The highlight of my Traverse City visit was a Long Lake Michigan fishing trip for smallmouth bass using the sight technique. Many times I have tried to catch a fish that I could see. I don’t think I have ever been successful.
Traverse City smallmouth bass fishing – A male smallmouth protecting the eggs – Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Michigan
Usually clear water leads to fish being hyper aware of your presence causing them to be too spooked to strike. . For this to work, conditions need to be perfect.
First of all, you need a lake like Long Lake that is crystal clear. Secondly, it has to be in the spring when the smallmouth are spawning. The females will lay their eggs on gravel beds and the males hover over them and fiercely protect the spot.
Beautiful crystal clear Long Lake was the scene of some great Traverse City smallmouth bass fishing
I arrived at Long Lake in Grand Traverse County in the morning to an absolute picture perfect day. It was not even windy when we began fishing Long Lake. Waiting for me at the dock was Captain Ben Wolfe, and I jumped in and the adventure began.
Captain Wolfe is ready to take me out for some Traverse City Long Lake Michigan fishing for smallmouth bass
Captain Wolfe explained the method of Traverse City smallmouth bass sight fishing and instructed me on the best way to cast. If you are far away from the bed you can just overhead cast directly over the bed. If you are close you can just nudge the lure slightly over the bed by swinging the lure like a pendulum and then letting go of the bail at the end of the arc, which sends the lure directly over the spot as long as you have it lined up right.
Captain Wolfe has extraordinary eyesight – Here he is pointing where I need to cast for some Traverse City smallmouth bass fishing success
It did not take us long to find a suitable bass to catch. The water was as clear as a patch of ocean in the Caribbean and through our polarized glasses we were able to find a male bass swimming on guard over a gravel bed. It took me a few casts to get it over the spawning bed, but I eventually got the lure in the right place and BAM, FISH ON!
I excitedly reeled in keeping my rod tip up and let the bass tire as he fought while I slowly brought him in. Soon he was by the side of the boat, and Captain Wolfe reached over and grabbed his lip and my first fish was secured. It was a beautiful tiger striped smallmouth bass. I would estimate it weighed between 2-3 pounds.
Fighting a smallmouth while Captain Wolfe gets into position to assist
The result of the above GoPro video
The pattern repeated itself over and over again the rest of the afternoon. The method is practically a sure fire success. The bass strike to protect the eggs; therefore, fisherman do not need to worry about the type of lure. As long as it aggravates, it will do.
Smallmouth are beautiful fish
Also, if the bass strikes and misses the lure, usually that will scare a fish from hitting the bait again; however, in this case it is likely to catch the fish on the next cast. They will even be more mad the next time your lure comes through his bed. Captain Wolfe likens this method to provoking the drunk guy at the bar.
The scene of Traverse City smallmouth bass fishing with Sport Fish Michigan in Long Lake
Sometimes the male will be caught on the first cast if you direct the lure in the right area. Other times it is a cat and mouse game or a chess match that can take several casts and several misses until success takes place. I think there was only one bass that we gave up on because he was too spooked to strike, so we drifted about ten feet until another bass was spotted.
It is important to get the lure down at the bottom of the lake and drag it directly through the bed. We used a heavy sinker and then floated a little jig behind it. Once you are in the target zone you can keep the lure there and jig.
Long Lake Michigan fishing – Largemouth bass catch made for a two species day
We took a break from the smallmouth fishing and casted towards shore with a rubber jig with lively tail action. After a couple casts, I hooked onto a largemouth bass. It was about the same size as the smallmouth.
This was one of the best days of fishing I have ever had. I reeled in about seven to eight smallmouths and one largemouth bass.
Traverse City smallmouth bass fishing
You might be thinking it a little unethical to catch the male bass protecting the eggs of the female, but we exercised catch and release. The bass was back on his perch in a matter of minutes after de-hooking him and taking a quick picture. If you try this method on Lake Michigan, gobies might steal the eggs in the interim, but there are no aggressive predators for the eggs in the inland lakes, so this is not a problem here.
Long Lake is also known for walleyes and northern pike. Usually they are best caught at night, but Captain Wolfe knew of a drop off where they sometimes strike during the day. We trolled but did not have any luck.
Loon take off on Long Lake
Captain Wolfe runs a great outfit that is completely customer focused. No need to bring any equipment. Traverse City Bass Fishing Guide Service takes care of the poles, the lures, the boat, non-alcoholic beverages, and even lent me a pair of polarized glasses. I would highly recommend this service if you are looking for a guide.
The GoPro camera has the best clarity for showing how clear Long Lake is
My time in Traverse City, Michigan was partly sponsored by the Traverse City Tourism Bureau; however, this face does not impact this post. I received complimentary lodging and tours, but all thoughts, photos, opinions, and love of smallmouth bass fishing are my own.
Adventure on!
