Do I need prior fishing experience?

No fishing experience is required; guides will instruct you on all aspects of net casting and fish handling.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 8 and up who can stand and participate safely are welcome.

What time of year is best for this trip?

Late spring through early fall offers optimal conditions and fish activity in Suttons Bay.

Are meals or snacks provided on board?

No, but you may bring light snacks and beverages in a small personal cooler.

Can I keep any fish caught?

No, fish are collected for research purposes and released after data collection to ensure sustainability.

How can I book a trip?

Reservations can be made through local tourism websites or the Schooner Inland Seas organization directly.

Hands-On Lake Michigan Fishing Adventure in Suttons Bay

Suttons Bay, located in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula along the shores of Lake Michigan, offers a rare blend of educational and hands-on outdoor adventure aboard the Schooner Inland Seas. This unique two-hour excursion invites visitors to participate in a fisheries research expedition, combining the thrill of net casting with an intimate look at Lake Michigan’s aquatic ecosystem. Departing from the docks at 100 Dame St #218, the experience goes beyond a typical fishing trip — here, you engage directly with Michigan Department of Natural Resources researchers, gaining insight into the lake’s diverse fish species and their critical roles in the freshwater environment.

The Inland Seas is a classic schooner, perfectly suited for navigating the calm waters of Suttons Bay and providing a stable platform for research activities. During the voyage, participants help cast seine nets and haul in catches that include perch, northern pike, and various forage fish species fundamental to the lake’s food web. The hands-on nature of the trip makes it accessible yet fascinating for both novices and anglers alike. This program not only educates but also contributes valuable citizen-science data to ongoing conservation efforts.

Suttons Bay itself is a vibrant hub within Michigan’s Traverse City region, known for its vineyards, cherry orchards, and access to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The bay’s frank water clarity and healthy fish populations make it an ideal living classroom for freshwater biology.

This adventure stands out because of its dual focus on ecological education and interactive research, distinct from standard fishing charters. It’s a genuine opportunity to deepen your understanding of Great Lakes ecology while actively participating in stewardship efforts. If you’re drawn to water activities with an environmental mission in mind, this trip offers a memorable, immersive experience anchored in science and nature.

About Inland Seas Education Association

Inland Seas Education Association provides immersive Great Lakes education through hands-on sailing trips, STEM programs, and group lodging. Operating historic tall ships including the 105' schooner Alliance and the 77' schooner Inland Seas, the organization delivers public sails, schoolship science expeditions, night sky cruises, and watershed exploration programs that connect participants with lake ecology.

Programs offered include Schoolship registration aboard both Alliance and Inland Seas, four-hour student research cruises where learners collect and analyze aquatic samples, and fisheries netting sails that support Michigan DNR research. The ROV Engineer and Explore program guides students to design, build, and operate remotely operated vehicles, blending engineering practice with marine stewardship. Public experiences include Night Sail events in Traverse City and Suttons Bay and Schooner Showcase sails that place guests among majestic tall ships on Grand Traverse Bay. For residential groups, dormitory lodging at the Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station accommodates up to 12 guests in a quiet Suttons Bay setting.

The organization emphasizes curriculum-aligned lessons, certified instructors, and partnerships with regional researchers to ensure educational rigor and safety. By combining authentic sailing with hands-on science, Inland Seas Education Association fosters environmental stewardship, inspires future scientists and mariners, and offers repeatable programs tailored to school groups, families, and adult learners.

Participants can expect professional crew, clearly defined learning objectives, and opportunities to contribute real data to regional research efforts.