First time on a fishing charter? Here's exactly what to bring, what's already provided, and what to leave at home for your Grand Traverse Bay trip.
So you've booked a fishing charter on Grand Traverse Bay. Whether it's your first time on a charter or you're a seasoned angler, knowing exactly what to bring (and what not to bring) makes the difference between a comfortable day on the water and one where you're squinting into the sun wishing you'd packed sunglasses. Here's the complete rundown.
What's Already Provided
Captain Butch provides everything you need for the actual fishing. This includes premium rods and reels, a full selection of tackle and lures, Kind snack bars, and bottled water. You don't need to bring any fishing equipment unless you have a personal rod you'd like to use.
The boat is a 21-foot Ranger Z521 with comfortable seating, a livewell, Lowrance electronics, and a Yamaha outboard. Life jackets in multiple sizes are on board.
The Essentials: Don't Leave Without These
Michigan fishing license. This is the one thing that's legally required. Anyone 17 and older needs a valid Michigan fishing license. Kids 16 and under fish free. You can purchase one online in about 5 minutes through the Michigan DNR eLicense portal at mdnr-elicense.com. A 24-hour all-species license is available for visitors who don't want a full annual license. Buy it the night before your trip so you're not scrambling at the dock.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+). The water reflects UV light, which means you're getting hit from above and below. Apply before you arrive at the boat launch. Bring the bottle for reapplication, especially on 6 and 8-hour trips. Sport or water-resistant formulas hold up best.
Polarized sunglasses. These are not optional on Grand Traverse Bay. The water is incredibly clear, and polarized lenses cut the surface glare so you can see fish, structure, and your bait underwater. They also protect your eyes from hours of reflected light. If you don't own a pair, they're worth picking up before your trip.
A hat with a brim. Baseball caps work fine. Wide-brim hats are even better for all-day trips. Sun exposure on the water is intense, and a hat keeps it off your face and neck.
Layered clothing. Grand Traverse Bay mornings can be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the afternoon, especially in May, June, and September. Start with a light long-sleeve layer and peel it off as the day warms up. A fleece or hoodie is smart for early-season and fall trips.
Nice to Have
A rain jacket or windbreaker. Weather on the bay can change quickly. A packable rain jacket takes up almost no space and keeps you comfortable if a shower rolls through or the wind picks up.
Extra snacks and drinks. Kind bars and water are provided, but if you or your kids prefer specific snacks, bring them along. Good boat-friendly options include trail mix, granola bars, beef jerky, and fruit. Bring a small soft cooler if you want cold drinks beyond water.
A camera or phone in a waterproof case. You'll want photos of your catches, and Captain Butch is happy to snap them. A waterproof phone case protects against splashes and the occasional wave. They're cheap and save you from a very expensive day on the water.
Motion sickness medication. Grand Traverse Bay is calmer than open Lake Michigan, but if you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Dramamine or Bonine both work well. Wristbands are another option if you prefer non-pharmaceutical approaches.
A small towel or rag. Handy for wiping your hands after handling fish, cleaning sunscreen off your palms before handling rods, or wiping spray off your sunglasses.
What to Wear
Your clothing should be comfortable, weather-appropriate, and practical for a day on a boat.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with non-marking soles are ideal. Athletic shoes, boat shoes, or trail runners all work. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, and anything with hard or dark soles that can mark the boat deck. If your shoes might get wet, wear ones you don't mind getting damp.
Spring (April through May): Mornings are cool, often in the 40s and 50s. Dress in warm layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, fleece mid-layer, and a wind-resistant outer layer. Gloves and a warm hat aren't overkill for early April trips.
Summer (June through August): Lightweight, breathable clothing. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal. A long-sleeve sun shirt provides better UV protection than sunscreen alone and keeps you cooler than you'd expect. Shorts are fine.
Fall (September through October): Similar to spring. Mornings can be cold, and wind on the bay adds a chill factor. Layers are your best friend. A neck gaiter is surprisingly useful for blocking wind.
In all seasons: Avoid dark-colored clothing that absorbs heat. Light colors keep you cooler and are easier to spot on the water.
What to Leave at Home
Hard coolers and bulky bags. Space on a bass boat is limited. Keep your personal items in a small backpack or soft bag that can tuck under a seat.
Glass containers. Anything glass is a safety hazard on a boat. Use plastic or aluminum containers.
Bananas. It's a fishing superstition, but Captain Butch holds to it. No bananas on the boat. Don't ask why. Just trust him.
Heavy fishing tackle. Unless Captain Butch has specifically asked you to bring something, leave your tackle box at home. He has everything dialed in for Grand Traverse Bay conditions and will have rods rigged and ready when you arrive.
Day-of-Trip Timeline
Here's a practical timeline so you can plan your morning:
60 minutes before departure: Eat a solid breakfast. Fishing on an empty stomach is no fun, and there's not a lot of food on the boat beyond snacks.
30 minutes before departure: Apply sunscreen, take motion sickness meds if needed, and double-check that you have your fishing license, sunglasses, and phone.
At the boat launch: Arrive at the agreed-upon meeting location on time. Captain Butch will be there with the boat ready. He'll do a quick safety briefing, get everyone settled, and you'll be on the water within 10 minutes.
Ready to Go?
Now that you know what to pack, all that's left is showing up and having a great time. Captain Butch handles the hard part. You just bring yourself, the items on this list, and a willingness to have fun.
Visit the Trips & Rates page to see charter packages, or call (231) 883-2200 to book your trip.