Showtime Charters 

5.0
(173 reviews)
 12935 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States–

Showtime Charters 

Traverse City, MI, United States
–
31 ft
6
5.0
(173 reviews)

Showtime Charters runs angling trips out of Traverse City and offers to show you what fishing the Great Lakes is all about.

Captain Johnny Barlow is here to get you on some fish, and to make sure you have fun doing it. You'll be using techniques like bottom fishing and trolling, depending on what you're going after. As part of their 4-hour trips, you can target species like Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, and Brown Trout, depending on the season and weather conditions.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 31' Tiara offshore sportfishing boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. She features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair to give you everything you need for a productive and comfortable day. When it comes to rods, reels, and terminal tackle, everything you need is also included in the price.

Want to bring the rest of the family along for the ride? Kids are welcome aboard, so you're free to make it a family adventure. Capt. Johnny and his first mate Liam promise to teach them all about fishing, and they'll even clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day. Tips are always appreciated for a job well done. All you need to do is buy a fishing license before the trip.

Book your trip now and hit these world-class waterways with Showtime Charters!

Showtime Charters runs angling trips out of Traverse City and offers to show you what fishing the Great Lakes is all about.

Captain Johnny Barlow is here to get you on some fish, and to make sure you have fun doing it. You'll be using techniques like bottom fishing and trolling, depending on what you're going after. As part of their 4-hour trips, you can target species like Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, and Brown Trout, depending on the season and weather conditions.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 31' Tiara offshore sportfishing boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. She features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair to give you everything you need for a productive and comfortable day. When it comes to rods, reels, and terminal tackle, everything you need is also included in the price.

Want to bring the rest of the family along for the ride? Kids are welcome aboard, so you're free to make it a family adventure. Capt. Johnny and his first mate Liam promise to teach them all about fishing, and they'll even clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day. Tips are always appreciated for a job well done. All you need to do is buy a fishing license before the trip.

Book your trip now and hit these world-class waterways with Showtime Charters!

Showtime Fishing
Charter Operator
Showtime Fishing
10 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 11:30 AM)
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 12
Lake Trout
Herring
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip (Evening)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 5:15 PM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 30
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
173 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (382)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
98%
Caught fish

Reviews (173)

  • David Laake
    David Laake
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water!

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM on July 16, 2026 • 5 adults

    Captain Johnny Barlow was great. He and his first mate made us feel welcome from the beginning. They did everything to help us have a good day. The smoke from the Canadian wild fires made visibility difficult but they kept searching for spots that allowed us to catch fish. We caught 9 on a maximum of 10 for our group. We had 2 others on the line but they got away. We could have had our maximum. All but one was caught in the last 2 hours of our 4 hour charter. A testament to their determination and knowledge of how to get success for us when others would have given up. The boat and gear were great and they kept the conversation lively. I completely recommend this fishing charter!

  • Tyler Griswold
    Tyler Griswold
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Unforgettable Family Experience

    Half Day Trip on August 14, 2026 • 5 adults • 3 children

    Captain Johnny Barlow and First Mate Ben Green were absolutely incredible. We booked our trip on a whim as a first charter fishing experience for my wife and kids and we couldnt have had a better experience. These guys were great with our kids, extremely professional, fun and obviously masters of their craft. Our first experience doing this as a family just turned into what will be an annual vacation tradition and booking again next year with Showtime and Captain Johnny! Thanks again for a great day on the water!

  • Jolynn Brant
    Jolynn Brant
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip ever with rough weather conditions!

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM on August 23, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    captain Jhonny and mate Alex where amazing with my kids and family, making the trip fun and memorable, even though the weather conditions where terrible we cough a few fish! recommend them for any family with little ones! i will for sure be reaching out to them for our girls trip as well!! they cleaned and cut our chatch!!! and they even took my boys to grind the “fish leftover parts!” 10/10 Happy fishing!!!

  • David Hendrixon
    David Hendrixon
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM on August 15, 2026 • 4 adults

    We had a great trip with Cpt Johnny. He’s knowledgeable, easy going, and has a nice boat and equipment. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an enjoyable fishing experience. We learned too late that bananas are bad luck on a fishing boat (see my friend’s shirt), but we were still successful!

  • Dave Fugh
    Dave Fugh
    Repeat angler
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Look No Further

    Half Day Trip on June 20, 2026 • 3 adults

    Book well in advance. This boat and crew know how to fish! Wonderful personalities and really knowledgeable. We caught our limit of 10 fish in a couple hours. They have a relationship with Harrington's who will cook the fish 3 different ways.

  • Joseph Long
    Joseph Long
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Wow!

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM on September 4, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain John and First Mate Mike were awesome! Knowledgeable, fun, and worked hard to make our excursion memorable. We are going home with a cooler full of fish and would definitely book with them again.

  • Daniel Hall
    Daniel Hall
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best first time big fishing!!

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM on August 22, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    my kids reeled in 4 large lake trouts. Captain and 1st mate where great! Boat was well maintained and clean. Had great fishing rods and fancy equipment. Will absolutly book with Showtime again in the future.

  • Shane Cox
    Shane Cox
    us
    Iowa, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    absolutely awesome

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM on August 8, 2026 • 4 adults

    i had an amazing time. my duaghters and wife enjoyed it as well. captain and deck hand were absolutely awesome people and very hospitable. wveryhting was perfect. i already book trip for next year!!

