NoMi Fishing Charters 

5.0/5 (19 reviews)
 South West Bay Shore Drive 13051, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

NoMi Fishing Charters 

5.0/5 (19 reviews)
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South West Bay Shore Drive 13051
Traverse City, MI, United States

Welcome to NoMi Fishing Charters, where you’ll experience the beauty and excitement of fishing the waters around Traverse City, Michigan. Whether you're a seasoned angler or brand new to the sport, we offer relaxed, hands-on trips designed to help you enjoy everything Northern Michigan fishing has to offer.

Operating on the pristine waters of Grand Traverse Bay, we specialize in guided trolling trips targeting King (Chinook) Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Cisco. These powerful freshwater fish are known for their fight, and there’s no better place to chase them than the clear, cool waters of Northern Lake Michigan.

August and early September are especially exciting times to fish, as large Chinook and Coho salmon are migrating toward the rivers for the fall spawning season. These salmon become more aggressive and accessible during this period, providing anglers the best shot at landing trophy-sized fish. If you're looking for high action and heavy hits, late summer is prime time.

We’ll be trolling to cover water efficiently and reach fish holding at different depths. All gear is provided, including high-quality rods, reels, and lures. The boat is equipped with top-tier technology: Big Jon downriggers, a Humminbird fish finder, Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor, and Fish Hawk electronics to keep us on target and in the strike zone.

I’ll handle all the rigging and setup, and once a fish is hooked—it’s game on. You’ll be in full control of the fight, reeling it in while I guide you through the action.

You’ll be fishing from a 20' Lund, powered by a brand-new Mercury main engine and fully U.S. Coast Guard approved. The boat is clean, comfortable, and equipped with all required safety gear. While there’s no onboard restroom, I’m happy to head to the nearest dock whenever needed—your comfort and enjoyment always come first.

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Rating

5.0
19 reviews
5
19
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (33)

Awesome fishing
Awesome fishing
Half day trip with Captain Ethan
Beautiful Evening Fishing with Captain Ethan
Beautiful Evening Fishing with Captain Ethan
Beautiful Evening Fishing with Captain Ethan
+27

All reviews (19)

