Thin Blue Line Fishing 23' Chicago
THIS IS A BRAND NEW BOAT OCT 2026
🚨FOR MY CUSTOMERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES🚨
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS NOT ALLOWING ANYONE 16 AND OVER TO BUY A ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSE WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING WORKED OUT.
MANIPULATOR II
2026 Crestliner Authority 2250 – Built to Conquer Lake Michigan
Introducing the MANIPULATOR, our 2026 Crestliner Authority 2250, the newest addition to the Thin Blue Line Fishing fleet. This boat is a serious Lake Michigan fishing machine at 23 feet, built for performance, comfort, and putting fish in the boat.
Powered by a 300 HP Mercury Pro XS and equipped with a 15 HP Mercury Pro Kicker, the MANIPULATOR has the power to run across Lake Michigan and the precision to troll for salmon, trout, and other Great Lakes gamefish.
When it comes to fishing technology, this boat is loaded. Featuring four Garmin displays (two 9-inch, one 10-inch, and one 12-inch), Garmin LiveScope LVS44 and LVS34 systems, a Garmin Kraken trolling motor, and two Cannon Optimum electric downriggers, the MANIPULATOR is equipped with some of the latest technology available for serious Great Lakes fishing.
The boat also features a full enclosure, providing additional protection from wind, rain, and the unpredictable conditions Lake Michigan can throw our way. Whether we're trolling offshore for King Salmon, targeting Lake Trout in deep water, or using LiveScope to locate fish, this boat is ready for the challenge.
The MANIPULATOR combines the versatility of a smaller fishing boat with the equipment and capabilities of a serious offshor
Welcome to Chicago, the land of multi-species fishing, where we target and fish a variety of lakes, such as Lake Michigan, Wolf Lake, and Chicago River.
You can bring kids on your trip, and you’re allowed to keep the fish you catch.
Captain Ernesto covers you for all the rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Before you come aboard, just make sure you have your fishing licenses as well as some food and drinks.
THIS IS A BRAND NEW BOAT OCT 2026
🚨FOR MY CUSTOMERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES🚨
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS NOT ALLOWING ANYONE 16 AND OVER TO BUY A ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSE WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING WORKED OUT.
MANIPULATOR II
2026 Crestliner Authority 2250 – Built to Conquer Lake Michigan
Introducing the MANIPULATOR, our 2026 Crestliner Authority 2250, the newest addition to the Thin Blue Line Fishing fleet. This boat is a serious Lake Michigan fishing machine at 23 feet, built for performance, comfort, and putting fish in the boat.
Powered by a 300 HP Mercury Pro XS and equipped with a 15 HP Mercury Pro Kicker, the MANIPULATOR has the power to run across Lake Michigan and the precision to troll for salmon, trout, and other Great Lakes gamefish.
When it comes to fishing technology, this boat is loaded. Featuring four Garmin displays (two 9-inch, one 10-inch, and one 12-inch), Garmin LiveScope LVS44 and LVS34 systems, a Garmin Kraken trolling motor, and two Cannon Optimum electric downriggers, the MANIPULATOR is equipped with some of the latest technology available for serious Great Lakes fishing.
The boat also features a full enclosure, providing additional protection from wind, rain, and the unpredictable conditions Lake Michigan can throw our way. Whether we're trolling offshore for King Salmon, targeting Lake Trout in deep water, or using LiveScope to locate fish, this boat is ready for the challenge.
The MANIPULATOR combines the versatility of a smaller fishing boat with the equipment and capabilities of a serious offshor
Welcome to Chicago, the land of multi-species fishing, where we target and fish a variety of lakes, such as Lake Michigan, Wolf Lake, and Chicago River.
You can bring kids on your trip, and you’re allowed to keep the fish you catch.
Captain Ernesto covers you for all the rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Before you come aboard, just make sure you have your fishing licenses as well as some food and drinks.
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (12)
Reviews (11)
Jack BrodeurRepeat angler5.0VerifiedFirst time salmon/steelhead experience and it was incredible!
5 Hour Trip – Chicago River- Bass on July 11, 2026 • 2 adultsWhat an amazing day with Captain Ernesto of Thin Blue Line Fishing! As pretty avid bass fishermen this was definitely outside our comfort zone. First time fishing for either species and being on Lake Michigan. From te moment we met the Captain at the boat launch until we stepped off that afternoon our safety and comfort were top priorities. The conditions wee less than favorable but we still caught 3 Kings and 4 steelhead, good enough to place 4th overall in the tournament. If Nick had shown up to fish and not Chris we could have definitely placed better but he let a few off unfortunately. 10 out of 10 trip, definitely recommend booking with Captain Ernesto!
Shiloh Lockhart5.0VerifiedFish galore!!!!
5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) on June 20, 2026 • 2 adultsThe captain was wonderful! Made the whole trip memorable! Found the fish and gave detailed instructions on how to reel them in. It was our first time fishing on a boat and will definitely do it again. He was super patient and very knowledgeable! We caught a King Salmon!! Loved every minute of this trip.
Kiecha JosephRepeat angler5.0VerifiedNewFish On!
4 Hr Salmon and Trout Downtown AM on October 25, 2026 • 2 adultsI purchased a trip for my Dad's birthday. He and my nephew had an amazing time and caught plenty of fish! Thanks Captain Ernesto!
Bennett Spencer5.0VerifiedFun day!
5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) on September 11, 2026 • 2 adultswe had a blast, catching 10 lakers and 1 coho. lots of fun, would recommend to anyone looking for a successful trip
Brett Smith5.0Verifiedprofessional guide
5 Hr SALMON AND TROUT Downtown Mid on August 29, 2026 • 4 adultsfound the fish well equipped boat
Lauro Simoes Campolina5.0VerifiedFishing with Ernesto
5 Hr SALMON AND TROUT Downtown Mid on October 3, 2026 • 3 adults
Penny Loftus5.0VerifiedWonderful guide! Had a great experience.
5 Hr Salmon and Trout DOWNTOWN (AM) on August 7, 2026 • 2 adults
Jon Massey5.0VerifiedJuly fishing trip
4 Hr Salmon and Trout Downtown AM on July 14, 2026 • 2 adults
Eric BennettRepeat angler4.7VerifiedTough Conditions
4 Hr Jig/Cast Salmon &Trout Chicago - 3:00 PM on March 29, 2026 • 2 adultsLake was murky and temps were cold. Setup and caught Lake Trout on first cast. Rest of the trip was slow, tried jigging, casting and trolling and could not connect. Capt Ernesto was great and would book again under better water conditions.
Mike NewlunRepeat angler4.7VerifiedFishing with Ernesto
5 Hr SALMON AND TROUT Downtown Mid on August 24, 2026 • 3 adults
