FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where can I get a Michigan fishing license?
Michigan licenses are available on-line through the Michigan DNR at www.mdnr-elicense.com. They are also available at most local tackle shops and sporting goods retailers.
Where can I get an Ontario fishing license?
Ontario Non-Resident licenses are available by calling the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 800-667-1940. This option requires 4 to 6 weeks notice to insure you will have your license in time for your trip. For licensing options and prices visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing .
They are also available at Lakeside Fishing Shop in St. Clair Shores, MI. Contact them to purchase your license at least 7 days prior to your trip to insure that your license will be ready. For your convenience, I can pick up your license for you when it is ready.
Lakeside can also mail your license to you for an additional fee. If you want your license mailed to you, contact them at least 14 days in advance of your trip to allow extra time for mailing.
To order your license from Lakeside, call 586-777-7003 or visit www.lakesidefishingshop.com.
Where and when do we meet?
This depends on the time of the year, where we plan on fishing, and what the weather is going to be like for your trip. I will contact you a few days before your trip to arrange the time and place.
What kind of boat will be fishing out of?
We will be fishing out of a Triton Tr-20X bass boat. The X-Series Triton was designed for fishing big waters like Lake St. Clair. It offers the most comfortable, smooth, dry ride available in a bass boat today.
Will we use live bait or lures?
All of our fishing will be done with artificial baits. Unlike charter “party” boats, a day on the water guided by me is a chance to learn about fishing from someone familiar with the latest lures and techniques.
Are there any guarantees to the number or size of fish I will catch?
Unfortunately, no. All I can guarantee is that I will do everything I can to put us around active fish and to do my best to help you catch them. There will always be some days that we can do no wrong, and some days that we will really have to work to catch them.
I have averaged over 70 days a season on these waters for more than ten years and have never been “skunked”. There is a lot of water available to us and the bass are always biting somewhere.
What about the wind and weather?
Lake St. Clair is a wide open, shallow lake, and can easily be affected by the wind. It can get pretty rough in moderate to strong winds, depending on wind direction and the part of the lake we are fishing. There are several ramps located around the lake and in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers. Every attempt will be made on my part to get us on the water to have a safe, enjoyable and productive day.
We will fish in the rain as long as the conditions are otherwise safe. Some of my most productive days on the water have taken place in the rain. I will not cancel a trip based solely on rain without a threat of high winds or storms.
Can I keep my fish?
All bass fishing trips are catch and release only. There are no exceptions. If you catch a trophy bass, all appropriate measurements and photos will be taken so that a replica mount can be made if you desire.
Walleye trips are catch and keep if you like. It is your responsibility to care for your catch once we reach the ramp at the end of our trip. I will not clean your fish for you. Please be sure to bring a cooler to transport your fish home.