Private 6 Hour Fishing Trip - Traverse City
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour lake fishing adventure targeting trophy Smallmouth BassFlexible morning or afternoon departure times available dailyProfessional charter accommodates up to two guests maximum
Picture this: you're out on the pristine waters of Traverse City at first light, coffee still steaming in your thermos, and the entire day stretching ahead of you. That's exactly what you get with our 6-hour private fishing charter – plenty of time to really get into the groove and chase those trophy Smallmouth Bass that make this area famous. We'll start around 7 or 8 AM depending on what works for you, and you'll be back at the dock by early afternoon with stories to tell and hopefully some beautiful fish photos on your phone.
Six hours gives us the luxury of time that shorter trips just can't match. We're not rushing from spot to spot – instead, we can really work an area when the fish are biting, or move around to find where they're holding on slower days. The morning bite is usually fantastic, but having those extra hours means we can also hit the midday structure fishing when the bass move deeper. You'll have the boat all to yourself (plus one fishing buddy if you want to bring someone), so there's no competing for the best casting angles or waiting your turn to fight a fish. The whole setup is designed around what you want to do – whether that's learning new techniques, targeting your personal best, or just enjoying a relaxed day casting lures in some of Michigan's most beautiful water.
Smallmouth fishing around Traverse City is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Early morning, we'll often start with topwater baits – nothing beats the explosive strike of a smallie hitting a popper at sunrise. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch to drop shots, tube jigs, and crankbaits to work the deeper structure. The rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges in this area are absolutely perfect smallmouth habitat. We provide all the gear you'll need, from light spinning setups to baitcasters, plus a full tackle selection that's proven effective in these waters. If you've got your own lucky rod or favorite lures, bring them along – I always enjoy seeing what's working in other parts of the country. The key here is staying versatile since smallmouth can be feeding shallow one hour and suspended over deep water the next.
Smallmouth Bass are the absolute stars of Traverse City's fishing scene, and once you tangle with one, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish here. These bronze fighters typically run 2-4 pounds in our waters, with legitimate shots at 5+ pound fish throughout the season. Spring and fall are prime time – that's when they're most aggressive and feed heavily in the shallows. But honestly, we catch quality smallmouth all season long. What makes them so special is their fight – pound for pound, nothing freshwater fights harder. They'll jump, run, and use every ounce of energy trying to throw your hook. The gin-clear water here means you can often watch the entire fight unfold, seeing the fish dart between rocks and leap clear of the surface. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive bronze coloration and red eyes. Most anglers find themselves completely hooked after their first good smallmouth battle.
A 6-hour charter gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really get into the fishing without burning a whole day. You'll be back in time for a late lunch, but you'll have put in serious time on the water where it counts. The flexible start times mean we can work around your schedule, whether you're an early bird who wants to maximize the morning bite or prefer a more relaxed start. With just two spots available, you're getting a truly personalized experience where we can focus on what you want to accomplish. Maybe that's learning new techniques, maybe it's chasing your personal best, or maybe you just want to enjoy some quality time on the water in one of Michigan's most scenic areas. Either way, Traverse City Bass Destination Charters has the local knowledge and experience to make it happen. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Jump aboard our sleek 21-foot Ranger bass boat, rigged with a powerful 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots fast. This speed demon hits 60 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of cruising around. Built specifically for bass fishing, she's loaded with everything serious anglers need – a whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those finicky smallmouth, GPS to mark your honey holes, and a quality fish finder to locate schools hiding in Traverse City's structure. Perfect for two anglers who want elbow room to work their favorite techniques. Whether you're pitching jigs to rocky points or working topwater over shallow flats, this boat handles it all with style.
Traverse City, MI