"Our mission is fishin" is the motto of Big Kahuna Charters. The most popular and oldest fishing guide in East Grand Traverse Bay, they sure know a thing or two about filling the boat with fish, creating lasting memories, and providing an incredible day of fishing out on the water.  Their specialty is family outings, corporate events, and of course small group charters, of 2-4 people. 

Run by long-time locals, Rachel and Scott Alpers, they employ only the highest-quality and experienced captains. Captain Sunny has over 40 years of experience running charters here. Rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands, with experienced USCG licensed captains and highly trained first mates.
Up to 6 guests are welcome and they encourage you to make yourselves at home in the comfortable cabin that features a bunk, kitchen, and full head toilet (additional boats are available for large group/corporate outings). Bring your own drinks and snacks aboard and settle in for a fun-filled day.

Built with fishing in mind, the boat also features all the amenities needed for a productive day out. Troll the shoreline using downriggers, and quietly cruise along while enjoying the sunrise or a picturesque sunset that Northern Michigan is known for.

And that’s that! Everything you need for a productive day is waiting on board. Big Kahuna Fishing Charters offers fun for the whole family. Just grab your fishing licenses and come aboard to see why East Grand Traverse Bay is considered one of the prime locations for "catching" in the Traverse City area.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Sep 30
    US $590
    Get out on the water first thing and catch the early bite of some of Lake Michigan's most prized species. Spend 4 hours battling it out on these productive waters with 3 kinds of Trout and some strong Coho Salmon. These tough-fighting creatures will make you work hard to fill the boat, making your lunch all the more tasty when you cook it up after the trip. Departure time may vary depending on sunrise and the season, so get in touch with your captain beforehand.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (Evening)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Sep 30
    US $590
    It's never too late to go fishing. In fact, what better way to relax after a day of work than by getting out on the water? Head out at 5 p.m. and enjoy the stunning sunset on Lake Michigan, catching the evening bite of some tough-fighting and delicious fish. Troll or get your hands full when bottom fishing as you try to fill the boat with tasty Trout and Salmon to take home for a well-earned dinner.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Sep 30
    US $590
    If you love the sun, then this mid-day trip is ideal for you. While the fishing is a bit slower, you'll still get your hands on some exciting and delicious Trout and Salmon during your time aboard. In fact, this is the perfect time to catch something fresh for dinner, giving the captain plenty of time to clean and the catch after your trip, and allowing you the chance to cook it up whichever way you want it.
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Big Kahuna Charters

Big Kahuna Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $590 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $590 per group - Half Day Trip (Evening) (4 hours)
  • US $590 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)

When you book a trip with Big Kahuna Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Big Kahuna Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate (All Charters are equipped with a crew of two)

Big Kahuna Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake Fishing

Big Kahuna Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling

Top targeted fish species with Big Kahuna Charters include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Coho)

Meet the Captain

Sonny Aeschliman
Williamsburg, Michigan, United States
90 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2019
A native of the Traverse City area, Captain Sonny has been fishing since he was a young lad, and acquired his Captains License in 1986. A true outdoorsman, Captain Sonny has a profound respect for nature, wildlife and all that it has to offer. As a long time business owner in auto body restoration, Captain Sonny fully retired in 2006. He enjoys his retirement doing what he enjoys most; Fishing, Hunting, & spending time with family. Captain Sonny has welcomed anglers, both young and old, aboard Pisces and Big Kahuna for many years. He has established a long list of repeat fishing clients, many from as far away as California, the Eastern States & Midwest. A legend in his own right, a successful fisherman/outdoorsman comes with years of experience, knowledge, story telling and Humor. Captain Sonny certainly has filled the requirements and then some. It’s no wonder we have repeat customers year after year, requesting Captain Sonny and his Mate, Colton, as their crew.

About this listing

Targeted species

Brown Trout Brown Trout
Lake Trout Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Coho) Coho Salmon

Boat specs

Chris Craft (Cruiser) originally built in 1972, and restored in 2018. Powered by 2 427HP Ford engines.

Length
38 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Lake Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Kitchen
Refrigerator

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
All Charters are equipped with a crew of two

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
All ages welcome
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 90 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (106)
So Much Fun!
So Much Fun!
So Much Fun!
+103
Angler rating
73
12
1
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
88%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 90 reviews
Ann B.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

So Much Fun!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (Evening) on September 3, 2023
Captain Sonny and First Mate Josh took us on an evening trip on lovely Lake Michigan.  It was our 26th Wedding Anniversary...
Ann B. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Ann B. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Rachel C.
Buffalo, MN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Evening charter with Captain Sonny and Hunter

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on August 2, 2023
Our family of six (ages 11+) had an amazing time on our first fishing charter!  We had been watching the weather all day as...
Rachel C. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Rachel C. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Heidi C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent fishing experience

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 31, 2023
Our family (3 young adults ages 18-22 plus mom and dad) booked this fishing trip because of a recommendation from my sister...
Heidi C. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Sonny Aeschliman Captain replied

CHRISTIANA C.
Bexley, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great time fishing!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on August 10, 2023
Captain Sonny and First Mate Hunter were awesome- Hunter got everything situated and both worked together to make sure we had...
CHRISTIANA C. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
CHRISTIANA C. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Jody B.
Fife Lake, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Evening trip with Captain Sonny and Josh

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on August 25, 2023
We caught 4 enormous salmon on a perfect evening on the bay. The Captain was exceptionally kind to my father and Josh was skilled...
Jody B. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Jody B. recommends Big Kahuna Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful