Learn Bass Fishing on Traverse City's Pristine Lakes

Learn to Reel in Smallies on Grand Traverse Bay

Ready to wet a line and catch some bass? This 5-hour trip with All Jack'd Up Charters is perfect if you're new to fishing or want to brush up on your skills. We'll head out on the calm waters of Grand Traverse Bay, where smallmouth bass are plentiful and the scenery can't be beat. Our seasoned captain will show you the ropes, from rigging your line to setting the hook when a fish strikes. By the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro and hopefully have a few "smallies" photos to show for it!

What to Expect on the Water

We keep things relaxed on this beginner-friendly outing. The trip is private, so it's just you and up to three friends or family members aboard our comfortable fishing boat. No need to bring any gear - we provide quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for bass fishing. Your captain will demonstrate light tackle techniques like finesse casting and jigging that are effective for smallmouth. As you practice, you'll get personalized tips to improve your form. The fish are usually biting, so expect steady action throughout the morning. Grand Traverse Bay offers protected waters, making this a smooth ride even for folks prone to seasickness. Between casts, soak in views of the pristine shoreline and maybe spot an eagle soaring overhead.

Hooking Into Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass put up an impressive fight for their size, which is why anglers love targeting them. We'll use a mix of artificial lures like soft plastics, jigs, and crankbaits to entice strikes. Your captain will show you how to work each lure effectively - from twitching a jerkbait to slowly dragging a tube along the bottom. Feeling that telltale "thump" when a bass inhales your lure is a rush every time. Once hooked, smallmouth often leap clear out of the water and make blistering runs. Don't be surprised if your drag starts screaming! We practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery, but we'll make sure to snap some photos before carefully returning each bass to the lake.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Traverse City has gained a reputation as one of the top smallmouth bass destinations in the country. The crystal clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay provide ideal habitat, with a mix of rocky structure, weed beds, and sandy flats that bass love. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with peak fishing typically in June and July when bass move shallow to spawn. Even on slower days, the pristine Up North scenery makes for a relaxing time on the water. Many guests tell us catching their first smallmouth got them hooked on fishing for good. There's just something special about battling these bronze-backed brawlers in such a beautiful setting.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These hard-fighting fish are the star of the show in Grand Traverse Bay. Smallies here average 2-3 pounds, with 4-5 pounders not uncommon. They have a bronze-colored body with dark vertical bars and red eyes. Pound-for-pound, smallmouth are considered one of the strongest freshwater fish. They use the whole water column when fighting, often leaping multiple times. Spring finds them in shallow rocky areas to spawn, while summer has them roaming deeper structure. Fall can produce some of the biggest bass of the year as they fatten up for winter. Their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights make smallmouth a favorite target for both new and experienced anglers.

While we focus on smallmouth, don't be surprised if you hook into some bonus species. Lake trout often cruise the same areas, especially in cooler months. These deep-water predators put up a dogged fight and can reach impressive sizes. You might also encounter rock bass, yellow perch, or even the occasional northern pike. Each offers its own unique challenge and adds variety to your catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want to learn the ropes yourself, this trip delivers. You'll gain confidence in your angling skills while enjoying quality time outdoors with friends or family. Our patient captain ensures everyone has a good time, regardless of experience level. With all gear provided and fish usually cooperating, it's the perfect low-stress way to get into bass fishing. Spots fill up fast during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your preferred date. Give us a call or book online to reserve your Traverse City bass fishing adventure. We can't wait to show you why smallmouth have us hooked on northern Michigan!