Captain Don Miller, licensed charter captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marine

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Charter Captain Don Miller, of Miller's Motor City Muskies, has been featured on numerous outdoor television and radio shows, and has high marks from the outdoor writers from around the country who have visited the lake and personally enjoyed his expertise on his charter. His career on Lake St. Clair spans over 30 years, during which time he has successfully boated over 10,000 muskies. Enthusiastic anglers from 33 different states across the nation, and from 14 different countries globally, have come to Lake St. Clair to fish with Captain Miller to catch their trophy muskie and join the Motor City Muskies family. He has also given seminars and written many articles about his experiences, published in such magazines as Musky Hunter, and Fur, Fins, and Feathers. Click here for his bio.

Member of Pro Staff at Drifter Tackle

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World-class Woodcarver

Don's life-sized, decorative carved wooden ducks are designed to be trophies for any mantel or desk. Each duck is hand-carved from basswood, tupelo, or sugar pine wood, with detailed feathering and realistic painting. Don attempts to capture not only the actual colors and poses of each waterfowl species, but also the personalities and expressions that make you think they are alive. No two are alike. His honors include Best of Show in the Professional Division, 47 blue ribbons, 38 red, and 8 third place, as well as several People's Choice awards. Samples of his work, commission pricing, and the numerous ribbons and awards his carvings have won, may be found at http://www.3dwoodcrafting.com.

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The Muskie Hunter

Welcome aboard the "Muskie Hunter," a comfortable and spotlessly clean Baha 299 Sportfisherman. This beautiful boat features a walk-down cabin with full facilities and plenty of room on deck for when things get a little crazy on our muskie fishing charters. The Muskie Hunter is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and topnotch gear. Everything necessary for fishing is provided, and it is all first class--from the vast lure selection, right down to the custom rods specifically designed for the various trolling presentations.

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Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair is undoubtedly the world's most productive muskie fishery. The naturally reproducing Great Lakes strain of muskie grow fast, big, and MEAN. The Michigan DNR and Ontario MNR are managing Lake St. Clair as a Trophy Fishery with a minimum size limit of 44 inches. Catch and Release is widely practiced and the catch rate and size is getting more spectacular each year.

Multiple fish days happen frequently, and many muskies over thirty pounds are caught every year. Book your muskie fishing charters with Captain Don, and see why muskie charters with him on Lake St. Clair are so popular.

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Catch and Release

Don is an avid proponent of Catch-and-Release for all muskies. This practice has helped Lake St. Clair gain recognition as the premier muskie fishery in North America. All muskies boated on Miller's Motor City Muskies charters, regardless of size, are Catch-and-Release.

Captain Miller's Articles and Press Releases

 

Written About Captain Miller

"St. Clair Muskies," by Robert Gwizdz., Great Lakes Angler Magazine, August/September, 2018.

"A Michigan Treasure: The Fish of a Thousand Casts," by Michigan Wildlife Council, Detroit News, July 18, 2017.

"A Bright Future for Michigan Muskies" by Bob Gwizdz, Michigan Out of Doors, July 13, 2017.

"Pike and Muskies--Tackle for Toothies: Leader Lore" by Matt Straw, In-Fisherman, July 18, 2016.

"A Muskie Charter--What a Father's Day Gift!" by Roger Beukema, Woods-N-Water News, September 1, 2014.

"Big Water Muskies: Finding Giant 'Skies in Inland Seas" (Part 1) by Matt Straw, Musky Hunter Magazine, June 30, 2011.

"Big Water Muskies: Finding Giant 'Skies in Inland Seas" (Part 2) by Matt Straw, Musky Hunter Magazine, August 30, 2011.

"Fishing in Michigan" by Tom Huggler, X-ology Magazine, June 1, 2010.

"Advertisement," Woods-N-Water News, August 4, 2009.

"Lake St. Clair Instilled a Sense of Awe: Muskie Experts Discuss the Incredible Lake St. Clair" by Robert Dock Stupp, August 1, 2009.

"Saline's Muskie Ace to Talk at Novi Show" The Ann Arbor News, January 8, 2009.

"Musky Fishing the Incredible Lake St. Clair" by Robert Dock Stupp, ESOX Angler Magazine, June 1, 2007.

