Optimistic Fishing Charters 

4.8
(18 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
(18 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

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3-Hour After school special
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 5:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Aug 1 (Mon, Tue, Thu)
Walleye
Pike (Northern)
Muskellunge (Musky)
Perch (Yellow)
+1
US $400
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Multi Species
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - Aug 10 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Walleye
Pike (Northern)
Muskellunge (Musky)
Bass (Smallmouth)
+1
US $700
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 $700
Entire boat: up to 5 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (23)

Reviews (18)

  • 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, 2026 • 4 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.

  • Jamie Raab
    Jamie Raab
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Was a Great Trip

    3-Hour After school special on July 6, 2026 • 3 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

  • Steevi Etherton
    Steevi Etherton
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on June 14, 2025 • 5 adults

    We went out to celebrate my boyfriends birthday and some great memories were made! Jim was fantastic, super knowledgeable, laid back and helped up catch some hogs! We will definitely come back. Thanks for a great charter!

  • Dawson Morgan
    Dawson Morgan
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    August fishing trip

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on August 30, 2025 • 4 adults
  • Joseph Tatham
    Joseph Tatham
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    4.3
    Verified

    Fishing with Jim

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on August 3, 2025 • 3 adults

    Jim worked very hard to keep our lines in the water and to find the fish we caught

  • Jesse Ford
    Jesse Ford
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Fishing Experience!

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on August 11, 2026 • 3 adults • 2 children

    We had an amazing fishing experience with Captain Jim on Lake Saint Clair! Catching everything from Small Mouth Bass, Walleye, Perch, and even a Muskie! The four of us on our trip would all highly recommend.

  • Gary Barnard
    Gary Barnard
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2022
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Experience!

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on August 1, 2026 • 3 adults

    Our Captain Jim was very knowledgeable, with years of experience on Lake St. Clair. He was very accommodating and worked very hard to make it a great multi-species day for us!

  • Michael Maylock
    Michael Maylock
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience!!!

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on July 14, 2026 • 2 adults

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

  • Ethel Sauber
    Ethel Sauber
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Birthday Bromance

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on July 3, 2026 • 4 adults

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

  • Jesse Mccaslin
    Jesse Mccaslin
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    July fishing trip

    5 Hour Trip – Multi Species on July 25, 2026 • 6 adults

FAQs about Optimistic Fishing Charters

Optimistic Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 3-Hour After school special (3 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Multi Species (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 5 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
St. Clair Shores, Michigan, United States
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
18 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2022
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.
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
Jim Schiller
Jim Schiller
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
1
reports
18
reviews
2022
member since
~1h
response
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

Real catches by this captain

  • Two young anglers proudly displaying a catch of Walleye on a sunny day at the dock.
    Good day of Fishing. We caught 15 fish total I believe seven walleyes Musky and some nice small mouth
  • Three anglers proudly displaying their catch of Yellow Perch and Walleye at a lakeside location.
    Fish 1
    Yellow Perch
    Gary B.
    Gary B.
    Our Captain Jim was very knowledgeable, with years of experience on Lake St. Clair. He was very accommodating and worked very hard to make it a great multi-species day for us!
  • Young angler proudly holding a large Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a boat during sunset.
    Fish 1
    Smallmouth Bass
    Jamie R.
    Jamie R.
    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
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large barracuda on a sport-fishing boat over coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Northern Pike
    William O.
    William O.
    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.
  • Angler proudly displaying a Northern Pike while fishing on a clear day, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.
    Fish 1
    Northern Pike
    James G.
    James G.
    We had a great day laughing fishing and talking.
  • Angler proudly displaying a Walleye while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Smallmouth Bass
    Dawson M.
    Dawson M.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Smallmouth Bass
    Joseph T.
    Joseph T.
    Jim worked very hard to keep our lines in the water and to find the fish we caught
  • A woman proudly displaying her catch, a large fish, while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Smallmouth Bass
    Steevi E.
    Steevi E.
    We went out to celebrate my boyfriends birthday and some great memories were made! Jim was fantastic, super knowledgeable, laid back and helped up catch some hogs! We will definitely come back. Thanks for a great charter!

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

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Optimistic Fishing Charters
Optimistic Fishing Charters
4.8
(18)
27 ft
Group size 1 - 6
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Fish 1
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+3
3 hour trip • 6 persons
US $400