Michigan Fish All Species License for Fishing Buddies

What This License Covers

Daniel Nealy holds a Fish All Species License issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The license was issued on March 1, 2022, and is registered under license number 1391R00 RES. This permit allows fishing for all species throughout Michigan waters, which is essential for the variety of trips Fishing Buddies offers on the Muskegon River.

The document itself is a key credential for a fishing guide operating in Michigan. When you step aboard the Hyde Drifter for a half-day or full-day trip, you're working with someone who holds the proper fishing license from the state.

Fishing on the Muskegon River With Dan

Captain Dan uses this license to guide fishing trips targeting Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, Bass, and Pike. The Muskegon River is home to all these species, and depending on the season and what you're after, your trip will focus on one or more of them. Dan's half-day trips run five hours and include snacks and water. Full-day trips go longer and include a grilled lunch (weather permitting), plus snacks and water.

You can fish from the boat using the leg locks while Dan navigates the drift, or you can wade if you prefer to explore on foot. Walk and wade trips let you cover fisherman trails in pursuit of the bigger fish hiding in the river. Dan ties his own flies and brings fly fishing gear as his preferred technique, though he works with spin or fly rods depending on what works best for your target species.

Trip Options and How to Book

Fishing Buddies offers several trip types throughout the year. The Half Day Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout trips run as five-hour float trips, giving you a solid window on the water without committing a full day. The Full Day trip targeting Smallmouth, Pike, Largemouth Bass, Trout, and other species is a favorite for anglers who want the best value and time to dial in your technique.

Shorter trips are also available. The 4 Hour Pike Trip zeros in on Michigan's trophy pike, with most fish ranging from 28 to 35 inches and occasionally bigger ones showing up. In August, Dan runs a Summer Special on 5-hour trips with $25 off per angler, making it $250 for one angler and $275 for two. These trips work for Smallmouth, Trout, or Pike depending on what you want to chase.

What You Need to Bring

Before you head out on the Muskegon River with Fishing Buddies, bring your own Michigan fishing license. You'll need to show it to Dan or a conservation officer upon request. The Hyde Drifter is set up for two fishermen, so trips are intimate and focused. Dan provides the rods, flies, and tackle expertise; you provide the license and the willingness to learn. Weather permitting, come ready for a grilled lunch on full-day trips, and always bring weather-appropriate clothing for being on the water.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Dan's positive energy and patient teaching style make the day smooth and fun. He knows the Muskegon River inside and out, and he's invested in making sure you leave with either fish or solid memories—ideally both.