5.0(1 Reviews)Full-Day Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday fishing charter targeting aggressive smallmouth bassPrivate trip accommodates up to three guests maximumEight hours exploring Traverse City's scenic lake waters
Get ready for eight solid hours of fishing some of the best smallmouth bass water in northern Michigan. Captain Jack knows these Traverse City waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on bronze backs that'll test your tackle and skills. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a full-day adventure targeting one of the Great Lakes' most prized gamefish. With room for up to three anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and Captain Jack's expertise means you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times all day long.
Your day starts early with Captain Jack prepping the boat and rigging tackle specifically for Traverse City's smallmouth population. We're talking about fishing in some of the clearest, most beautiful water you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes system. The rocky structure and varying depths around Traverse City create perfect smallmouth habitat, and Jack knows every productive ledge, drop-off, and shallow bay. You'll spend time working different areas throughout the day – from casting tight to shoreline structure in the morning to targeting deeper humps and points as conditions change. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but when you feel that telltale thump of a smallmouth hitting your bait, everything else fades away. Jack's patient teaching style means beginners will learn proper techniques while experienced anglers pick up new tricks for these specific waters.
Captain Jack runs a well-equipped charter boat stocked with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle designed specifically for Lake Michigan smallmouth fishing. You'll learn to work everything from soft plastics on drop-shot rigs to casting crankbaits along rocky shorelines. The beauty of smallmouth fishing is the variety – one minute you're finesse fishing with a tube jig in 25 feet of water, the next you're burning a spinnerbait through shallow cover. Jack adjusts techniques based on weather, water temperature, and fish behavior patterns he's observed over years of guiding these waters. He'll show you how to read your electronics, identify productive structure, and present baits that trigger strikes from pressured fish. All rods and tackle are included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. The boat's equipped with modern fish finders and GPS, so Jack can put you on proven spots while also exploring new water when conditions are right.
"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." - Patty
Smallmouth bass in Traverse City's waters are absolute bulldogs that'll give you a fight you won't forget. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 2-4 pounds in these waters, with trophy fish pushing 5+ pounds lurking around the deeper structure. What makes Traverse City smallmouth special is the combination of clear water and diverse habitat – rocky points, gravel flats, and submerged humps create perfect conditions for healthy populations. Spring through fall offers excellent fishing, but late spring and early summer are prime time when fish move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. The cold, clean water keeps these fish incredibly strong and acrobatic. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps and powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Smallmouth here feed heavily on crayfish, gobies, and small baitfish, which is why natural-colored baits work so well. The population is healthy and self-sustaining, meaning you'll typically see good numbers of fish with the chance for that wall-hanger every trip. What really gets anglers fired up is how these fish fight – pound for pound, they're tougher than their largemouth cousins, and in the clear water of northern Michigan, you can watch the whole battle unfold.
This full-day charter fills up fast, especially during peak smallmouth season. Captain Jack's reputation for putting clients on fish and providing top-notch instruction makes this one of Traverse City's most sought-after fishing experiences. Eight hours gives you time to really learn the water, try different techniques, and maximize your chances at landing that trophy smallmouth. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Great Lakes bronze backs to your resume or someone who wants to learn from one of the area's best guides, this trip delivers. The combination of Jack's expertise, quality equipment, and access to prime smallmouth waters makes for a day you'll be talking about long after you head home. Don't wait – prime dates book up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss your chance to experience world-class smallmouth fishing with All Jack'd Up Charters.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jack was awesome! Not only did he put us on great fish but was very professional, courteous, and friendly. We learned a lo...
Traverse City