Planning a family fishing trip in Traverse City? Here's what to expect on a kid-friendly charter, which trip length to book, and why your kids will love it.
If you're planning a Traverse City vacation and looking for something the whole family will remember, a fishing charter on Grand Traverse Bay might be the best decision you make. Captain Butch has guided hundreds of families over the past two decades, from kids catching their very first fish to teenagers landing trophy smallmouth. Here's everything parents need to know before booking.
Why Kids Love Fishing Grand Traverse Bay
Smallmouth bass are the perfect species for young anglers, and Grand Traverse Bay is the perfect place to catch them. Here's why the combination works so well for families.
Smallmouth fight hard for their size. Even a 2-pound fish puts up a battle that gets kids excited and keeps them engaged. Unlike some types of fishing where you sit and wait, bass fishing on the bay is active. Captain Butch keeps the boat moving, changes techniques, and finds fish so there's minimal downtime. For kids with short attention spans, this matters.
The bay itself is stunning. Crystal-clear water, views of the Leelanau Peninsula, and the chance to spot eagles, loons, and other wildlife make the experience more than just fishing. Parents regularly tell Captain Butch that their kids talked about the trip for weeks afterward.
"I've had 7-year-olds outfish their dads on this boat," Captain Butch says. "Kids don't overthink it. They just do what I tell them, and the fish reward that."
What Age Works for a Charter?
Captain Butch welcomes kids as young as 6 on the boat. At that age, attention spans are shorter, but the excitement of catching a fish more than makes up for it. Here's a rough guide:
Ages 6-8: These little ones do great on 4-hour morning trips. Captain Butch handles the casting and hook sets, handing the rod to the child once a fish is on. The focus is on fun, not technique. Expect lots of high-fives and big smiles.
Ages 9-12: This is the sweet spot. Kids in this range can learn to cast, work a bait, and fight their own fish with coaching from Captain Butch. A 4 or 6-hour trip works well depending on their interest level.
Ages 13-17: Teenagers can handle a full day on the water and often surprise everyone with how quickly they pick up techniques. Captain Butch teaches them the same approaches he'd show any adult angler. A 6 or 8-hour trip gives them time to really develop their skills.
Which Trip Length Should You Book?
This is the most common question parents ask, and the answer depends on your kids.
The 4-hour trip ($440) is the most popular choice for families with children under 10. It's long enough to catch plenty of fish and short enough to avoid meltdowns. Morning trips (starting around 7 AM) tend to work best because kids are fresh, the fish are active, and you're off the water before the afternoon heat.
The 6-hour trip ($550) is ideal for families with older kids or mixed ages. It gives Captain Butch more time to explore different spots, try different techniques, and take a mid-trip snack break. Many families find this to be the perfect balance.
The 8-hour trip ($660) is best for families where everyone is genuinely excited about fishing. If your teenager is already obsessed with bass fishing, or if you and your spouse are experienced anglers bringing the kids along, the full day lets everyone get their fill.
All trips include premium rods, reels, tackle, lures, Kind snack bars, and bottled water. You don't need to bring any fishing gear.
Safety on the Water
Safety is the top priority on every trip, especially with kids on board. Captain Butch holds a United States Coast Guard (USCG) captain's license, carries all required safety equipment, and briefs every family before leaving the dock.
The boat is a 21-foot Ranger Z521, which is a stable, spacious bass boat with plenty of room for a family of three or four. Life jackets are available in all sizes, and children under a certain age are required to wear them at all times per Michigan law.
Captain Butch monitors weather conditions closely and will reschedule at no cost if conditions are unsafe. He'd rather move your trip to a better day than put your family at any risk.
What to Bring on a Family Trip
Captain Butch provides all the fishing gear, but there are a few things to pack for the kids:
Michigan fishing license for anyone 17 and older. Kids 16 and under fish free in Michigan. Licenses are available online through the Michigan DNR eLicense system.
Sunscreen and hats. The bay reflects a lot of light, and kids burn faster than they realize. Apply sunscreen before you arrive and bring extra for reapplication.
Polarized sunglasses if you have them. They cut the glare and let kids see fish in the clear water, which keeps them engaged.
Layers. Morning trips can start cool, especially in May, June, and September. A light jacket or hoodie that can come off as the day warms up is ideal.
Extra snacks beyond what's provided, especially for longer trips with younger kids. Goldfish crackers, granola bars, and fruit pouches are boat-friendly options.
A camera or phone. You'll want photos. Captain Butch is happy to take pictures of your kids with their catches.
What a Typical Family Trip Looks Like
Here's what to expect from start to finish on a 4-hour morning charter.
You'll meet Captain Butch at an agreed-upon boat launch on Grand Traverse Bay. He'll introduce himself, go over safety, get everyone settled, and talk about what the fish have been doing lately. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Once on the water, Captain Butch drives to the first spot based on current conditions. He'll rig up rods for each angler and teach basic casting and retrieval techniques. For younger kids, he'll handle the casting and hand them the rod when a fish bites.
Expect to start catching fish within the first 30 minutes on most days. Captain Butch moves to new spots as needed to keep the action going. Between fish, he points out wildlife, tells stories about the bay, and keeps the energy up. He's naturally good with kids and knows how to make the experience fun even during slower stretches.
About halfway through the trip, there's usually a quick snack and water break. Then it's back to fishing for the second half. The last hour of a morning trip often produces the best action as the sun gets higher and the bass move to feeding positions.
At the end of the trip, Captain Butch returns to the launch, takes final photos, and sends you on your way with some great memories and probably a new family fishing tradition.
Making It Part of Your Traverse City Vacation
A fishing charter pairs naturally with everything else Traverse City offers. Many families book a morning trip and spend the afternoon exploring downtown, hitting the beaches at Clinch Park, visiting the Great Lakes Children's Museum, or grabbing lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
The charter also works well as a special experience to anchor a longer vacation. Families visiting for cherry season in July, fall color in October, or a summer week at a rental cottage often book a fishing trip as the highlight activity.
Book Your Family Trip
Ready to give your kids an experience they'll talk about all year? Captain Butch has limited availability during peak summer months, so booking early is recommended for July and August dates.
Call (231) 883-2200 to talk through which trip is right for your family, or visit the Trips & Rates page to see packages and book online. Captain Butch is happy to answer questions about ages, trip lengths, and anything else before you commit.
Fishing charters also make a great gift. If grandparents, aunts, or uncles are looking for something to give the family, a gift card for a charter is a present that creates memories instead of collecting dust.