  • Andrew Henrichs
    Andrew Henrichs
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Wonderful morning trip!

    Half Day Trip on July 27, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    We caught our limit of 10 Lake Trout and we were back by 10 AM! Had a great captain and crew that knew their stuff! Our family of five and great time and is ready to go again.

  • Donald Combs
    Donald Combs
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2025
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Fishing Experience!

    Half Day Trip on September 10, 2026 • 2 adults

    We were on fish in a matter of minutes. The Crew was very professional and personable. Very well maintained and clean boat. I will be using these guys again!!!

FAQs about Showtime Charters

Showtime Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip (Evening) (4 hours)
When you book a trip with Showtime Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Our bathroom is in the cabin of the boat and is private. It is similar to a camper restroom.
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box Cooler to keep your catch in
  • Radar
Trips booked with Showtime Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and bagging your catch is included. We take care of this at our private cleaning table. )
  • First mate (Teaches and will coach you through how to catch )
Showtime Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
Showtime Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
Top targeted fish species with Showtime Charters include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)

Your operator

Showtime Fishing
Showtime Fishing
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
177 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2022
I have been fishing in and around Traverse city since 2016. I enjoy getting out on the water and helping others enjoy what West Bay has to offer, and am privileged to do it with my son.
Our Team
Landen S.
Landen S.
Captain
Showtime Fishing
Showtime Fishing
177
reviews
2022
member since
~1h
response
I have been fishing in and around Traverse city since 2016. I enjoy getting out on the water and helping others enjoy what West Bay has to offer, and am privileged to do it with my son.
The crew
Landen S.
Landen S.
Captain

The fish you can target

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

Real catches by this captain

  • Family fishing group posing aboard a boat with two young anglers and an adult proudly holding a large lingcod over coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Brian S.
    Brian S.
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large spotted trout aboard a fishing boat at dusk.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Donald C.
    Donald C.
    We were on fish in a matter of minutes. The Crew was very professional and personable. Very well maintained and clean boat. I will be using these guys again!!!
  • A smiling angler proudly displays a large Lake Trout while fishing on a serene lake, showcasing a successful catch during a relaxing day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    Joseph L.
    Joseph L.
    Captain John and First Mate Mike were awesome! Knowledgeable, fun, and worked hard to make our excursion memorable. We are going home with a cooler full of fish and would definitely book with them again.
  • A young angler proudly holding a Lake Trout while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch on a cloudy day.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Jolynn B.
    Jolynn B.
    captain Jhonny and mate Alex where amazing with my kids and family, making the trip fun and memorable, even though the weather conditions where terrible we cough a few fish! recommend them for any family with little ones! i will for sure be reaching out to them for our girls trip as well!! they cleaned and cut our chatch!!! and they even took my boys to grind the “fish leftover parts!” 10/10 Happy fishing!!!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Northern Pike while fishing on a lake, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Daniel H.
    Daniel H.
    my kids reeled in 4 large lake trouts. Captain and 1st mate where great! Boat was well maintained and clean. Had great fishing rods and fancy equipment. Will absolutly book with Showtime again in the future.
  • Freshly filleted fish stored in zip-lock bags on a countertop, ready for preservation after a successful fishing trip.
    Fil B.
    Fil B.
    Great and knowledgable crew, great equipment. Caught our quota of lake trout! The weather and Great Lakes cooperated. Overall a fantastic morning on the water.
  • Young angler proudly holding a large spotted lake trout aboard a fishing boat, with an adult companion and open water in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    David L.
    David L.
    caught two small lakers and one small king. 1 escaped. Its very convenient for TC but the King action in Frankfort is remarkably better. comfirtable boat.
  • Young angler proudly holding a large fish on a boat during a fishing trip, showcasing a beautiful sunset over the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    Craig L.
    Craig L.
    Captain Johnny and first mate Ben had us on the fish immediately! The boat was fantastic even with the wind up a bit. Appreciate you guys!!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing on a boat, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    David H.
    David H.
    We had a great trip with Cpt Johnny. He’s knowledgeable, easy going, and has a nice boat and equipment. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an enjoyable fishing experience. We learned too late that bananas are bad luck on a fishing boat (see my friend’s shirt), but we were still successful!
  • Young anglers aboard a fishing boat proudly display a large speckled lake trout over open water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    Tyler G.
    Tyler G.
    Captain Johnny Barlow and First Mate Ben Green were absolutely incredible. We booked our trip on a whim as a first charter fishing experience for my wife and kids and we couldnt have had a better experience. These guys were great with our kids, extremely professional, fun and obviously masters of their craft. Our first experience doing this as a family just turned into what will be an annual vacation tradition and booking again next year with Showtime and Captain Johnny! Thanks again for a great day on the water!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
31 ft
Year built
1984
Boat manufacturer
Tiara
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Crusader
Powered by
2 x 350HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Our bathroom is in the cabin of the boat and is private. It is similar to a camper restroom.
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Ice box
Cooler to keep your catch in
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning and bagging your catch is included. We take care of this at our private cleaning table.
First mate
Teaches and will coach you through how to catch

How cancellations work

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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Kids are always welcome and we encourage you to bring them out. If you want your child to wear a life jacket the entire trip, you should bring a life jacket for them. Ours are designed for life saving, not comfort.
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

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
 Visa
 Mastercard
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Traverse City right now

Brown TroutBrown Trout
Lake TroutLake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)

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Current
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5.0
(173)
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Fish 1
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US $700