About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Sam James

Sam James

Independent Guide
US Veteran Veteran
Laid-back
Quiet
Hands-off
Quality
Adventurous
Beginner Oriented
Hi, I’m Captain Sam, the proud owner and operator, offering unforgettable fishing experiences on Lake Saint Clair. I grew up fishing with my grandpa on northern Michigan lakes and developed a deep passion for the sport from a young age. After joining the Air Force in 2012, I moved to Saint Clair Shores in 2014, eager to be closer to one of the best fisheries in Michigan.

As an avid musky fisherman, I have spent the last 11 years honing my skills specifically for Lake Saint Clair, working with a variety of gear and people. Learning the nuances of musky fishing from other charter captains, along with discovering my own musky fishing "secrets" along the way, has been a journey of dedication. I run a 1989 Phoenix Marine Sportfish, and as all boats of age, it has some physical "character" if you know what i mean, however, I am committed to offering a top-tier fishing experience and helping guests enjoy the thrill of reeling in trophy fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, my goal is...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Sam James

Sam James

Independent Guide
Hi, I’m Captain Sam, the proud owner and operator, offering unforgettable fishing experiences on Lake Saint Clair. I grew up fishing with my grandpa on northern Michigan lakes and developed a deep passion for the sport from a young age. After joining the Air Force in 2012, I moved to Saint Clair Shores in 2014, eager to be closer to one of the best fisheries in Michigan.

As an avid musky fisherman, I have spent the last 11 years honing my skills specifically for Lake Saint Clair, working with a variety of gear and people. Learning the nuances of musky fishing from other charter captains, along with discovering my own musky fishing "secrets" along the way, has been a journey of dedication. I run a 1989 Phoenix Marine Sportfish, and as all boats of age, it has some physical "character" if you know what i mean, however, I am committed to offering a top-tier fishing experience and helping guests enjoy the thrill of reeling in trophy fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, my goal is
to ensure you have an exciting, memorable time on the water.

Beyond fishing, I have extensive boating experience and have worked on various maritime missions with the Michigan National Guard Maritime Detachment. I hold a USCG 25-Ton Master License and have successfully completed the USCG Master 100-Ton Course. Additionally, I am certified in the American Heart Association's "Heartsaver" program and the Red Cross's BLS, AED, and CPR for both pediatric and adult care, ensuring that safety is always a priority on board.

I take safety and compliance seriously, which is why I have my boat inspected by the Coast Guard at the beginning of every season. I also undergo the Michigan DNR charter boat inspections and always ensure full compliance with all regulations. My goal is to provide not only an exciting fishing experience but also a safe and professional environment for every guest.

I’m excited to share my expertise with you, whether you're looking to catch musky, pike, bass or simply enjoy a day on Lake Saint Clair. Let’s make your next fishing adventure one to remember!

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
The biggest fish I’ve personally caught on my boat is a 51.5-inch musky, estimated to weigh just under 40 lbs. That said, I’ve fought many fish that got away before I could land them, and I’ve witnessed muskies exceeding the 40 lb mark being caught while fishing on other boats. Lake Saint Clair holds some absolute giants, and every trip is a chance to hook into a true monster!
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
I like to cook parmesan chicken, which always turns out really good. On the side, I'd make Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread—it’s one of those buttery, cheesy breads that’s impossible to stop eating!
What’s your favorite band?
I listen to a broad range of music. I enjoy jazz bands like Maynard Ferguson and other great trumpet players, but I also listen to a lot of heavier stuff like Parkway Drive, August Burns Red, Avenged Sevenfold, and Metallica. On the other end of the spectrum, I also like classic rock like CCR and similar bands.
What’s your favorite movie?
I don’t think I have a single favorite movie—I’d be a terrible critic because I tend to enjoy almost every movie I watch. That said, I do have a few I like more than others. For sports movies, Miracle on Ice, The Rookie, and For Love of the Game stand out. For non-sports movies, I tend to enjoy ones based on true stories like Pain & Gain, War Dogs, and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. as far as TV shows, I really enjoy The Office, Rescue Me, and Ted Lasso—all great shows with a mix of humor and heart.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
The biggest fish I’ve personally caught on my boat is a 51.5-inch musky, estimated to weigh just under 40 lbs. That said, I’ve fought many fish that got away before I could land them, and I’ve witnessed muskies exceeding the 40 lb mark being caught while fishing on other boats. Lake Saint Clair holds some absolute giants, and every trip is a chance to hook into a true monster!
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
I like to cook parmesan chicken, which always turns out really good. On the side, I'd make Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread—it’s one of those buttery, cheesy breads that’s impossible to stop eating!
What’s your favorite band?
I listen to a broad range of music. I enjoy jazz bands like Maynard Ferguson and other great trumpet players, but I also listen to a lot of heavier stuff like Parkway Drive, August Burns Red, Avenged Sevenfold, and Metallica. On the other end of the spectrum, I also like classic rock like CCR and similar bands.
What’s your favorite movie?
I don’t think I have a single favorite movie—I’d be a terrible critic because I tend to enjoy almost every movie I watch. That said, I do have a few I like more than others. For sports movies, Miracle on Ice, The Rookie, and For Love of the Game stand out. For non-sports movies, I tend to enjoy ones based on true stories like Pain & Gain, War Dogs, and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. as far as TV shows, I really enjoy The Office, Rescue Me, and Ted Lasso—all great shows with a mix of humor and heart.
What’s your favorite sports team?
The Detroit Red Wings, without a doubt. Growing up, they were one of the most dominant teams in hockey, with an incredible legacy of success. From the late '90s dynasty with Yzerman, Shanahan, and Lidström to the 2008 Stanley Cup win with Datsyuk and Zetterberg, the team has always played an exciting, fast-paced game. If you showed me a Red Wings highlight from anywhere between 1998-2012, there’s almost a 100% chance I watched that game live—either in person at the arena or on TV. (I was even a season ticket holder once!) The Wings have been a huge part of my love for hockey, and I’ll always be rooting for them.
What’s your drink of choice?
No Question - Mountain Dew Baja Blast
What makes you different from other guides?
I approach every trip with the same excitement and dedication as if I were fishing for myself. I’m not just running a business—I’m obsessed with musky fishing, and I bring that to every charter. I also take safety and compliance seriously, ensuring my boat is Coast Guard and Michigan DNR inspected. Plus, my background in maritime operations and certifications in CPR, BLS, and AED training add an extra layer of security for my guests.

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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on the current month (March).
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

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