TC Bass Destination Charters, LLC

Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Butch Derickson

Butch Derickson

Independent Guide 8 years of exp.
Talkative
Instructional
After retiring as a mechanical engineer in the power industry, Captain Norvel turned his passion for bassfishing into a charter business. Come join him in Traverse City and create some awesome memories on the water!

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Butch Derickson

Butch Derickson

Independent Guide 8 years of exp.
After retiring as a mechanical engineer in the power industry, Captain Norvel turned his passion for bassfishing into a charter business. Come join him in Traverse City and create some awesome memories on the water!
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
6.5# smallmouth 10# largemouth
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Tenderloin steak
What’s your favorite sports team?
Packers
What’s your drink of choice?
Water

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
6.5# smallmouth 10# largemouth
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Tenderloin steak
What’s your favorite sports team?
Packers
What’s your drink of choice?
Water
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Traverse City Smallie Special

100% (2) 1 - 2 People 4 - 8 Hours From $440
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special
Traverse City Smallie Special

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

Although Traverse City is known for its Salmon and Steelhead fishing, this area is also prime territory for Smallmouth Bass! Captain Butch has decades of experiences hooking wallhangers in the Bay and on the nearby inland lakes, and he excels in putting his clients on big fish. Smallmouth Bass offer a great experience to all levels of anglers. These fish hit both baits and lures, and you can expect massive topwater takes in addition to...

About Your Trip

Although Traverse City is known for its Salmon and Steelhead fishing, this area is also prime territory for Smallmouth Bass! Captain Butch has decades of experiences hooking wallhangers in the Bay and on the nearby inland lakes, and he excels in putting his clients on big fish.

Smallmouth Bass offer a great experience to all levels of anglers. These fish hit both baits and lures, and you can expect massive topwater takes in addition to
big bites when you're jigging off the bottom. Captain Butch is happy to give you some expert advice so that you can improve your cast, perfect your retrieve, and hit a personal best!

On your fishing adventure, you will be fishing aboard a 21' Ranger skiff. She's ideal for fishing the shallow waters where big Smallies like to hang out, and she's powered by a 250-HP Yamaha outboard so you'll get out there in a hurry. Captain Butch will bring everything you need for an awesome trip, including all the rods, reels, and tackle. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, your MI fishing licenses, and some sun protection, and you'll be ready to whack some big ones!
Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

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 kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

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 Traverse City Smallie Special
Boat photo for Traverse City Smallie Special
Boat Type
Bass Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Ranger
Year Built
2011
Boat Length
21'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bass Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Ranger
Year Built
2011
Boat Length
21'
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
250
Number of Engines
1
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Recent Reviews of TC Bass Destination Charters, LLC

5.0
based on 2 reviews

Alfred

Verified Review

Had a great time found fish for us

Alfred

Verified Review

Had a great time found fish for us
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Terry

Verified Review

My daughter and I had a great time fishing with Butch. She had never caught a smallmouth before. Not only did she catch more than me she caught the biggest (4.40 lbs). Weather wasn't ideal with slick water and overcast most of the time but he still managed to put on some good fish. Our best 5 went a little over 16.5lbs. Was a good trip and I would...

Terry

Verified Review

My daughter and I had a great time fishing with Butch. She had never caught a smallmouth before. Not only did she catch more than me she caught the biggest (4.40 lbs). Weather wasn't ideal with slick water and overcast most of the time but he still managed to put on some good fish. Our best 5 went a little over 16.5lbs. Was a good trip and I would recommend Butch as he has a lot of guide/tournament experience in the area. We went in the West Bay out of Traverse City.
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Smallmouth Bass
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Not Ideal
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  • 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)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Jigging
Light Tackle Fishing

Type of Fishing

Lake

Need a Place to Stay?

TC Bass Destination Charters, LLC Photo Gallery

Traverse City Smallie Special
March 29th, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
August 23rd, 2022
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Smallie Special
March 23rd, 2023
Traverse City, Michigan
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