglers fish for large specimens; fish can be as much as 20–30 lbs.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes—anyone 17 and over needs a Michigan fishing license; you can buy a seasonal or 1‑day license via the DNR e‑license page.

Is equipment provided?

All fishing equipment is provided, though you are welcome to bring your own rod.

When do you depart?

Because transit to the reef takes more than two hours, departures are very early to allow for maximum fishing time at the reef.