Your Captain
Jack Kowalski
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Are you ready to experience an unforgettable fishing adventure in the beautiful Traverse City? Look no further than All Jack'd Up Charters, where Captain Jack Kowalski will take you on an exhilarating journey into the world of smallmouth bass fishing.
Traverse City, known for its pristine waters and abundant fish populations, is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. All Jack'd Up Charters specializes in providing top-notch fishing charters tailored specifically for those seeking the thrill of smallmouth bass fishing in Michigan. Captain Jack Kowalski, a seasoned angler with years of experience, is your expert guide on this exciting expedition. With his wealth of knowledge and passion for fishing, Captain Jack will ensure that you have the best possible experience on the water. Your adventure begins on Lake Michigan's Traverse Bay, Crystal Lake, or Portage Lake, where the smallmouth bass population thrives. These picturesque locations offer excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing, both nearshore and in deeper waters.
At All Jack'd Up Charters, you'll have access to state-of-the-art fishing equipment. The fishing techniques employed include light tackle and spinning, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the thrill of the chase. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Captain Jack will provide expert guidance to enhance your fishing skills and increase your chances of landing that trophy smallmouth bass.
The boat of choice for your adventure is a 20' Champion (Bay roar), powered by a mighty 150HP Suzuki engine. With a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots, you'll swiftly navigate the waters, ensuring that you make the most of your time on the water and cover a significant area to maximize your chances of success. To keep you energized throughout the trip, Captain Jack provides bottled water and snacks. However, you are welcome to bring your own preferred provisions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Before embarking on your fishing adventure, please note that a fishing license is required, and it is the responsibility of each guest to obtain one. Captain Jack and his crew will gladly assist you in understanding the licensing requirements and help you secure the necessary documentation. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey with All Jack'd Up Charters. Grab your fishing gear, pack your excitement, and get ready to reel in some trophy smallmouth bass in the heart of Michigan!
What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
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When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Show More
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Spend a full 8 hours fishing the scenic waters of Traverse City with smallmouth bass as your main catch. Known for their strength and agility, these fish put up an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Set against the beautiful backdrop of northern Michigan, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a day on the water while targeting one of the area’s most sought-after species. Whether you're casting along the shoreline or working deeper structure, the action and setting combine for a memorable fishing experience. Don’t miss your chance to book this full-day charter in Traverse City.
Pick Your Date
This 5-hour private fishing trip in Traverse City is built for up to 4 guests who want to sharpen their techniques and target aggressive smallmouth bass. These fish are prized for their strength and consistent resistance, making them a favorite among experienced anglers. The trip offers a focused, hands-on approach—whether you're casting along rocky shorelines or working deep structures with precision. With premium gear, expert instruction, and access to some of the bay’s most productive waters, it’s a great opportunity to refine your approach while taking in the calm, scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)
Pick Your Date
This private 5-hour fishing trip in Traverse City is perfect for beginners looking to gain confidence on the water. Designed for up to 4 guests, the trip targets smallmouth bass—one of the most popular and hard-fighting game fish in northern Michigan. With calm waters and guidance from a seasoned local captain, you’ll learn fishing techniques like light tackle casting and jigging while enjoying the quiet beauty of Grand Traverse Bay. All gear is provided, so you can focus on improving your skills and making steady catches throughout the day. A great option for families, couples, or first-timers eager to try something new in a relaxing outdoor setting. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)
Pick Your Date
This private 5-hour trip in Traverse City is perfect for families looking to enjoy time on the water together. Designed for up to 4 guests, the trip targets smallmouth bass—an ideal catch for all ages thanks to their steady pull and lively fight. With calm lake conditions, reliable gear, and a patient local guide, it’s a relaxed and fun way to introduce kids or first-timers to fishing. Take in the natural beauty of Grand Traverse Bay while making shared memories with the people who matter most. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)
Pick Your Date
Join a 5-hour fishing trip in Traverse City and target one of the area’s most popular game fish—smallmouth bass. Known for their strength and steady resistance, these bass offer a fun and rewarding challenge for anglers of all experience levels. With expert guidance, quality gear, and the peaceful surroundings of northern Michigan, you’ll enjoy a day of skill-building and steady action. Whether you’re new to fishing or bringing years of experience, this trip is a great way to connect with the water and take in the beauty of Grand Traverse Bay. Reserve your Traverse City charter today and get ready to reel in something special.
Pick Your Date
Champion 20 C Champ 2023
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
20 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Champion
Model Year:
2005
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Suzuki
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
150
Maximum Cruising Speed:
48
Features: Bait Tank Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS
The 20' Champion (Bay boat) is an ideal vessel for your fishing expedition, powered by a robust 150HP Suzuki engine. With its maximum cruising speed of 48 knots, this boat promises a thrilling and efficient ride on the water. Accommodating up to 3 guests, it offers ample space and comfort for you.
Champion 20 C Champ 2023
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
4
Boat Length:
20 ft
Vehicle Details
Fishing on Lake Michigan out of Traverse City is picking up as spring water temps rise and fish activity increases. Smallmouth bass are moving into shallower waters near rocky shorelines and drop-offs. Anglers are finding success using soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait presentations. Early mornings and late afternoons are producing the best bites. Lake trout are active in deeper water, especially off the points and reefs of Grand Traverse Bay. Trolling with spoons and flashers is yielding steady catches, with most fish holding between 60 and 100 feet. Cisco are also starting to show up in stronger numbers and can be caught jigging in open water. As the season progresses, expect action to improve even more. Water clarity is good, and calmer conditions have made for productive days on the water. Whether you're fishing from a boat or the shoreline, now is a great time to explore Lake Michigan's rich fishery around Traverse City.
