FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"

Join FishBilly Charters on Grand Traverse Bay or Lake Leelanau and get ready to have a blast with Captain William Stephenson! You’ll be jigging and casting the productive waters near Lake Leelanau, Traverse City, Leland, Suttons Bay, Northport, and Glen Arbor in search of world-class freshwater species. Capt. Bill has been fishing the Great Lakes most of his life and knows all the sweet spots in order to put you on big fish!

Your boat for the day is a 19’ Lund Tyee performance fisher, built in 2016 and fully equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and fishing gear. She comes with downriggers, a wireless trolling motor, a live bait tank, and safety gear. You’ll be fishing with top-of-the-line Okuma, Shimano, and Daiwa rods and reels so you get the most professional experience while on board.

You’ll be targeting Lake Trout, Cisco, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Whitefish and Northern Pike. These prolific waters are abundant with freshwater species that are delicious and also fun to catch at the same time!

All you need to do is purchase a fishing license online or at a nearby shop and arrive 15 minutes before your trip. Feel free to bring a cooler with snacks and drinks, and the rest will be taken care of.

Let FishBilly Charters show you an amazing time and get ready for an incredible adventure you won’t soon forget!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Bass/Walleye/Pike
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 24 - May 31
    US $500
    Get ready to fish the Leelanau Peninsula and target world-class Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Northern Pike. You'll be fishing from a 19' Lund Tyee performance fisher, fully rigged with rods, reels, and tackle so you can fish like a pro. Just be sure to purchase a fishing license and arrive at the dock 15 minutes before the departure time. Bring snacks and drinks and get ready for an exciting afternoon of fishing!
  • Private trip
    AM Trip – Lake Trout, Salmon, Cisco
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 24 - Aug 31
    US $500
    You will be jigging for Lake Trout (trophy fish over 15lbs are common), Cisco & Whitefish on the waters surrounding the Leelanau Penisula. Limit catches are common May through mid July and the action is typically fast and furious. Late July & August the weather is beautiful, but we have to work harder some days as the fish move deeper. Late Aug & Sept provide an opportunity to jig Coho & King Salmon. Bring your fishing license, snacks, and drinks, and dress for the weather.
    Targeted fish
    Salmon
    Salmon
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Whitefish (Lake)
    Lake Whitefish
    Herring
    Herring
  • Private trip
    PM Trip – Lake Trout, Salmon, Cisco
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Apr 24 - Aug 24
    US $500
    You will be jigging for Lake Trout (trophy fish over 15lbs are common), Cisco & Whitefish on the waters surrounding the Leelanau Penisula. Limit catches are common May through mid July and the action is typically fast and furious. Late July & August the weather is beautiful, but we have to work harder some days as the fish move deeper. Late Aug & Sept provide an opportunity to jig Coho & King Salmon. Bring your fishing license, snacks, and drinks, and dress for the weather.
    Targeted fish
    Salmon
    Salmon
    Lake Trout
    Lake Trout
    Whitefish (Lake)
    Lake Whitefish
    Herring
    Herring

FAQs about FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"

FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast" offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Bass/Walleye/Pike (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - AM Trip – Lake Trout, Salmon, Cisco (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - PM Trip – Lake Trout, Salmon, Cisco (5 hours)

When you book a trip with FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast", you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor

Trips booked with FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast" include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano, Okuma, & Daiwa )
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting

FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast" offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake Fishing (Lake Leelanau, Lake Michigan )

FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast" offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Ice Fishing

Top targeted fish species with FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast" include:
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Herring
  • Lake Trout
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Pike (Northern)
  • Walleye
  • Whitefish (Lake)

Meet the Captain

William Stephenson
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
ID & license verified
33 Customer reviews
Member since June 2019
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain William has been fishing the Great Lakes for over 30 years. Apart from a possessing a lifetime fishing experience across North America, the captain is also a Michigan State University graduate and retired executive from the building products industry. In 2018, he began working as a first mate in Leland's historic Fishtown Village, gaining invaluable knowledge and launching his professional fishing career. In March 2019, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and obtained his captain's license and founded FishBilly Charters. Captain William guides all of his trips and provides top-notch service, safety, and fun to ensure you have a great experience on the water. “Our goal is to put you on fish and provide you with an experience you will remember forever. We are happy to tailor a trip to your specific interest. We aim for the best bite throughout the year and target a variety of species so you can make a catch. Our passion is fishing and we want to share it with you.”

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Smallmouth) Smallmouth Bass
Herring Herring
Lake Trout Lake Trout
Perch (Yellow) Yellow Perch

Boat specs

Lund (Aluminum fishing) originally built in 2016. Powered by a 150HP Mercury engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 39 knots.

Length
19 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

Lake Fishing
Lake Leelanau, Lake Michigan

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Ice Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano, Okuma, & Daiwa
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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
Ages 7 & up
You Keep Catch
Smallmouth Bass are C&R only
Catch and Release Allowed
Smallmouth Bass are C&R only

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
Checks

Traverse City Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 18 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (12)
Half day trip with captain Bill
Amazing Experience with Billy
Amazing Experience with Billy
+9
Angler rating
18
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Showing:
5 of 18 reviews
Andrew P.
Utica, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip

VERIFIED   Salmon & Trout (Evening) on June 30, 2019
Captain Bill was awesome. He went above and beyond. Clear instructions, even suggested his website which shows what you can...
Andrew P. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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  William Stephenson Captain replied

Samatha H.
Taylor, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing!!!!!

VERIFIED   Salmon & Trout (PM) on August 16, 2021
This was the most amazing time I had on a boat. This was a birthday gift to my fiancé. Not only did we catch BIG salmon the...
Samatha H. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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Samatha H. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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Stephen Z.
Ballwin, MO
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with captain Bill

VERIFIED   Salmon & Trout (AM) on July 12, 2021
Had a great time. Caught limit of really nice fish. I can’t wait to go again !
Stephen Z. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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  William Stephenson Captain replied

Bret Z.
New Baltimore, Michigan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Would highly recommend

VERIFIED   Salmon & Trout (AM) on July 18, 2020
I do a lot of fishing and got the charter to experience a type of fishing I’ve never done and it was great. Captain billy...
Bret Z. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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Bret Z. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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Jennifer P.
Traverse City, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Experience with Billy

VERIFIED   Salmon & Trout (AM) on May 31, 2020
Billy was an exceptional captain. He was thoughtful, professional, friendly, and very experienced in fishing. He was so attentive...
Jennifer P. recommends FishBilly Charters "Jig & Cast"
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  William Stephenson Captain replied