"Lake St. Clair--An Overlooked Muskie Haven" by Mike Norris, May 1, 2006.

"Area Fisherman Featured at Show," The Saline Reporter, January 12, 2006.

"Michigan Muskies" by Dan Donarski, Cabela's Outfitter Journal, June 10, 2005.

"Top Picks for Muskie" by Spence Petros, Fishing Facts, June 30, 2004.

"Motown Muskies" by Spence Petros, North American Fisherman, May 30, 2004.

"Fishing Destiny--the 50 Best Places in North America to Catch the Fish of Your Dreams" by Scott Bestul et al, May 1, 2004.

"Muskies and Captain Don Miller" by George Richey, Woods-N-Water News, September 1, 2003.

"Bigger and Better: Muskie Have Been Getting Plenty Husky" by Eric Sharp, The Detroit Free Press, July 17, 2003.

"Michigan's Best Bets for Muskies" by Mike Gnatkowski, Michigan Sportsman Magazine, July 1, 2003.

"No Trophies but Plenty of Action on Lake St. Clair" by Doug Goodman, Rockford Register Star, July 7, 2002.

"Strategies for Big Muskies and Northerns" by Randy Arndt, Michigan Outdoor News, May 3, 2002.

"Make Mine a Muskie" by Tom Huggler, Michigan Out-of-Doors, October 1, 2001.

“Mayflies Determine Early-season Muskie Patterns” by Mike Norris, Suburban Chicago News, June 29, 2001.

"The Guide to 'Great' Lakes Fishing" by Tom Huggler, Michigan Medicine, July 31, 2001.

"Great Lakes States Muskie Hotspots" by Matt Driftman, Michigan Sportsman, July 2, 2001.

"Man versus Muskie: One Trophy that Didn't Get Away" by Doug Goodman, Rockford Register Star, June 28, 2001.

"Letter to Tri-Esox" by Lee Bartolini, Chicago Muskie Show, January 22, 2001.

"St. Clair Summer Muskies" by Bill Parker, Southeast, August 2, 2000.

"Motor City Muskie Madness at Lake St. Clair" by Mike Norris, Aurora Beacon & Elgin Courier Newspapers, July 7, 2000.

"No Shortage of Muskies for a Reason" by Mike Zielinski, Heritage Sunday, August 15, 1999.

"Lake St. Clair--An Overlooked Muskie Haven" by Mike Norris, The Beacon News, July 30, 1999.

"More Memories of Mingling With Motor City Muskies" by Mike Norris, Outdoors, July 23, 1999.

"Toothsome" by Captain Chip Porter, Great Lakes Angler, June 1, 1999.

"Plethora of Winter Outdoor Shows to Choose From" by Mike Norris, Outdoors, January 15, 1999.

"The Monster Muskies of St. Clair" by Bill Parker, Michigan Hunting and Fishing Magazine, January 2, 1999.

"Muskie Madness--Trip to Lake St. Clair, MI Well Worth the Effort" by Steve Beiser and George Yovanovich, The Chronicle Telegram, July 11, 1998.

"The Growing Legend of Muskies and Captain Miller" by George Richey, Woods-N-Water News, July 8, 1998.

"Natural Finish Lures Appeal Most to Muskies" by Bob Gwizdz, July 1, 1998.

"Motor City Muskies" by Mike Gnatkowski, Woods-N-Water News, May 7, 1998.

"100 Great Lakes Hotspots--How to, When to, Where to--Lake St. Clair" by Tom Huggler, Fish Michigan, January 1, 1998.

"Hunting for Muskies on The Musky Hunter" by George Richey, Northwestern Michigan Outdoors, July 17, 1997.

"Lake St. Clair Muskie Worth the Hard Work" by Mike Zielinski, Michigan Fishing and Hunting News, June 19, 1997.

"Motor City Muskies: Catching the Muskie of a Lifetime" by Mike Gnatkowski, Meijer Lake and Trail Magazine, March 21, 1997.

"Top Ten Muskie Waters and Their Guides" by Spence Petros, In-Fisherman Magazine, January 7, 1997.

"Michigan's Best Fall Fishing" by Mike Gnatkowski, Michigan Sportsman Magazine, September 10, 1996.