Filter
Showing 15 of 20 reviews
Christopher Cerk
Christopher Cerk
Astoria, Oregon
5.0
Captain Pilarski is a Legend
Big Water - Half Day Trip (AM) on August 5, 2025
If you’re looking to catch salmon... NoMi Fishing Charters is the move. Dude’s like the salmon whisperer or something..he knows where they hang out, what they’re eating, probably knows their moms’ names too. We hopped on his boat and it was smooth sailing the whole way. Clean, comfortable, and he had everything dialed in. You don’t feel like you signed up with some corporate gig, you feel like you’re out with a buddy who just happens to know the Great Lakes like the back of his hand. He’ll set you up and before you know it you’re pulling in a salmon that looks like it’s been lifting weights all winter. They say the Dogman haunts Northern Michigan, but after seeing Captain Pilarski's fishing expertise, I think the real legend’s on the boat.
Review media 0
Response from Captain
August 19, 2025
Haha, this one made my day—thank you! I’m really glad you had such a great time out there and that the salmon were cooperating. I always want my trips to feel more like fishing with a buddy than anything else, so it means a lot to hear that came through. Can’t wait to chase down more “gym rat” salmon with you next time!
0
Brady Pampu
Brady Pampu
Indianapolis, Indiana
5.0
Epic Salmon & Trout Adventure in East Bay – A Must-Do in Traverse City!
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on August 3, 2025
If you’re anywhere near northern Michigan, stop what you’re doing and book this trip – you won’t regret it! Our day with Captain Pilarski on his boat “Big Red”, was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment we left the dock, the water was calm, the views of East Bay were stunning, and the excitement was through the roof. We were into fish in no time – hard-fighting king salmon that tested every muscle, and big, beautiful lake trout that had us grinning ear to ear. The captain knew exactly where to go, reading the water and working the gear like a pro. If you want a bucket-list-worthy fishing experience in Traverse City, hit up Capt Pilarski right away! Would recommend and will go fishing again.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
August 19, 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an unforgettable day on Big Red. Captain Pilarski truly loves sharing his knowledge and passion for fishing, and we’re so glad it made your trip special. We can’t wait to have you back on board for another adventure soon! 🎣
3
Nicholas Bonaccini
Nicholas Bonaccini
United States
5.0
Multiple trips with NoMi Fishing Charters
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on July 31, 2025
Man this guy must have the worlds best fish whistle… we’ve been able to go out on the water with Ethan and the NoMi Fishing crew multiple times now. Each trip has been nothing short of fun and full of fish… lakers, coho, and kings have been the majority of our trips but these guys know how to find whatever’s in season! We had Ethan as a Captain and he knew everything about the local fishing scene being a lifelong resident of Traverse City which made for an experience better than any other charter we’ve ever used in the area. The boat was safe and comfortable for us every time out on the water, which is huge for me as I can’t swim… Ethan made me feel like I was in caring hands and showed me how to use the whistle just in case! We’ve caught fish each time we’re out with NoMi, but even if we didn’t catch anything the experience would’ve been worth the trip! We will be back using NoMi Fishing Charters every chance we get! Can’t recommend them enough.
Review media 0
Review media 1
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Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Always a pleasure having you out on the boat, and I’m glad each trip has been packed with fish and good times. Knowing the local waters is a big part of what I love sharing, and it means a lot that you feel safe and comfortable every time we head out. Can’t wait to see what’s on the lines next time!
0
Chase Richmond
Chase Richmond
Traverse City, Michigan
5.0
Unforgettable Trip
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on July 15, 2025
I can’t recommend NoMi Fishing Charters highly enough! Two friends and I had the pleasure of fishing with Captain Pilarski, and he absolutely delivered. He knew all the local hot spots and helped us land some monster salmon. What impressed me most was his ability to balance patience with instructing the less experienced anglers in our group while still keeping it engaging for the more seasoned ones. It was the perfect mix of professionalism, expertise, and fun. We’ll definitely be booking with NoMi Fishing Charters again. If you want to catch fish, Captain Pilarski is your guy!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure fishing with you and your friends. I’m glad we could find those monster salmon and make the trip enjoyable for everyone, no matter their experience level. Looking forward to having you back out on the water soon for another great adventure!
0
Taylor Cook
Taylor Cook
Chicago, Illinois
5.0
Unforgetting Half Day Fishing Trip With Captain Ethan!
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on July 12, 2025
I had an absolutely incredible time on our salmon fishing trip with Captain Ethan. We caught 7 beautiful fish, and the entire experience was top-notch from start to finish. Captain Ethan was extremely knowledgeable, offering helpful tips and guidance tailored to all skill levels—whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner. His patience and expertise made everyone feel confident and engaged throughout the trip. The atmosphere on board was welcoming and relaxed, making it easy to enjoy the day and focus on the thrill of the catch. You can tell Captain Ethan genuinely loves what he does, and it shows in how he treats his guests and runs his boat. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough—if you're looking for a memorable fishing adventure with a fantastic guide, this is the one to book!
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I’m thrilled you had such a memorable day on the water and that everyone felt confident and engaged throughout the trip. Sharing that passion for fishing and making sure everyone has a great time is what I’m all about. Can’t wait to get you back out for another incredible adventure soon!
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
February 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Jigging - Half Day (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Jun 30 (Sat, Sun)
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US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Jigging - Half Day (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 5:00 PM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Jun 30
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US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Big Water - Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Sep 30 (Sat, Sun)
Loading...
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US $525
Entire boat: 2 people
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 5:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Sep 30
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US $525
Entire boat: 2 people

Rating

5.0
19 reviews
5
19
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (33)

Awesome fishing
Awesome fishing
Half day trip with Captain Ethan
Beautiful Evening Fishing with Captain Ethan
Beautiful Evening Fishing with Captain Ethan
Beautiful Evening Fishing with Captain Ethan
+27

All reviews (19)

