Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. Purchase a one-day fishing license the day before the trip; the operator will let you know whether an Ontario or Michigan license applies based on where you’ll fish.

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 8 years old per the listing; children should be supervised and able to follow safety instructions.

Are rods and bait provided?

Yes. All rods, reels, lures, live bait, and tackle are supplied by Reel Therapy Sportfishing LLC.

Is catch cleaning included?

Walleye filleting and cleaning is included; perch filleting is available on request and may incur additional charges.

What happens if weather cancels the trip?

Trips may be rescheduled for safety reasons; follow the operator’s guidance and avoid purchasing licenses earlier than advised.

Should I tip the crew?

Gratuities are not included but are common; first mates work hard to help you land fish and typically accept tips.

Lake St. Clair 8-Hour Bass Charter: Smallmouth Drift and Musky Trolling | Fishing | Boat Rental

On Lake St. Clair's restless shelf, an eight-hour outing with Reel Therapy Sportfishing LLC launches from 27700 Jefferson Ave in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. The 8 Hour Bass Charter - Alumacraft is built for anglers who want nonstop action: drift-baiting over rocky shoals and weed edges for hard-fighting smallmouth before switching to fast trolling over deeper humps to tempt trophy musky.

The lake here is shallow and productive—sand flats give way to abrupt rock humps, river channels carve deeper troughs, and dense Eurasian and native weed beds hold baitfish and predator fish alike. Those geomorphic features make this corner of the Great Lakes Basin an ideal hunting ground for diverse species: smallmouth bass that explode from 10–20 feet of water, musky cruising transition zones, and seasonally abundant walleye and yellow perch.

Your day begins at the meeting point on Jefferson Avenue; the crew supplies an Alumacraft, all rods and reels, live bait, lures, and tackle. First mates onboard are focused on finding fish and helping guests land them—catch cleaning and filleting of walleye is included, with perch filleting available on request. The trip suits 1–3 anglers and is designed to be active: expect repeated casts while drifting and steady runs while trolling.

Practicalities matter: you must purchase a one-day fishing license the day before the trip (the company will advise whether an Ontario or Michigan license applies based on where you’ll be fishing). Wear layered clothing and non-marking boat shoes, bring sun protection, rain gear, snacks, and motion-sickness medicine if you’re prone to seasickness.

What sets this charter apart is its blend of techniques and local know-how. Running both live-bait drifts for smallmouth and targeted musky trolling in a single day requires confidence with gear changes and a captain who reads water quickly. Reel Therapy Sportfishing LLC operates where international waters meet local shoreline—fishable structure changes with light and wind—and their adaptability makes this an especially productive choice for visiting anglers.

Beyond the strike and fight, the trip offers a primer in regional ecology: you’ll see expansive marsh edges, the sweep of the St. Clair River flow, and migrating waterfowl in spring and fall. It’s a hands-on way to experience the Great Lakes fishery, whether you’re dialing in a short-bite technique or pursuing a musky of a lifetime.