FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where can I get a Michigan fishing license?
Michigan licenses can be purchased on-line through the Michigan DNR at www.mdnr-elicense.com. They are also available locally at most 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. The prices shown on their website are in Canadian dollars. The price in US dollars will be based on the currency exchange rate at the time of purchase.
They are also available at a local bait & tackle shop, Nautical Mile BP. You might pay a few dollars more by going this route, but it is by far the easiest and quickest way to get one. You must contact them at least 7 days prior to your trip to insure that your license will be ready in time. For your added convenience, I can pick up your license from them when it’s ready and bring it with me when we meet.
For information on ordering your license from Nautical Mile BP, call them at 586-498-7650.
Why would I need an Ontario license?
Bass season for Ontario (Canadian) waters of Lake St. Clair doesn’t open until the fourth Saturday of June. Prior to that, all of our fishing will take place in Michigan waters.
Once the Canadian season opens, it’s nice to have the license because it makes all of Lake St. Clair available for us to fish (except for Walpole Indian Reservation waters). It also opens up a lot of productive water in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, as well as Lake Erie.
Prevailing seasonal patterns, wind speed and direction, and water clarity are all reasons that we might have a more productive day fishing in Canadian water. In addition, at certain times of the season, there are areas of the lake in Canadian waters that offer more productive fishing than in US waters.
I will let you know when you book your trip if you should get a Canadian license.
Do I need a passport to fish in Canada?
No. A passport is not required if we only cross the border to fish, and don’t dock or otherwise land in Canada.
Where and when do we meet?
Where we meet all depends on where we plan on fishing and what the weather is going to be like that day. This could mean either meeting at one of the ramps, or at your hotel if it is more convenient.
I prefer to start our fishing as close to sunrise as we can, but this is your trip. We can arrange to start later in the morning or do an afternoon or trip. Due to the potential for heavy boat traffic, Saturday and Sunday trips will start no later than 8:00 am.
I will contact you within two days of your trip so we can arrange the exact meeting 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 with a guide is a chance to learn about fishing from someone familiar with the latest lures and techniques. Your day will be a “hands-on” fishing experience.
Are there any guarantees to the number or size of fish I will catch?
Unfortunately, no. All I can guarantee you is that I will do everything I can to put us around active fish and 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 might really have to work to catch them.
Between Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, there is a lot of water available for us to fish. The fish are always biting somewhere!
What about the wind and weather?
The wind is almost always a factor when it comes to fishing the Great Lakes in a bass boat, and Lake St. Clair is no different. It is a wide open, shallow lake, and it is easily affected by the wind.
Often times the wind creates lake conditions that will dictate where we need to fish, in order to remain safe and comfortable. There are many 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 an 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 – 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.