Terms & Conditions

1. Booking and Deposits

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a charter date with Next Bite Charter Fishing ("we," "us," or "the Charter").

The remaining balance is due on or before the scheduled trip date.

A 3% booking and processing fee may be applied at checkout.

A reservation is not confirmed until the required deposit has been successfully processed and a booking confirmation has been issued.

2. Cancellations and Rescheduling

Cancellations made at least seven (7) days before the scheduled charter may be rescheduled, subject to availability.

Deposits are non-refundable unless the Captain cancels the trip because of unsafe weather or lake conditions.

Cancellations made fewer than seven (7) days before departure may result in forfeiture of the deposit.

Guests who fail to appear for their scheduled charter or arrive too late for the trip to proceed may forfeit the full charter fee.

Rescheduled trips remain subject to availability and must be arranged directly with Next Bite Charter Fishing.

3. Weather Policy

The Captain has sole discretion to determine whether weather, lake, mechanical, or safety conditions are suitable for departure or continued operation.

The Captain's safety decision is final.

When the Captain cancels a trip before departure because of unsafe weather or lake conditions, the booking party may choose either:

• Rescheduling the charter based on availability
• A refund of the charter deposit

A trip that departs and is later shortened because of changing weather, lake conditions, guest illness, safety concerns, or other circumstances beyond the Charter's reasonable control may not qualify for a full or partial refund.

4. Guests and Age Requirements

Charters are limited to a maximum of four (4) guests unless otherwise approved in writing by the Captain.

The minimum guest age is 10 years old.

A parent or legal guardian must make the reservation and sign any required waiver for a minor guest.

All guests age 16 and older must possess a valid Michigan fishing license appropriate for the planned activity before departure.

Guests are responsible for obtaining and carrying any required license.

5. Guest Responsibilities

The person making the reservation is responsible for:

• Providing accurate booking and guest information
• Communicating these Terms and Conditions to all members of the party
• Ensuring guests arrive on time and prepared for the trip
• Monitoring the email address used during booking for confirmations, weather notices, and schedule changes
• Informing the Charter of relevant accessibility, medical, or safety concerns before departure

Guests should bring appropriate clothing, food, beverages, sun protection, and any personal medications they may require.

6. Conduct and Safety

Guests must follow all instructions provided by the Captain and crew.

The following may result in refusal of service or immediate termination of the charter without a refund:

• Illegal substances
• Excessive intoxication
• Threatening, abusive, or disorderly behavior
• Deliberate damage to the vessel or equipment
• Unsafe conduct
• Refusal to wear required safety equipment
• Refusal to follow the Captain's instructions

The Captain may return to shore at any time when necessary to protect guests, crew, equipment, or the vessel.

7. Assumption of Risk and Waiver

Fishing charters involve inherent risks associated with boating, docks, fishing equipment, hooks, changing weather, waves, slippery surfaces, wildlife, and open water.

All guests must complete any required liability waiver before participating.

By booking a charter, the booking party acknowledges the inherent risks of the activity on behalf of themselves and agrees to ensure all participating guests review and sign the required waiver.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such a limitation is prohibited by law.

8. Fishing Regulations, Catch, and Equipment

All fishing activity is subject to applicable federal, state, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.

The Captain has final authority regarding lawful catch limits, fish handling, and whether fish may be retained.

Next Bite Charter Fishing provides standard rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fish-cleaning services unless otherwise stated in the booking description.

Guests may be responsible for damage to or loss of equipment caused by intentional misconduct, reckless behavior, or failure to follow instructions.

Fishing success depends on weather, water temperature, seasonal movement, fish activity, and other conditions beyond our control. We do not guarantee a specific number, size, or species of fish.

9. Payments, Fees, and Refunds

Payments are processed through third-party booking and payment providers.

Any approved refund will be returned through the original payment method when possible.

Processing and booking fees may be non-refundable unless required by law or otherwise stated during checkout.

Refund processing times depend on the payment provider and the guest's financial institution.

10. Communications

By booking a charter or submitting an inquiry, you agree to receive communications necessary to manage your reservation.

These communications may include:

• Booking confirmations
• Deposit and balance reminders
• Waiver reminders
• Weather and safety updates
• Departure instructions
• Schedule changes
• Cancellation or rescheduling notices
• Customer-support responses
• Post-trip follow-up

Communications may be sent by email or through the booking platform.

Guests are responsible for checking the email address provided during booking for important updates.

11. Photography and Media

The Charter may take photographs or videos during a trip for operational, promotional, or social-media purposes.

Guests who do not wish to appear in photographs or videos should notify the Captain before departure.

We will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests.

12. Personal Property

Guests are responsible for their personal belongings.

Next Bite Charter Fishing is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or water-exposed personal property except where required by applicable law.

13. Service Interruptions

We are not responsible for delays, cancellations, or service interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Severe weather
• Unsafe lake conditions
• Mechanical issues
• Government restrictions
• Emergency conditions
• Harbor closures
• Illness or injury
• Other events that make operation unsafe or impractical

When possible, we will offer rescheduling or another reasonable solution.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically.

The version in effect at the time of booking generally applies to that reservation unless a change is required by law or accepted by the booking party.

The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

15. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Any dispute arising from a charter reservation or these Terms will be handled in an appropriate court located in Michigan, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

16. Contact Information

Questions about these Terms and Conditions may be directed to:

Next Bite Charter Fishing
Email: admin@nextbitecharter.com

Mailing Address:
PM Lake Lodge: Slip 3
104 Water Street
Ludington, MI 49431