"Fast Trolling for Big Muskie" by George Richey, Michigan Hunting and Fisihing Magazine, August 31, 1996.

"Lake St. Clair's Hot Muskie Action" by Mike Zielinski, Michigan Hunting and Fisihing Magazine, August 9, 1996.

"Patterns for St. Clair Muskies" by Tom Irwin, Woods-N-Water News, July 9, 1996.

"Michigan's Best Summer Fishing Getaways" by Mike Gnatkowski, Michigan Sportsman Magazine, June 9, 1996.

"Power Trolling" by Mike Norris and Jim Saric, Musky Hunter Magazine, May 10, 1996.

"Michigan's Big-Water Walleyes" by Tom Irwin, Woods-N-Water News, April 11, 1996.

"Michigan's Best Bets for Fishing" by Mike Gnatkowski, Michigan Sportsman Magazine, February 2, 1996.

"Motor City Maulers" by Mike Zielinski, Musky Hunter Magazine, September 10, 1995.

"Lake St. Clair: The Place to Be for Muskies" by Eric Sharp, Detroit Free Press, August 20, 1995.

"Southeast Michigan" by Mike Zielinski, Michigan Hunting and Fishing, August 10, 1995.

"Don Miller--Lake St. Clair's Monster Musky Hunter" by Mike Zielinski, Downriver Walleye Federation Eye Catcher, August 3, 1995.

"Allen Park Team Lands a Huge Fish" by Mike Zielinski, Heritage Sunday News Herald, July 30, 1995.

"Fast Trolling for Big Muskie" by George Richey, Woods-N-Water News, June 10, 1995.

"Big Muskie Want Fast-moving Lures" by George Richey, Midwest Outdoors, June 1, 1995.

"Fishing Adventures--Mo' Town Muskies" by Spence Petros, North American Fisherman Magazine, May 31, 1995.

"Let's Go Fishing" by Bob Gwizdz, Venture Outdoors, April 22, 1995.

"A Great Lake: Lake St. Clair Fishery Still in Top Health" by Eric Sharp, The Detroit Free Press, April 14, 1995.

"Exciting Muskie Fishing on Lake St. Clair" by George Richey, Midwest Outdoors, November 3, 1994.

"A New Love--Muskie Fever Bites Another Avid Outdoorsman" by Mike Zielinski, Heritage Sunday News Herald, October 16, 1994.

"Muskie Fishing is Big on Thrills and Catches" by George Richey, Woods-N-Water News, October 1, 1994.

"Mr. Muskie's Fishing Tips" by Chuck Lichon, Michigan Out-of-Doors, September 9, 1994.

"This Lake's a Grab Bag of Fish" by Eric Sharp, Detroit Free Press, August 26, 1994.

"Miller Carries on Tradition of Muskie Master" by Dan Watkin, Windsor Star, August 18, 1994.

"Patterns for Lake St. Clair Muskies" by Tom Irwin, Michigan Hunting and Fishing, August 11, 1994.

"Muscling In Muskies Makes for a Midsummer Day's Delight" by Bob Gwizdz, Ann Arbor News, July 30, 1994.

"Muskies Tricky But Plentiful" by Eric Sharp, Detroit Free Press, July 22, 1994.

"Top Picks for Muskies" by Spence Petros, Fishing Facts Magazine, June 29, 1994.

"LeBlanc Can't Resist the Lure of Muskies" by Eric Sharp, Detroit Free Press, September 12, 1993.

"Charter Captain From Saline Chases Muskies on Lake St. Clair" by Bob Gwizdz, Ann Arbor News, August 14, 1993.

"Lake St. Clair's Muskies" by Chuck Lichon, Michigan Sportsman Magazine, August 1, 1993.

 

Written by Captain Miller

"Lake St. Clair Muskie Fever: Muskies Count on Us" by Don Miller, Muskies Inc. Magazine, May 1, 2007.

"Three Keys to Targeting the Monsters of Fall" by Don Miller, Musky Hunter Magazine, October 30, 2005.

"St. Clair Sliders" by Don Miller, Musky Hunter Magazine, June 30, 2003.

"Principles of Trolling and Muskie Location" by Don Miller and Larry Jones, Musky Hunter Magazine, April 30, 2002.