Dang! That looks awesome. I do most of my fishing from shore or kayak. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been bass fishing like that. Epic. Reply
Traveling Ted on June 5, 2016 at 4:08 pmHello Ken, It definitely was a unique experience. I was really pleased how much Traverse City had to offer on the fishing front. So many different options. Reply
Ms. "V" on June 8, 2016 at 6:05 pm These videos are very exciting. Thanks Ted. I liked the view from under the water too. 🙂 Reply Traveling Ted on August 27, 2016 at 3:55 pmSorry I missed this comment Ms. V. The owner of the fishing guide service is a fellow GoPro guru. He actually created his own mount for the camera that he weighs down and then drops on the bottom of the lake to capture the video. Pretty amazing. Reply
Luke on June 13, 2016 at 3:38 pmNice story Ted, if you are ever in northern Minnesota, check out Lake Mille Lacs for some more trophy smallmouth action. The lake is on fire! Not literally, of course, but people are catchign personal bests every weekend up there 🙂
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Looks awesome! If I ever make it to Michigan I will have to try that lake. The water looks so clear. If you ever visit Texas you should try Lake Whitney. It has some great smallie fishing. Reply
Traveling Ted on August 27, 2016 at 3:56 pm Thanks Dean, I love Texas, so I would love to check that lake out on my next visit. Reply James Dutreaux on August 24, 2016 at 12:54 amGreat story! Super inspiring. I’ve never heard of walleyes being caught in the daytime. I’m going to get out on my kayak right now. Ted, do you know of any good kayaking areas in Southern California? Thanks for the great post!
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Hi James, Sorry, but I am not very familiar with Southern California kayaking. Enjoy your paddle. Reply
Morgan on September 27, 2016 at 2:32 pmAwesome videos! It looks like you guys had a ton of fun out on the water and made some great catches. Good work, and thanks for sharing a bit of the experience with us! Reply
Traveling Ted on September 28, 2016 at 8:45 pm Thanks Morgan, It was a wonderful day! Reply Rob on November 4, 2016 at 9:35 pmKilling setup – and I love the go pro on the body too for filming. What setup are you using for your reel? Reply
Traveling Ted on November 23, 2016 at 5:05 pmThanks Rob, I am not exactly sure Rob. It was a guided trip, so I just used what they provided me 🙂 Reply
Robert on November 27, 2016 at 4:25 amLooks like an awesome day out Ted, actually looks very similar to a day we had recently. Though no “BAM FISH ON” for us 🙁 Reply
Traveling Ted on December 3, 2016 at 4:46 pm Hello Robert, It was a fantastic experience. Thank you. Reply Williams on December 19, 2016 at 9:42 pmSounds like a blast. I’ve sight-fished spawning largemouth before, but never smallies. If you’re in Chicago, you should make the trip up to the Chequamegon Bay sometime. The smallmouth fishing is ridiculous. Reply
Traveling Ted on December 26, 2016 at 7:41 pm Hello Williams, I have never heard of this place. I will have to check it out. Thanks. Ted Reply Diver S on January 20, 2017 at 2:24 amI really enjoyed these videos. I am amazed at the clarity of the water. You are right that it looks almost as clear as a Caribbean reef. I have a little GoPro like that for my diving adventures, but I have never gotten such clarity in any fresh water. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks Diver S, I live near Lake Michigan in Chicago, and I could not believe the clarity of the water in Michigan compared to here. It is like a different lake. Reply
Mark on January 24, 2017 at 3:58 pmSo jealous, you guys live in smallmouth heaven! Great read man, just wish we had a few smallies here in SC.
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There are many places to fish for smallmouth bass in the great State of Michigan, but one of the very best is the Traverse City area. Not only is Traverse City’s smallmouth fishing world class, but the opportunities for recreation, dining, wineries and craft beer nearby are almost endless. From kids to adults, there is something for everyone here. Reply
Traveling Ted on February 19, 2017 at 8:07 pm Hello Masood, I agree. I really enjoyed all aspects of my stay in Traverse City. Reply Jason Roy on April 6, 2017 at 7:04 pm Nice and easy to follow. Thank you. Reply Traveling Ted on April 14, 2017 at 3:22 pm Thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed the post. Reply Rayan on May 3, 2017 at 5:43 pmThe fisheries here are so prolific for bass fishing, northern Michigan and the Traverse City area has been the focus of many national television shows and numerous magazine articles. Traverse City was ranked as the 3rd best fishing town in the country (Field & Stream; Feb. 2008) and in 2005, Fly Rod & Reel magazine listed Traverse as one of its “12 top Fly-Fishing Retirement Towns.” Reply
Traveling Ted on May 9, 2017 at 12:59 pm I definitely need to go back and try out the fly fishing. Reply Hayden on June 30, 2017 at 2:57 pmMan, those are some gorgeous bronze-backs. I live down south where largemouths are the main sport fish, so I love when spring comes around because that means the spawn is on and sight fishing is on. Looks like you had an awesome trip, thanks for sharing! Reply
Traveling Ted on July 3, 2017 at 4:54 pmThanks Hayden, It was a beautiful day and it was an awesome trip. You need to come north to catch some smallies. Reply