We had a great time with Traverse City Fishing Charters! We caught smallmouth bass, and everyone was delighted with the trip.
Back on the water after a short break and the water is cooling down and the big fish are on the move. Water temps have dropped 8 degrees in the last week and we went looking for big fish. We fished wacky worms slow in 15' to 20' and the first four fish were all over 4# (5.86, 4.9, 5.5 and 4.29) not a bad first hour. As the sun came out and the water calmed down the big fish stopped biting biting but we continued to catch fish in the mid 3# range. Fishing is only going to gwt better the next few weeks with fall coming in.
Only fished three days last week. Monday was a short trip and only fished a couple spots. Locations that were good the week before had no fish and spot that didn't had fish. Wedneday was a good day, we started slow and bounced around with only 7 fish before noon then everything changed with approaching storms, our last stop produced 15 fish with several over 3.5#. Friday was a day for me to fish and look for some new spots for fishing later this week. Clients want big fish this week so we are going to fish deep rocks!
Fished Friday, Saturday and Sunday and everyday fished different. We started Friday with light winds and sun, fish we're cruising the 10' to 15' rock lines. Saturday was windy and rough and fish were tough to find. we did manage to find a few nice ones on the drop offs abd rock lines. Sunday was lighter winds but still rough, we fished a lot of spots and found fish everywhere from 5' to 20'. we were able to score a 5.42# and 6.32# at the end of the day. fishing should become more perdictable in August.
Fished Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, every day was a different. Saturday was a good day with fish active on the rocks between 5' and 12', we caught fish into the mid 4# range. We found a couple still on their beds. Sunday was a struggle with wind and big waves. We manage to get a few but the bigger fish would not bite. Tuesday we fished spots I hadn't fished yet this year. the bit was good and we managed a couple over the 4# mark and one tank at 5.5#. fishing should continue to inprove with fish finally into there sunmer patterns.
it was a grind today, we fished from 4' to 20' and couldn't find a consistant bite. Jeff, Pete and Zeke fished hard and found some, but this was the toughest day so far this year.
Big south wind on Monday blew the warm water out. Water temp dropped 12 degrees from Sunday and big waves from the north made the fishing tough. Fish were on transition bottoms and the bite was tough to feel with the wind.
Fish are done spawning, YAY! Bass are moving to their summer haunts and are aggressive. Fishing was good on transition lines and dropoffs.
Got out Monday and Wednesday this week. Monday was great with many fish over 4#, Wednesday was a little slower with the mayfly hatch this week, but we did get a nice steelhead as a bonus. spawn is winding down and fish will be putting in the feed bag.
Cold, breezy and a little drizzly perfectJune day in upper michigan! Luckily the fish didn't care. Great crew today heres their review.Jack was the perfect charter for us! We took our 15 year Autistic son for his first charter trip and no words can describe how awesome he was with him (and us). He took the time to show us the ropes and get us on some nice small mouth bass. If you’re looking for a great guide, great fishing (even in the cold) you can’t go wrong with Jack! Highly recommend and we will be booking again!
After 3 days of rain and wind I was able to get out today. I checked out some new areas looking for fish that havent been pressured too hard. Found lots of fish cruising and on beds. sight fishing will remain excellent for the next few weeks.
West Bay continues to produce quality Smallmouth. Males into the 4# class are building beds with bigger females cruising around. We have a few cool days with rain in forcast which will help keep this pattern going.
West Grand Traverse Bay has alot of fish shallow and starting to bed. Fish will be shallow and aggressive for the next couple weeks making fun fishing.
Spring is here, and the Smallmouth are on fire, with the added excitement of a few lure-stealing pike lurking in the waters, making for an action-packed Traverse City fishing adventure.
Ratings & Reviews Summary
August 15, 2025
Captain Jack was awesome! Not only did he put us on great fish but was very professional, courteous, and friendly. We learned a lot about Lake Michigan smallmouth fishing and he was extremely patient. Was excited for us as we were when we caught fish and did a great job netting. I have fished all my life but I have a very unique story about my trophy smallmouth caught with Captain Jack that I will remember the rest of my life.
August 15, 2025
Captain Jack knows the area well, is patient, and brings a great sense of fun that really catches on. He even spent extra time with us on the water!
August 15, 2025
We had an incredible day with Captain Jack—highly recommend booking with him!
August 15, 2025
We had a great day fishing with Jack. He was attentive and helpful with my wife, offering casting tips and pointing out where the fish were. We even doubled up a few times! He kept us on fish all day, which made the trip a lot of fun. Highly recommend him for a guided trip.
August 15, 2025
If you're looking for a top-notch guide on Suttons Bay, Jack is the one to fish with. Our group had an awesome time—he’s friendly, well-equipped, and knows how to put you on fish. You won’t be disappointed!
August 15, 2025
Had an awesome father-son trip with Captain Jack. The bite was a bit slow, but he worked hard to get us on fish, and we landed some solid smallmouths. He’s a lot of fun and made the day on the water really enjoyable. We’re already looking forward to coming back to fish with him again. Highly recommend!