"Put Her Back" by Don Miller, Greatest Musky Stories Ever Told, January 1, 2002.

"Open Water Trolling Tactics for Musky and Pike" by Don Miller, Trolling Top to Bottom, January 1, 1998.

"Muskie Legend, Homer LeBlanc" by Don Miller, Musky Hunter Magazine, January 1, 1997.

"Muskie Fever--Part One" by Don Miller, Sportsman's Corner Magazine, May 1, 1993.

"Muskie Fever--Part Two" by Don Miller, Sportsman's Corner Magazine, June 1, 1993.

 

"Muskie Fever--Part Three" by Don Miller, Sportsman's Corner Magazine, July 1, 1993.

"Muskie Fever--Part Four" by Don Miller, Sportsman's Corner Magazine, August 1, 1993.

interviews / media appearances / podcasts

Turn on your speakers to hear these interviews with Captain Don about Muskie fishing.

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Captain Don with the late Fishing Hall of Famer, Homer LeBlanc
 

Mike Avery's Outdoor Magazine Interview with Captain Don, 6/2022

Mike Avery's Outdoor Magazine Interview with Captain Don, 6/2020

Mike Avery's Outdoor Magazine Interview with Captain Don, 6/2015

Crash Mullins' TV Show, "Catch 'Ya in the Bluegrass," with Captain Don, 7/2013

Motor City Muskies, Part 1--Video

Motor City Muskies, Part 2--Video

Interview with Mike Avery, 6/2013

Mike Avery's "Outdoor Magazine" Interview with Captain Don, 5/2012

Part 1

Part 2

Jim Slinski's "Outdoor Talk Network" Interview with Captain Don, J6/2011

Mike Avery's Outdoor Magazine "Fishing 411" Interview with Captain Don, 5/2008

Part 1 

Part 2

Mike Avery's "Outdoor Magazine" Interview with Captain Don, 6/2007

Part 1 

Part 2

Mike Norris's Interview with Captain Don, 6/2006

"Outdoor America" Television Show, Cable Network (David Gruber, Television Host) 9/98

"Fur, Fins, Feathers" Radio Magazine--Talk Show Guest (Gary Gray, Radio Host) 8/97

"Fur, Fins, Feathers" Radio Magazine--Talk Show Guest (Gary Gray, Radio Host) 9/96

"Michigan Out of Doors" TV Show--Series Guest (Bob Garner, TV Host) 8/95

Video--biggest fish ever caught to date on show.

"Outdoor Magazine" Television Show (Mike Avery, Television Host) 7/95

"Outdoor Magazine" Television Show (Mike Avery, Television Host) 10/94

"Outdoor Magazine" Radio Show--Talk Show Guest (Mike Avery, Radio Host) 10/94

seminars conducted by Captain Don

Showspan, Inc.--Detroit, Pontiac, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Novi 1992-2017

Downriver Walleye Association--Trenton, MI

Huron Valley Steelheaders--Flatrock, MI

Metro Detroit Steelheaders--Detroit, MI

Chicago Muskie Show--Palatine, IL

Walleyes Unlimited, Bass Pro Shop--Chicago, IL

Pittsburg Muskie Show--Pittsburg, PA

Chicagoland Muskie Hunters--Chicago, IL

Saginaw Bay Walleye Club--Saginaw, MI

Cabelas--Dundee, MI

Gander Mountain--Sterling Heights, MI

Knutson's Sporting Goods--Brooklyn, MI

Hoosier Muskie Hunters--Indianapolis, IN

Dayton Muskie Maniacs--Dayton, OH

Niagara Muskie Association--Buffalo, NY

Michigan Muskie Alliance--Lansing, MI

Ford Fishing Club--Dearborn, MI

Monroe Fishing Show--Monroe, MI

Flint Fishing Expo--Flint, MI

Romeo Children's Library--Monroe, MI

Wurtsmith Air Force Base Fishing Show--Oscoda, MI

Michigan State University Fishing Club--Lansing, MI


Motor City Muskie Videos

A Really Big One

Never Too Young

Kids' Play

Girls Show Us How

Biggest Fish Ever Caught on...

Mike Avery

Triple Play

Double Trouble

Muskies

Girl's Day Out

Catch and Release

More Catch and Release