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If you’re looking for the Ultimate Lake Superior Fishing Adventure make Stannard Rock with Daybreak Charters your destination! Discovered in 1835 by Captain Charles Stannard, and once called “the greatest danger to navigation in Lake Superior”, Stannard Rock has become the Lake Trout capitol of the Great Lakes, and has produced Lake Trout in excess of 60lbs.! The current Michigan State Record Lake Trout was caught in the waters near Stannard Rock in 1997 and weighed in at a massive 61 lbs, 8 oz.

Stannard Rock Lighthouse stands 102’ above Lake Superior and sent its first warning beams of light to mariners on Independence Day, 1882. The light is located 44 miles due North of Marquette and 25 miles Southeast of Manitou Island off the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Once called “The loneliest light on the Great Lakes”, it was operated by a brave crew of hardy souls until 1961 when it became automated. Sitting over 30 miles from the nearest harbor, Stannard Rock remains a hallowed destination of anglers from all over the world who are drawn to its deep blue waters and storied mystique.

The reef itself is made up of a vast underwater mountain terrain with endless pinnacles, ridges, and steep drops which are home to the native Lake Superior Lake Trout. Five miles long by one mile wide, the reef provides the perfect environment to grow huge fish. With vibrant red fins, deep brown bodies and contrasting white spots, the native Lake Superior Lake Trout is truly a thing of beauty. Lake Trout in the 20+ pound range are not uncommon and will challenge even the most seasoned anglers skills, and many fish over the 30lb. mark are landed every year. 

Jigging or casting spoons on light spinning tackle is the primary method used to go after these fish.  Fishing the shallow pinnacles around the reef, Lake Trout can be seen swimming on the bottom in up to 40 feet of water and are targeted with casting spoons such as Moonshines, Cleos, and  KO Wobblers. To target the deeper fish around the reef, drifting and jigging 2-4oz. jig heads tipped with fresh cut-bait is the method of choice. Dropping your jig down into the depths as deep as 200 feet or more, you wait to feel the bite of a Lake Superior monster before setting the hook…. and the fight begins! High quality Shimano rods and spinning reels spooled with 20lb. braided line ensure a solid hook set and a great fight. Owner hooks and top quality terminal tackle ensure that your catch makes it into the boat.  There is not a charter boat on the lake that can match the top quality fishing equipment aboard the "RELENTLESS", and no Captain will try harder to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, trip of a lifetime.

This is truly a special place and a one-of-a-kind adventure that has to be experienced to be believed!  All of the stories you have heard about this place...they're true!  There is nothing like it anywhere else in the country. If you want to tangle with one of Lake Superiors true giants with a professional Captain that knows the "Rock" better than anyone around, Stannard Rock with Daybreak Charters is the adventure for you!

Stannard Rock is a very special place and to keep it that way I try to encourage my guests to consider the overall health of the fishery when deciding to keep larger fish. Each angler is legally allowed to keep one fish over 34 inches at Stannard Rock per day as part of their daily catch limit, but unless this fish is bound for a taxidermist I do not encourage keeping these fish.

Stannard Rock trips leave the dock between 4-6a.m.(depending on season), and usually return about 3-4p.m. All fishing tackle and bait is supplied for you, as well as bottled water, snacks, and Ice for your catch. Breakfast and lunch menus are also available upon request. Your catch will be cleaned and packaged for you upon return to the dock.