Carl Peets was a familiar name along the Pigeon River in Caseville during the postwar years, known for running daily fishing trips into Saginaw Bay. His charter service drew locals and tourists alike—until a deadly explosion aboard his boat, Panteramarina, changed everything in 1951. This is the story of a small-town fishing guide whose business, and life, took a dramatic turn.

A Popular Charter Launches in Postwar Caseville

In the years following World War II, Caseville, Michigan, became a popular destination for Great Lakes anglers. Among the local charter operators, Carl Peets carved out a name with his fishing party service, operating out of the Pigeon River wharf.

This transition highlights a shift in the regional fishing tourism industry in the mid-20th century. Both Caseville and Bay Port were known hubs for commercial and recreational fishing due to their access to Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.

The boats in the photo — like the Pantera Marina and Capt. Carl — along with signage advertising “Fishing Party Boat For Hire,” reflect the post-war popularity of recreational lake fishing. Peets’ decision to base operations out of Wild Fowl Bay indicates a strategic move to calmer, more sheltered waters ideal for guests.

Peets’ boats—such as the Capt. Carl and Panteramarina—were familiar sights, often hired by tourists looking for a full-day experience on Saginaw Bay. Business was strong through the late 1940s into the early ’50s, with Peets selling individual tickets to casual walk-up customers instead of organizing private charters. His small-scale but steady operation exemplified the kind of tourism fueling Thumb-area growth during the midcentury era.

A Routine Trip Turns Dangerous

Peets’ charter work came under public attention on August 17, 1951, when a flash explosion aboard the Panteramarina injured six people and disrupted what should have been a typical Friday morning outing.

According to reports from the Port Huron Times Herald, the boat’s engine had been running poorly during warm-up. A young man, one of the passengers claiming mechanical knowledge, went below deck to inspect it. Moments later, fumes ignited, triggering a blast in the bilge.

Peets was blown from the boat but returned quickly to fight the fire with an extinguisher, limiting the damage and preventing a full-scale disaster. The injured—mostly suffering second-degree burns—were rushed to Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon.

At first, it appeared the injuries were non-life-threatening. But within 48 hours, George Johensen, 29, of Farmington, succumbed to his injuries at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. He became the only fatality from the blast.

Despite the chaos, Peets’ fast action may have saved lives.

A Strategic Move to Bay Port

Following the incident, Carl Peets quietly shifted his base of operations. Within a year, he had moved his fishing party business to Bay Port, citing better natural protection in Wild Fowl Bay. A newspaper feature at the time highlighted his new affiliation with the Bay Port Fish Company and the Chamber of Commerce, which welcomed him as a valuable addition to the community.

The move marked a fresh start for Peets. He continued to run fishing excursions, this time launching two boats daily in summer, building on the reputation he established in Caseville.

A Legacy Tied to Thumb Tourism

Carl Peets’ name is etched into the history of recreational fishing in Michigan’s Thumb. The image of his boats docked on the calm banks of the Pigeon River is a snapshot of a time when local charters defined summer getaways in small harbor towns.

Though the 1951 explosion was a serious event, it also revealed the risks early fishing charter operators faced—and the quick decisions that made all the difference.

Carl Peets’ time in Caseville ended with tragedy, but his story didn’t stop there. He rebuilt his charter business in Bay Port, continuing to serve anglers along the shores of Wild Fowl Bay. Today, his legacy lives on in the memories of those early fishing trips—and in a quiet photo capturing the dock where it all began.