Fellows I am headed to Michigan the Traverse city area.. staying on Long Lake. Planning to fish on Lake Michigan. Need a charter reference and some suggestions for planning the trip. I am going next summer around the 4th of July. What is biting best then? I am kind of thinking an offshore type trip one day and a inshore trip later that week. I will be there at least a week. I have no clue about the fishing in the area.. I will be staying in a house where we can prepare a meal if we catch something we can keep. Will have a number of family there to share charter expense with. Do they go for full days or half days ? thanks for any info..

I'm jealous.

Not Michigan, but I fished Superior a couple summers ago. I was just along to fill out a charter with some buddies last minute. I had no idea what I was in for. I will say make it clear what kind of fishing you want to do. All we did was troll with down rigggers all day and it was about the most boring all-day boat ride I've ever been on. The gear they used was friggin' huge for the fish we were catching, so even when you caught something it was just winch, winch, winch, oh look, a fish. I understand the need for line capacity fishing that way, and there's always the chance for huge fish, but the fish we caught my bass or light SW rigs could have handled easily. We went in mid-June. Whether you prefer casting to dragging lures alround with the boat all day, it's up to you, just be sure to let your charter know. Whatever you find have fun and be safe!

I'm going next to fish the platte and Betsie river for salmon. Near a little town called honor

There should be some Walleye fishing happening at that time. We have caught them on the Boardman river right down town. Small mouth are always great in that area. I don't have names for any charters but there will be no shortage. There are great wineries in the area. Highly recommend Verterra in Leelanau. Their cherry porte is great! TC has their cherry festival about that time. Love the area.

Call local chamber of commerce for intel with regard to your needs.There has to be a guide or two that can pass on some intel, or a marina.

A lot of excellent trout streams in Michigan. If you fly fish bring a 4 or 5 wt rod and a mix of dry flies and nymphs. Most streams are pretty skinny with lots of trees and brush, so roll casting often required. Caught some beautiful little brookies a few years ago on the Pidgeon River.