About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ethan Pilarski

Ethan Pilarski

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Captain Ski is a Northern Michigan native with a passion for Great Lakes fishing. From spring Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Cisco to summer King Salmon, he uses his local knowledge to help anglers of all skill levels make the most of their time on the water.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ethan Pilarski

Ethan Pilarski

Independent Guide
Captain Ski is a Northern Michigan native with a passion for Great Lakes fishing. From spring Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Cisco to summer King Salmon, he uses his local knowledge to help anglers of all skill levels make the most of their time on the water.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
On Lake Michigan, a 31lb King
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Venison backstraps
What’s your favorite band?
Kenney Chesney

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
On Lake Michigan, a 31lb King
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Venison backstraps
What’s your favorite band?
Kenney Chesney
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Big Water — 4 Hrs (Am Or Pm)

NEW 1 - 4 People 4 - 6 Hours From $550
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)

About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Welcome aboard for the ultimate hands-on Great Lakes fishing adventure! Operating out of beautiful Traverse City, Michigan, our standard 4-hour half-day trips (available for morning, mid-day, or evening departures) launch from Elmwood Marina or the Center Road Boat Launch. We primarily fish the pristine, protected waters of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, staying anywhere from a half-mile to 3 miles offshore. Because the bays are naturally sheltered from harsh winds, you can look forward...

About Your Trip

Welcome aboard for the ultimate hands-on Great Lakes fishing adventure! Operating out of beautiful Traverse City, Michigan, our standard 4-hour half-day trips (available for morning, mid-day, or evening departures) launch from Elmwood Marina or the Center Road Boat Launch. We primarily fish the pristine, protected waters of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, staying anywhere from a half-mile to 3 miles offshore. Because the bays are naturally sheltered from harsh winds, you can look forward to a remarkably smooth, calm, and family-friendly day on the water that is perfectly suited for all ages and skill levels. 

You will be fishing in comfort from our stable 20' Lund Fisherman Deep V hull boat. While it is licensed to carry up to 4 passengers, trips with 2 to 3 guests offer the absolute best experience. As your owner and captain, I run these trips solo—meaning there is no first mate aboard, allowing for a truly personalized, one-on-one guiding experience. The boat is fully U.S. Coast Guard certified and loaded with top-tier technology, including a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor, a FishHawk system to find precise temperature depths, Humminbird sonar, and brand-new Big Jon downriggers. All premium rods, reels, tackle, and lures are provided at no extra cost, and when we get back to the docks, I will clean and fillet your catch for free so it’s ready for your cooler! 

What sets us apart is over 15 years of local, lifelong experience fishing these exact waters, giving us an unmatched pulse on where the fish are moving. Our trips are highly customizable based on the season and what you want to catch: early spring and summer focus on aggressive Lake Trout, Steelhead (Rainbow Trout), and Cisco using light or heavy tackle trolling and jigging methods; from late July through September, we pivot to chasing hard-fighting King (Chinook) and Coho Salmon. Once a fish is hooked, I hand the rod over—putting you in full control of the fight while I coach you through the action. We even welcome you to bring your own beer or wine to keep things relaxed. Just bring your valid Michigan DNR fishing license, layered clothing, a cooler, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an easy level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Lund
Boat Length
20'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Lund
Boat Length
20'
Boat Restroom
No
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • 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)

Technique

Types of Fishing

NOMI Fishing Charters Photo Gallery

Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
Big Water — 4 Hrs (AM Or PM)
June 13th, 2026
Traverse City, Michigan
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