Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at 31st Street Harbor on J Dock; check your booking confirmation for exact boarding instructions and any gate details.

How long is the trip?

Charters run approximately three to four hours, which provides time for sightseeing and fishing instruction.

Do I need a fishing license?

Confirm with the operator before booking; some private charters include gear and licensing details while guests may be responsible for local license requirements.

Is this trip family friendly?

Yes. Onboard instruction and a stable pace make it suitable for families, though children should be supervised and wear life jackets as directed.

What if I get seasick?

Bring motion sickness remedies and sit midboat where motion is minimized; captain can advise on best seating for comfort.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Many charters allow snacks and nonalcoholic drinks; check the booking terms and any restrictions in advance.

Captain John Dorman: Chicago Skyline Cruises & Urban Fishing from 31st Street Harbor

Captain John Dorman operates 3 to 4 hour boat charters from 31st Street Harbor on J Dock in Chicago, Illinois, United States. He brings a lifetime of local knowledge, diesel mechanic skills, and a taste for fishing and motorcycles to every trip. Pick him as your captain and expect friendly stories, practical instruction, and an uncomplicated day on Lake Michigan. Trips meet at 31st Street Harbor on J Dock where the harbor slips open onto the broad, glacially formed basin of Lake Michigan. Key features of the outing include close skyline views, sheltered marina docks, working piers, and open water stretches that reveal the scale of the lake. The vantage from water level offers uncommon angles on Chicago architecture, bridges, and shoreline parks that read differently than from land. Fishing-focused charters are practical and approachable; Captain John demonstrates baiting, casting, and basic fish handling so beginners can learn while experienced anglers still find action. Keep an eye out for ring billed gulls and diving waterbirds and for seasonal movements of larger waterfowl along the shoreline. Photographers will appreciate the winter clarity of light and the dramatic sunset silhouettes of the skyline in warmer months. Practical details matter: the outing runs approximately three to four hours, group size and pricing vary, and the meeting point is 31st Street Harbor on J Dock. Bring layered clothing, sun protection, motion sickness remedies if you need them, and a camera with fast shutter speeds for water shots. The boat time is long enough to feel like a true escape but short enough to fit into a day of museums, neighborhood meals, or an evening plan. Why book this trip in Chicago? It pairs city access with a marine perspective few visitors experience, and a local captain makes the details straightforward. If you want easy sightseeing, hands on fishing, or just a few hours of fresh wind and good conversation, Captain John Dorman provides a direct, unpretentious way to know the lake. Tours depart from a central urban harbor that is easy to reach from downtown and many South Side neighborhoods; public transit and rideshare options make the short transfer manageable. Onboard instruction balances safety with hands on learning, so families, first time anglers, and small groups of friends can all enjoy the outing without prior experience. Expect honest local storytelling about the city, straightforward navigation through harbor channels, and a captain who fixes problems with practical skills learned in a lifetime of engines and boats. This trip is particularly rewarding during shoulder seasons when light and fewer crowds combine to make the lake feel both expansive and immediate. Book with the meeting point noted above and come ready to learn, laugh, and fish today.