Optimistic Fishing Charters 

4.8/5 (15 reviews)
 24770 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, United States

Optimistic Fishing Charters 

St. Clair Shores, MI, United States
27 ft
6
4.8/5 (15 reviews)

St. Clair Shores has a fish with your name on it, so let Optimistic Fishing Charters help you catch it!

Bass, Walleye, Perch, Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Musky), and more inhabit these waters. Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself light tackle fishing, trolling, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Any fish within the legal limit are yours to keep.

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. You're welcome to bring snacks so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty belly!

Capt. Jim runs a 27' Tiara sportfishing vessel with space for 6 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Your captain will provide rods and reels, along with lures. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Before coming aboard, it will be necessary to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.

A few items to bring include sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen (non-spray), and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Optimistic Fishing Charters will make it easy for you to go fishing in St. Clair Shores. So, how about booking that trip?

St. Clair Shores has a fish with your name on it, so let Optimistic Fishing Charters help you catch it!

Bass, Walleye, Perch, Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Musky), and more inhabit these waters. Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself light tackle fishing, trolling, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Any fish within the legal limit are yours to keep.

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. You're welcome to bring snacks so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty belly!

Capt. Jim runs a 27' Tiara sportfishing vessel with space for 6 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Your captain will provide rods and reels, along with lures. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Before coming aboard, it will be necessary to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.

A few items to bring include sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen (non-spray), and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Optimistic Fishing Charters will make it easy for you to go fishing in St. Clair Shores. So, how about booking that trip?

Jim Schiller
Captain
Jim Schiller
9 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
3-Hour After school special
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Aug 1 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)
Walleye
Pike (Northern)
Muskellunge (Musky)
Perch (Yellow)
+1
US $350
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 Hour Trip – Multi Species
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - Sep 10 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Walleye
Pike (Northern)
Muskellunge (Musky)
Bass (Smallmouth)
+1
US $625
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Fall Perch Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Sep 11 - Oct 28 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Perch (Yellow)
Bass (Smallmouth)
US $625
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
15 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (22)

All reviews (15)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 15 reviews
William Owens
William Owens
Repeat angler
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2021
2 trips
5.0
Verified
A friend called Captain!
5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on June 15, 20264 adults

We had a fantastic day on the water with Captain Jim from Optimistic Fishing Charters. The fishing was outstanding—we caught 7 walleyes, 1 big pike, 10 smallmouth bass, and a huge sheephead that fought like the world was ending! It was one of the most exciting fish fights I've ever experienced. What made the trip even more special was sharing it with my wife, her sister, and her husband. We spent the day catching fish, laughing, and making memories that we'll be talking about for years to come. Captain Jim was knowledgeable, friendly, and worked hard to keep us on the fish. His experience and dedication made the day enjoyable for everyone, regardless of skill level. This was truly a trip that all four of us will remember, and I can confidently say that I'll be booking another trip with Captain Jim in the future.

Reported catch:
Walleye
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
Jim Schiller
Response from Captain

 it was great to have you guys on my boat my pleasure. Hope to see you again soon.

Jamie Raab
Jamie Raab
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Was a Great Trip
3-Hour After school special on July 6, 20263 adults

Captain Jim was great.My boys are avid fisherman and Captain Jim had them reeling in Huge Small mouth and Walleye ..they were all smiles

Reported catch:
Walleye
Smallmouth Bass
Jim Schiller
Response from Captain

thank you appreciate your business  glad you guys had a good time. It was a beautiful evening.

Michael Maylock
Michael Maylock
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great experience!!!
5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on July 14, 20262 adults

Jim was friendly and knowledgeable. He made the trip a wonderful experience.

Jim Schiller
Response from Captain

thank you very much hope to see you again

Ethel Sauber
Ethel Sauber
us
Kenton, OH, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Birthday Bromance
5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on July 3, 20264 adults

Good time,great friends,amazingexperience,with awesome Captain... Giid memories

Jim Schiller
Response from Captain

thank you so much we really appreciate your business

Jesse McCaslin
Jesse McCaslin
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
July fishing trip
5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on July 25, 20266 adults

Reported catch:
Walleye
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
Jim Schiller
Response from Captain

Nice, thank you very much guys and girls

FAQs about Optimistic Fishing Charters

Optimistic Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group, additional US $100 per person after 5 guests - 3-Hour After school special (3 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Multi Species (5 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Fall Perch Fishing (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Optimistic Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Enclosed bathroom with a toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Live bait well
  • Radar
Trips booked with Optimistic Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait ( Bait is included in the price)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Only on walleye)
  • Drinks (We always carry bottled water )
Optimistic Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
Optimistic Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Trolling
Top targeted fish species with Optimistic Fishing Charters include:
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Muskellunge (Musky)
  • Perch (Yellow)
  • Pike (Northern)
  • Walleye

Your captain

Jim Schiller
Jim Schiller
Jim Schiller

St. Clair Shores, Michigan, United States

ID & license verified
15 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2022

I have been fishing since I was a little kid with my dad on smal inland, lakes, fishing for bluegill been hooked ever since now I take other people out so they can share in the same experience that I love so much

ID & license verified
15 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2022

I have been fishing since I was a little kid with my dad on smal inland, lakes, fishing for bluegill been hooked ever since now I take other people out so they can share in the same experience that I love so much

The fish you can target

Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Muskellunge (Musky)
Muskellunge (Musky)
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Northern Pike
Northern Pike
Walleye
Walleye
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Muskellunge (Musky)
Muskellunge (Musky)
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Northern Pike
Northern Pike
Walleye
Walleye

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
27 ft
Year built
1988
Boat manufacturer
Tiara
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Crusader
Powered by
2 x 270HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Enclosed bathroom with a toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Live bait well
Radar

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
 Bait is included in the price
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Only on walleye
Drinks
We always carry bottled water

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
Seven years of age and up
No smoking
You keep catch
Excel for Muskie
Catch and release allowed

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

 PayPal

What’s biting in St. Clair Shores right now

Bass (Smallmouth)Bass (Smallmouth)
Muskellunge (Musky)Muskellunge (Musky)
Perch (Yellow)Perch (Yellow)
Pike (Northern)Pike (Northern)
WalleyeWalleye

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