My wife & I have a daughter that lives in the Detroit area. In 9/2024, we came up to visit her. Have seen many shows on the Outdoor channel on fishing Lake St.Claire. Started looking online for a guide to fish with “Art of fishing” was at the top of the page.  Contacted him to see if he had a day open to fit our schedule. Turns out it was one of the best calls I have ever made.  That day last September we caught many nice quality small mouth.  With my wife catching one at 5lbs. Art has many years experience on this gigantic beautiful lake.  With vast knowledge of what the fish are doing, what the bait fish & shad are doing, water temp, and water color, and he has a recipe for small mouth success! It’s not like you’re fishing with a guide but you’re fishing with a friend. We fished with Art this September for two days.  I’m not going to give numbers but we caught many, many quality small mouth both days.  Many over 4+ lbs. I caught my PB with a 5 lb 12 oz. monster! Art will work his tail off to put you on fish!  Give him a call you won’t be disappointed!! C & CH

Best. Fishing Trip. Ever.
We booked a trip with Art Ferguson for my son’s 13th birthday, and it turned into the fishing experience we’ll be talking about for years. My son and two of his buddies were buzzing with excitement, and Art delivered in every way imaginable.

We absolutely slammed the smallmouth—70 landed in the boat, with even more we should’ve had! And get this: 10 of those fish were over 4 pounds. That’s not just a good day on the water—that’s legendary. But the real win wasn’t just the numbers. It was Art’s patience, humor, and heart. He took the time to teach the boys, joke with them, and make each one feel like a pro. It wasn’t just a guided trip—it felt like we were out with an old friend who genuinely cared about making the day unforgettable.

From the moment we stepped on the boat, Art handled everything with ease and warmth. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting, and the vibe was pure joy. He made the boys laugh, encouraged them, and gave them a birthday memory that’s going to live in family lore forever.

If you’re looking for a guide who knows the water, connects with kids, and turns a day of fishing into something truly special—Art Ferguson is your guy. We were blessed with a beautiful day, but even more blessed to spend it with someone who made it an amazing day!

I went pre-spawn smallie fishing on Lake St Clair with Art for 1.5 days on April 28 and 29.  The first day the weather was perfect and we caught at least 2 over 5 pounds (weighed) and 28 more between 2 and 5 pounds.  It was a fantastic day! Day 2 was a day of wind, but we still found them using a variety of techniques in and out of the waves and wind.  Tremendously successful 1.5 days of fishing, which is what I’ve come to expect from my years of fishing with Art!  Also, as an older guy, I love his new boat where I can fish comfortably below the gunnel and still have all the access I need to cast and land those beautiful giant small mouths. It is just so much fun!
As noted, I’ve been fishing with Art for a long time now.  He’s a great teacher, as well as being an attentive guide.  He knows when I need help, when to leave me alone and his help is always respectful of my skills and limitations.  Of course, after all of our hours together we do banter pretty well when one of us misses a fish or two.
Please enjoy a trip with Art!  The fishing is good year around and the pre-spawn and late fall fishing are just magical; do dress warm in late fall!
All the best!

I booked a trip with Art as a gift for my father’s birthday, and it could not have went any better. We caught trophy smallmouth, and had an absolute blast. Will definitely be coming back to St. Clair to fish with Art! Thanks again for one of the best days of fishing I’ve ever had!

Art put us on fish immediately.  When they slowed up, he was quick to move and get us onto active fish. 
Most times after a move, within the first 1-2 casts we were back into fish.
We will be going out with Art again next year.