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Uncharted Guide Service

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Elk Rapids MI

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Sam James, Captain at Uncharted Guide Service

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At Uncharted Guide Service, we offer some of the best Traverse City fishing charters, providing unforgettable experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Led by Captain Sam James, an experienced fishing guides Traverse City with eight years of expertise, we specialize in Grand Traverse Bay fishing trips, bowfishing charters in Traverse City, and lake fishing in Traverse City. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping bowfishing trips or a relaxing day jigging for lake trout, we provide custom fishing excursions Traverse City that cater to your needs. Our private fishing charters Traverse City take place on a 2017 2072 Alumacraft, a 20-foot boat powered by a 115HP Yamaha engine, designed for comfort and performance. With a guest capacity of six, we ensure every trip is personal and enjoyable.


For those seeking a high-energy experience, our bowfishing charters Traverse City target carp, gar, dogfish, and suckers, offering an exciting way to explore the best fishing spots in Traverse City at night under specialized lighting. If you prefer a more traditional fishing experience, our Grand Traverse Bay fishing trips focus on lake trout fishing Traverse City, using vertical jigging and casting techniques to catch lake trout and Cisco. As one of the top-rated fishing charters Traverse City, we provide everything needed for an action-packed day on the water.


We take pride in offering affordable fishing charters Traverse City, ensuring that families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike can enjoy world-class fishing. Whether you're looking for all-inclusive fishing trips Traverse City, fishing packages Traverse City, or simply an exciting day on the water, we guarantee an unforgettable family fishing trips Traverse City experience. Please note that fishing licenses must be purchased through the Michigan DNR before your trip.


Book your professional fishing charter Traverse City today and let us guide you on a thrilling Michigan fishing charters adventure! Our experienced captains will take you to the best fishing spots, ensuring a successful and exciting day on the water. Whether you're targeting Salmon, Lake Trout, or Smallmouth Bass, we provide top-quality gear and expert guidance for anglers of all skill levels.

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Upcoming Availability

June 2025
July 2025

Expertise & Attributes

fishing

fishing

Good with FamiliesGood with FamiliesGood with KidsGood with KidsGood with Large GroupsGood with Large GroupsGood with New AnglersGood with New AnglersNature / Wildlife ViewsNature / Wildlife ViewsSaltwater FishingSaltwater Fishing

Fishing Techniques

JiggingTrolling FishingBow FishingFly FishingDeep Sea / Bottom Fishing

What's Included

Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

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Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

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

Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Show More

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Show More

Trips Available with Uncharted Guide Service

Private 6 Hour Lake Trout Fishing Trip

Fishing

Starting At $425

Private 6 Hour Lake Trout Fishing Trip

Fishing Area: Traverse City

Fishing: Lake

Fishing Boat:

20' Alumacraft • 20' Alumacraft • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Spend 6 hours fishing for lake trout and Cisco in the clear, productive waters of Grand Traverse Bay. This guided Traverse City fishing trip uses vertical jigging and casting techniques to help you target trophy fish in well-known local spots. Whether you're experienced or trying fishing for the first time, our professional guide will make the day enjoyable and rewarding. You'll take in the peaceful scenery of Northern Michigan while landing strong, aggressive fish. The boat is spacious, clean, and stocked with everything you need for a smooth trip. All gear is provided, so just bring your license and your sense of adventure. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)

Private 6 Hour Bowfishing Trip

Fishing

Starting At $525

Private 6 Hour Bowfishing Trip

Fishing Area: Traverse City

Fishing: Lake

Fishing Boat:

20' Alumacraft • 20' Alumacraft • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Experience the action of bowfishing in Traverse City on a guided 6-hour trip through the waters of Northern Michigan. Under powerful lights, you'll use specialized gear to target species like carp, gar, dogfish, and suckers in a fast-paced nighttime setting. This charter is designed for all skill levels, whether you're trying bowfishing for the first time or have experience. With constant opportunities to shoot and a wide variety of fish to target, every trip delivers steady action and a fresh challenge. Our boat is equipped for comfort, visibility, and precision, making each outing smooth and enjoyable. It's a rare way to fish after dark. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)

Vehicle

20' Alumacraft

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

6

Boat Length:

20 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Alumacraft

Model Year:

2017

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Yamaha

# of Engines:

1

Horsepower Per Engine:

115

Maximum Cruising Speed:

40

Uncharted Guide Service Alumacraft Boat

The 2017 2072 Alumacraft is a 20-foot aluminum fishing boat built for stability and performance. Powered by a 115HP Yamaha engine, it reaches speeds of 35-40 mph while comfortably accommodating up to six guests. Perfect for fishing adventures.

Boat

Uncharted Guide Service Alumacraft Boat image 0

20' Alumacraft

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

6

Boat Length:

20 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about Uncharted Guide Service

Reports and Expert Articles

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Weekends Going Quick – Let’s Get You on the Water!

Our weekends are about half filled! Still booking some weekends and weekdays this year for Bowfishing and Lake Trout jigging trips! Call or text Captain Sam- 269-993-6678

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Spring Action is Heating Up – Reserve Your Spot Today!

🔥🔥WELCOME BACK🔥🔥 Spring is in the air and we are starting to book up! We have still have a few weekend dates left! CALL CAPTAIN SAM -269-993-6678 Lake trout and Bowfishing trips! $400 lake trout up to 4 people Bowfishing $500 up to 4 people

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Traverse City Fishing Report

Had an amazing time fishing in Traverse City! The entire crew had a blast, made unforgettable memories, and even picked up some new fishing skills along the way. Don’t miss out on the adventure—book your Traverse City fishing charter today and reel in the excitement!

Ratings & Reviews Summary

5.00
out of 5
Based on 4 ratings
100%
recommended
recommended
Based on 4 recommendations
5
4
4
3
2
1

June 5, 2025

Sam from Uncharted Guide Service is the best. We have been out on over 8 bowfishing trips with him around the state and have had so much fun every time. Highly recommend for anyone interested!

June 5, 2025

Absolute blast. Sam was extremely patient and is a great guide and teacher.

June 5, 2025

My son and I experienced an awesome fishing adventure with our guide Sam at Unchartered Guide Services June 9. Sam had us in great fishing from the 1st cast and throughout the morning. When one location slowed down, he promptly led us to more great action, catching beautiful lakers and topped off with Cisco. We highly recommend Sam. He is prompt, friendly, offers helpful tips and lasting fishing memories. We’ll be back!

June 5, 2025

Sam is a very experienced guide. This was our first time bow Fishing and we are hooked. I would recommend him to anyone that wants a great experience to be able to arrow some fish. We went June 14th and had a blast. I Highly recommend booking a trip with Sam!

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