Ready to test your skills against the legendary Detroit River's hard-fighting fish? This 6-hour private fishing trip is your ticket to some of the best Walleye and Northern Pike action in the Midwest. Captain Justin knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got the gear, the know-how, and the hot spots to make your day on the water one for the books.
From the moment you step aboard, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to where the big ones lurk, and Captain Justin will get you dialed in on the day's best technique. Might be jigging near the bottom, trolling with crankbaits, or casting to structure – whatever's getting the fish fired up. The Detroit River's a unique fishery, with deep channels, rocky shoals, and plenty of current to keep things interesting. You'll be working your rod and feeling those thumps in no time. And when that first Walleye or Pike slams your bait? Trust me, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
We don't mess around when it comes to putting fish in the boat. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be vertical jigging with minnows or plastics, slow-trolling with bottom bouncers, or ripping stick baits through the current. For those toothy Pike, we'll break out the heavy artillery – big spoons, inline spinners, or even live bait under a float. Captain Justin's always tweaking and testing to figure out what the fish want, and he'll have you rigged up right. We provide all the top-notch gear, from sensitive graphite rods to fish-finding electronics that'll make you feel like you've got x-ray vision underwater.
Walleye are the crown jewel of the Detroit River, and for good reason. These golden-eyed predators are as tasty as they are challenging to catch. In the spring, we target the massive spawning run, when fish over 10 pounds are a real possibility. The "eyes" stick around all year, though, so there's always a chance at a trophy. They love to hang in the current breaks and along drop-offs, waiting to ambush their next meal. When you feel that distinctive 'tap-tap' on your line, set the hook hard – Walleye have tough mouths and you'll need to drive that hook home.
Northern Pike are the river's other main attraction, and these toothy missiles will test your tackle and your nerves. They grow big in these waters, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. Pike are ambush predators, lying in wait near weed edges and submerged timber. When they strike, it's explosive – be ready for screaming drags and acrobatic jumps. Fall is prime time for trophy Pike, but they're active year-round. Just remember to bring your steel leaders, or these scissor-jawed fighters will make short work of your line!
There's something special about fishing the Detroit River that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance at a personal best Walleye, or the adrenaline rush of battling a monster Pike. Could be the ever-changing conditions that keep you on your toes, or the beautiful skyline views as you drift along. For many, it's the camaraderie of sharing the boat with good friends or family, swapping stories and making new memories. Whatever brings you out, one thing's for sure – a day on the Detroit River is never boring.
This year's been red hot for both numbers and size. We've been consistently putting clients on limits of Walleye, with quite a few fish pushing the 30-inch mark. The Pike fishing's been on fire too, especially in the cooler months. Just last week, we boated a 42-inch Northern that nearly spooled us before we could turn her. Whether you're after a trophy for the wall or a mess of fillets for the fryer, the Detroit River's been delivering the goods.
Look, the fish are biting and the calendar's filling up fast. If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that rush of reeling in a big one, now's the time to lock in your date. This 6-hour trip is perfect for squeezing in some serious fishing without eating up your whole day. Bring a buddy, pack some snacks, and get ready for some world-class angling right in Detroit's backyard. Captain Justin's got the skills to put you on fish, and trust me – once you've experienced the Detroit River's fishing, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call, pick your day, and let's get out there and make some waves!
Walleye are prized catches in the Detroit River, known for their tasty white meat and challenging nature. These golden-olive fish typically run 15-20 inches, with trophy sizes pushing 30 inches. You'll find them hanging out near rocky or sandy bottoms, often in deeper water during the day. Walleye have excellent low-light vision, making dawn and dusk prime fishing times. They're most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are your best bets. Anglers love walleye for their subtle bites and strong fights once hooked. Plus, they're considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. To up your chances, try slow-trolling with live bait rigs or jigging near drop-offs. My local tip: focus on current breaks and eddies where walleye wait to ambush prey. Be patient and feel for that light tap - walleye are notoriously finicky biters. But when you hook one, you're in for a satisfying battle and a potential delicious meal.
Northern Pike are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. These long, sleek fish average about 2 feet but can grow much bigger. You'll find them lurking in cool, shallow areas with lots of weeds - perfect ambush spots. In summer, they move to deeper, cooler waters. Pike aren't picky eaters and will strike at almost anything, making them fun to catch year-round. But spring, just after ice-out, is prime time. Anglers love pike for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They're also known as "water wolves" for good reason - those teeth are no joke! Use a sturdy rod and reel with at least 15-pound line. Slow-retrieve lures that mimic injured fish work well. My local tip: focus on weed edges and drop-offs, especially early morning. Let the pike play with your bait a bit before setting the hook. Just watch those teeth when you land one - they've earned their reputation!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300