TC Bass Destination Charters
TC Bass Destination Charters
TC Bass Destination Charters and Guide Norvel Derickson bid you a warm welcome to Traverse City. Chasing the nationally known Bass in the northwestern Michigan area is the guide’s passion and he is ready to share his knowledge of the Grand Traverse Bay and the numerous inland lakes in the area with you. Bass fishing in the area is has become full-scale and is regarded as some of the best in the country. Numbers of Bass are always available and a true trophy fish may hit on your very next cast, so come aboard and fish with TC Bass Destination Charters!
Your trip will start on a 21’ Ranger Z521 bass boat that can accommodate 3 anglers. Running on a powerful 250 HP Yamaha SHO engine that can reach a maximum cruising speed of 65 knots, the boat will quickly take you to the desired spots. For safe and efficient navigation, the boat uses modern Lowrance HDS fishfinder and GPS systems, as well as a VHF radio. In order to make a quieter approach to the fish, the boat has got a wireless trolling motor.
You and your guide will use light tackle to target Smallmouth Bass by bottom fishing, spinning, and jigging. Kids are free to join the trip, alcohol is not allowed, and some of the fish will have to be released due to the local regulations.
Guide Norvel will take care of all the tackle, lures, snacks, and drinks, meaning that the only thing you should bring is your fishing license.
Come to Traverse City and have a memorable lake fishing trip with TC Bass Destination Charters!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (45)
+42Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
91%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
90%
Jul 29, 2025
6 Hour Trip
Smallmouth logic
My adult son and I enjoyed an outing with Captain Butch Derickson on July 29, 2025. Weather conditions were not optimal, but we caught a reasonable number of spirited smallmouth bass. Most importantly, Butch explained why we fished with specific techniques at specific locations so that we might have an opportunity to try again on our own. Butch is quite personable and we enjoyed talking with him about a variety of topics in addition to fishing.
My adult son and I enjoyed an outing with Captain Butch Derickson on July 29, 2025. Weather conditions were not optimal, but...
Captain replied
Aug 14, 2025
4 Hour Trip
Awesome Smallmouth fishing!
Capt. Butch was great! Very knowledgeable on where to find the fish, techniques to be used and taught us a lot! I do a lot of charters and the captain taught me an my nephew a lot about fishing in Traverse Bay! Great trip for younger anglers as well! Lots of action and spotting the fish in the clear waters will keep them occupied and attentive. I highly recommend this trip!!! I will be doing it again!
Capt. Butch was great! Very knowledgeable on where to find the fish, techniques to be used and taught us a lot! I do a lot of...
Captain replied
Jul 20, 2025
6 Hour Trip
Fishing with Norvel
Jun 25, 2024
4 Hour Trip
New personal best
Fishing conditions were a bit tough after a big storm rolled through over night, but Butch still put my on my new personal best and cought 5 or 6 others that were over 3 lbs. Great fully equipped bass boat with all the bells and whistles. Also had a good time chatting with Butch and the sightseeing from the lake was almost worth the price of the trip by itself
Fishing conditions were a bit tough after a big storm rolled through over night, but Butch still put my on my new personal best...
Jul 3, 2024
4 Hour Trip
Good times
On the day of our trip the weather was less than perfect, but our capt. was very prompt and had us catching fish quickly. The boat was well kept and was equipped with the latest hardware and fishing gear. I Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a good fishing guide.
On the day of our trip the weather was less than perfect, but our capt. was very prompt and had us catching fish quickly. The...
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (45)
+42Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
91%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Smallmouth logic
6 Hour Trip on July 29, 2025
My adult son and I enjoyed an outing with Captain Butch Derickson on July 29, 2025. Weather conditions were not optimal, but we caught a reasonable number of spirited smallmouth bass. Most importantly, Butch explained why we fished with specific techniques at specific locations so that we might have an opportunity to try again on our own. Butch is quite personable and we enjoyed talking with him about a variety of topics in addition to fishing.
My adult son and I enjoyed an outing with Captain Butch Derickson on July 29, 2025. Weather conditions were not optimal, but we caught a reasonable number of spirited smallmouth bass. Most importantly, Butch explained why we fished with specific techniques at specific locations so that we might have an opportunity to try again on our own. Butch is quite personable and we enjoyed talking with him about a variety of topics in addition to fishing.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Awesome Smallmouth fishing!
4 Hour Trip on August 14, 2025
Capt. Butch was great! Very knowledgeable on where to find the fish, techniques to be used and taught us a lot! I do a lot of charters and the captain taught me an my nephew a lot about fishing in Traverse Bay! Great trip for younger anglers as well! Lots of action and spotting the fish in the clear waters will keep them occupied and attentive. I highly recommend this trip!!! I will be doing it again!
Capt. Butch was great! Very knowledgeable on where to find the fish, techniques to be used and taught us a lot! I do a lot of charters and the captain taught me an my nephew a lot about fishing in Traverse Bay! Great trip for younger anglers as well! Lots of action and spotting the fish in the clear waters will keep them occupied and attentive. I highly recommend this trip!!! I will be doing it again!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fishing with Norvel
6 Hour Trip on July 20, 2025
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
New personal best
4 Hour Trip on June 25, 2024
Fishing conditions were a bit tough after a big storm rolled through over night, but Butch still put my on my new personal best and cought 5 or 6 others that were over 3 lbs. Great fully equipped bass boat with all the bells and whistles. Also had a good time chatting with Butch and the sightseeing from the lake was almost worth the price of the trip by itself
Fishing conditions were a bit tough after a big storm rolled through over night, but Butch still put my on my new personal best and cought 5 or 6 others that were over 3 lbs. Great fully equipped bass boat with all the bells and whistles. Also had a good time chatting with Butch and the sightseeing from the lake was almost worth the price of the trip by itself
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Good times
4 Hour Trip on July 3, 2024
On the day of our trip the weather was less than perfect, but our capt. was very prompt and had us catching fish quickly. The boat was well kept and was equipped with the latest hardware and fishing gear. I Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a good fishing guide.
On the day of our trip the weather was less than perfect, but our capt. was very prompt and had us catching fish quickly. The boat was well kept and was equipped with the latest hardware and fishing gear. I Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a good fishing guide.
FAQs about TC Bass Destination Charters
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