When you think about Lake Michigan charter captains who have shaped the Great Lakes fishing scene, Captain Mark Chmura of Pier Pressure Fishing in Manistee, Michigan, comes to mind.  With 35 years of experience, more than 50 tournament wins, and countless days spent guiding clients to trophy salmon and trout, Captain Chmura has built a reputation as both a fierce competitor and a generous mentor.

In a recent episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, Mark sat down with host Chris Larsen to share his story. From paying tribute to a late friend and fellow captain to reflecting on his cancer battle, Chmura’s perspective offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for anglers who love the Great Lakes.

Remembering a Great: Captain Willis Kerridge

The conversation began with a heartfelt tribute to Captain Willis Kerridge, a respected fisherman from Grand Haven who recently passed away. Kerridge was more than a competitor—he was a teacher and mentor to many on Lake Michigan.

“If you didn’t know Willis, you haven’t been fishing long,” Mark said. “He was captain above captains. He taught many people, and there are a lot of boats winning tournaments today with knowledge that came directly from him.”

Mark recalled facing Kerridge in tournaments where Kerridge would sometimes run only three rods against competitors running nine—and still walk away with the win. His quiet demeanor belied his skill, as he “did all his talking in the back of the boat.” For Chmura, Kerridge’s legacy lives on in the countless anglers he influenced.

Building a Life Around Fishing

For Captain Chmura, fishing is more than a career—it’s a way of life. He has been chartering out of Manistee for 35 years, guiding clients from all over the country to Lake Michigan salmon and trout. Along the way, he has built a tournament résumé that includes 56 tournament wins, competing in ports across the Great Lakes.

“Every morning I get up for a tournament, I still get nervous,” Mark admitted. “It feels like the first one. But you have to stay humble. When you’re on top, it feels good. When you’re on the bottom, it feels bad. But you congratulate the people who beat you. That’s how you build community.”

That sense of humility extends to his charter operation as well. For Chmura, the goal isn’t just putting fish in the box—it’s about creating memories. “A lot of people only have a few days off all year, and they spend them fishing with you. You want them to leave the boat smiling. That’s success.”

How Tournament Experience Translates to Charters

Mark’s years of competition have sharpened his skills, but he insists that the lessons flow both ways. Running successful charters has given him patience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the fishery—skills that serve him well when the pressure is on in tournaments.

“The tournaments are a bonus,” he said. “When you take families out year after year, you learn how to make the best of every situation. That carries over when you’re competing. The more time you spend on the water with different people and conditions, the better you get.”

Chmura recalled the summer of 2006, when he fished 17 tournaments in 17 weeks, traveling from Wisconsin to Michigan City. “The camaraderie, the food, the people—it was all part of the experience. That year will always stick with me.”

The Role of Fish Hawk Electronics

When asked about the tools that have helped him stay consistent over nearly four decades, Captain Chmura didn’t hesitate: Fish Hawk Electronics.

“I’ve been using Fish Hawk systems every day for 35 years,” he said. “Fish Hawk has never let me down.”

By delivering accurate water temperature and speed at depth, Fish Hawk Electronics has allowed captains like Chmura to make smarter decisions, especially when currents and water temps can vary drastically from one location to the next.

“In the old days, we had to figure it all out ourselves—currents, temps, everything,” Mark explained. “Now, with Fish Hawk, you’re making informed choices before you even set your spread. It’s a game-changer.”

For anglers who want to elevate their success on the Great Lakes, Chmura recommends making Fish Hawk Electronics part of their core setup.

Battling Cancer and Finding Strength

One of the most powerful moments in the podcast came when Mark spoke openly about his battle with stage four prostate cancer. Doctors gave him little hope, but he leaned on faith, family, and fishing to push through.

“I know there ain’t no fifth stage,” he said candidly. “But the Lord’s been with me. I don’t take medication, I’m gaining strength, and I’m still out here bringing in big fish.”

For Mark, the lessons learned from decades on the water—perseverance, adaptability, humility—translated directly to his cancer fight. “Every day on the lake teaches you something. When you think you know it all, you don’t know nothing. You just keep learning.”

Respecting the Resource

Chmura also expressed concern about the way the internet has changed the perception of Great Lakes salmon fishing. With social media filled with photos of big catches, he believes expectations can sometimes get out of balance.

“People see pictures of 20-fish days and think that’s the norm,” he explained. “When they come out and get 10 fish, they’re disappointed. We need to respect the fishery and be realistic. What we have here in Manistee, Ludington, and Frankfort is incredible, but it deserves our respect.”

Life, Legacy, and Faith

Today, in addition to running Pier Pressure Fishing Charters, he builds rod holders and anchor winches and guides on local rivers. His life remains centered around fishing—and faith.

“Seek the Lord and He’ll lead you,” Mark said in closing. “He saved me, He brought me through cancer, and He’s blessed me with another tournament win. You can work as hard as you want, but in the end, God’s the one who opens the door.”

For anglers who want to fish with Captain Mark Chmura, Pier Pressure Fishing in Manistee, Michigan, offers charter trips on one of Lake Michigan’s most productive salmon and trout fisheries. Whether you’re chasing kings in the summer or looking to learn from one of the Great Lakes’ most experienced captains, a day with Captain Chmura is a memory you won’t soon forget.

Final Thoughts

The Great Lakes have no shortage of talented captains and passionate anglers, but few embody the balance of competitiveness, humility, and faith quite like Captain Mark Chmura. His story is a reminder that fishing is about more than just catching—it’s about community, perseverance, and gratitude for the blessings we enjoy on the water.

To hear the full conversation, listen to the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, and visit FishHawkElectronics.com for more tips, stories, and the tools that help anglers succeed on the Great Lakes.