Business Details
36 Years
experience
Traverse City Fishing Charters for Trophy Fish
At Big Kahuna Charter, we combine 35 years of expertise with proven techniques to deliver unparalleled fishing adventures on East Grand Traverse Bay. Our tournament-winning captains and crew, who have earned 20 Great Lakes tournament wins including 5 Big Jon Salmon Classics, utilize time-tested strategies and a deep understanding of local waters to maximize your catch rate. With a fleet of spacious, well-equipped boats like the 37ft Chris Craft, we ensure comfort and safety while accommodating up to 6 anglers.Our flexible booking system and personalized service, supported by Rachel Alpers and experienced captains, create seamless experiences for families, first-time anglers, and seasoned fishers alike. Recognized on NBC, CBS, and Fox sport fishing programs, we maintain a 92% catch rate across 100+ recent trips, reflecting our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Services
Fishing Charters
Half-Day Charters
Full-Day Charters
Trophy Fish Trips
Steelhead Fishing
Salmon Trolling
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 92% catch rate across 100+ recent trips.
- Our captains have 35 years of combined experience and 20 Great Lakes tournament wins.
- We operate spacious, handicap-accessible boats with modern equipment.
- Our booking system offers flexible trip customization.
- Generational fishing experts guide every expedition.
What people say
Expert captains' local knowledge
92% catch rate achieved
Family-friendly environment
Comfortable, modern boats
Exceptional customer service
Services
Fishing Charters
Our fishing charters specialize in targeting lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, and salmon aboard comfortable 37ft Chris Craft vessels. With a 92% catch rate, experienced captains use advanced techniques to ensure productive trips. Families, first-time anglers, and professionals benefit from personalized instruction and strategic fishing spot access.
Half-Day Charters
Half-day charters focus on efficient fishing sessions tailored to seasonal patterns. Captains adjust lures, depth, and locations to maximize catches of specific species. Ideal for time-constrained guests, these trips balance flexibility with high-quality service, including safety protocols and onboard amenities.
Full-Day Charters
Full-day trips offer immersive fishing experiences with expert guidance. Our crew utilizes generational knowledge and modern equipment to target trophy fish in East Grand Traverse Bay. The extended duration allows comprehensive exploration of prime fishing zones while ensuring comfort and safety.
Steelhead Fishing
Specialized steelhead fishing trips leverage decades of local expertise and 92% catch rate data. Our team adjusts techniques based on water temperature and migration patterns, providing targeted rod setups and real-time strategy adjustments for optimal success.
Salmon Trolling
Salmon trolling expeditions combine proven methods with cutting-edge gear to locate high-density schools. Captains with 35 years of regional experience navigate East Bay's protected waters, ensuring stable conditions for catching trophy-class Chinook and coho salmon.
People
Captain Hunter
Charter Captain
A fourth-generation Traverse City angler, Captain Hunter transitioned from first mate to captain after mastering local waters. His trophy fish expertise and family legacy ensure clients benefit from generational knowledge and adaptive fishing strategies.
Rachel Alpers
Customer Service Manager
Rachel coordinates bookings and addresses guest inquiries, leveraging 15 years in the charter industry to provide seamless trip planning. Her focus on personalized service ensures smooth coordination from reservation through departure.
Questions
What types of fish can we target?
Our trips focus on lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, salmon, and other Great Lakes species using seasonally optimized techniques.
What boat sizes do you offer?
We operate a 37ft Chris Craft accommodating up to 6 anglers, featuring ample space and modern fishing equipment.
How long are your charter trips?
Choose from half-day (4-5 hours) or full-day (8-10 hours) options, with customizable start times based on seasonal conditions.
Do you provide fishing gear?
Yes, top-tier rods, reels, lures, and safety equipment are included in all charter packages.
Are trips suitable for beginners?
Absolutely—our crew provides expert guidance for all skill levels, including equipment training and casting techniques.
What safety measures are in place?
Our boats meet USCG standards, carry life jackets for all passengers, and captains maintain current safety certifications.