Filter
Showing 15 of 20 reviews
Christopher Cerk
Christopher Cerk
Astoria, Oregon
5.0
Captain Pilarski is a Legend
Big Water - Half Day Trip (AM) on August 5, 2025
If you’re looking to catch salmon... NoMi Fishing Charters is the move. Dude’s like the salmon whisperer or something..he knows where they hang out, what they’re eating, probably knows their moms’ names too. We hopped on his boat and it was smooth sailing the whole way. Clean, comfortable, and he had everything dialed in. You don’t feel like you signed up with some corporate gig, you feel like you’re out with a buddy who just happens to know the Great Lakes like the back of his hand. He’ll set you up and before you know it you’re pulling in a salmon that looks like it’s been lifting weights all winter. They say the Dogman haunts Northern Michigan, but after seeing Captain Pilarski's fishing expertise, I think the real legend’s on the boat.
Review media 0
Response from Captain
August 19, 2025
Haha, this one made my day—thank you! I’m really glad you had such a great time out there and that the salmon were cooperating. I always want my trips to feel more like fishing with a buddy than anything else, so it means a lot to hear that came through. Can’t wait to chase down more “gym rat” salmon with you next time!
0
Brady Pampu
Brady Pampu
Indianapolis, Indiana
5.0
Epic Salmon & Trout Adventure in East Bay – A Must-Do in Traverse City!
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on August 3, 2025
If you’re anywhere near northern Michigan, stop what you’re doing and book this trip – you won’t regret it! Our day with Captain Pilarski on his boat “Big Red”, was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment we left the dock, the water was calm, the views of East Bay were stunning, and the excitement was through the roof. We were into fish in no time – hard-fighting king salmon that tested every muscle, and big, beautiful lake trout that had us grinning ear to ear. The captain knew exactly where to go, reading the water and working the gear like a pro. If you want a bucket-list-worthy fishing experience in Traverse City, hit up Capt Pilarski right away! Would recommend and will go fishing again.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
August 19, 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an unforgettable day on Big Red. Captain Pilarski truly loves sharing his knowledge and passion for fishing, and we’re so glad it made your trip special. We can’t wait to have you back on board for another adventure soon! 🎣
3
Nicholas Bonaccini
Nicholas Bonaccini
United States
5.0
Multiple trips with NoMi Fishing Charters
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on July 31, 2025
Man this guy must have the worlds best fish whistle… we’ve been able to go out on the water with Ethan and the NoMi Fishing crew multiple times now. Each trip has been nothing short of fun and full of fish… lakers, coho, and kings have been the majority of our trips but these guys know how to find whatever’s in season! We had Ethan as a Captain and he knew everything about the local fishing scene being a lifelong resident of Traverse City which made for an experience better than any other charter we’ve ever used in the area. The boat was safe and comfortable for us every time out on the water, which is huge for me as I can’t swim… Ethan made me feel like I was in caring hands and showed me how to use the whistle just in case! We’ve caught fish each time we’re out with NoMi, but even if we didn’t catch anything the experience would’ve been worth the trip! We will be back using NoMi Fishing Charters every chance we get! Can’t recommend them enough.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Always a pleasure having you out on the boat, and I’m glad each trip has been packed with fish and good times. Knowing the local waters is a big part of what I love sharing, and it means a lot that you feel safe and comfortable every time we head out. Can’t wait to see what’s on the lines next time!
0
Chase Richmond
Chase Richmond
Traverse City, Michigan
5.0
Unforgettable Trip
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on July 15, 2025
I can’t recommend NoMi Fishing Charters highly enough! Two friends and I had the pleasure of fishing with Captain Pilarski, and he absolutely delivered. He knew all the local hot spots and helped us land some monster salmon. What impressed me most was his ability to balance patience with instructing the less experienced anglers in our group while still keeping it engaging for the more seasoned ones. It was the perfect mix of professionalism, expertise, and fun. We’ll definitely be booking with NoMi Fishing Charters again. If you want to catch fish, Captain Pilarski is your guy!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure fishing with you and your friends. I’m glad we could find those monster salmon and make the trip enjoyable for everyone, no matter their experience level. Looking forward to having you back out on the water soon for another great adventure!
0
Taylor Cook
Taylor Cook
Chicago, Illinois
5.0
Unforgetting Half Day Fishing Trip With Captain Ethan!
Big Water - Half Day Trip (PM) on July 12, 2025
I had an absolutely incredible time on our salmon fishing trip with Captain Ethan. We caught 7 beautiful fish, and the entire experience was top-notch from start to finish. Captain Ethan was extremely knowledgeable, offering helpful tips and guidance tailored to all skill levels—whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner. His patience and expertise made everyone feel confident and engaged throughout the trip. The atmosphere on board was welcoming and relaxed, making it easy to enjoy the day and focus on the thrill of the catch. You can tell Captain Ethan genuinely loves what he does, and it shows in how he treats his guests and runs his boat. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough—if you're looking for a memorable fishing adventure with a fantastic guide, this is the one to book!
Reported catch:
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Response from Captain
August 12, 2025
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I’m thrilled you had such a memorable day on the water and that everyone felt confident and engaged throughout the trip. Sharing that passion for fishing and making sure everyone has a great time is what I’m all about. Can’t wait to get you back out for another incredible adventure soon!
0

FAQs about NoMi Fishing Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Speed boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2001
Boat manufacturer
Lund
Boat type
Runabout

Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots
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