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Jeff Bajtka
Captain

Jeff Bajtka

Manistee, United States
10+ reviews
Guide Jeff has been fishing Lake Michigan for quite some time, and has developed a sense of where the fish are and how to catch them. He loves taking people out, and showing them the beauty of this big lake. The only thing he loves more is the look on people's faces when they reel in a big Salmon!

Charter

Rating

4.8
24 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

All reviews (24)

Showing 1 – 5 of 24 reviews
  • Gary Medows
    Gary Medows
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    1\2 DAY EVENING CHARTER • 3 adults • 1 child

    Jeff and Stacy was great. Very knowledgeable about the fishing. They were great with helping us catch the fish. I would recommend this trip to others and next time I have company we will contact this company again. Thank you.

  • Anthony Ell
    Anthony Ell
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip

    5 Hour Trip – June Special • 6 adults

    I have hired at least a dozen salmon charters, but this was by far the best experience I have had. Captain Jeff and his second were fantastic. From the time we got to the dock in the morning to the moment we got back, everything was outstanding. The communication before and after the trip was great. We caught plenty of fish, but even if we had not caught anything, I would recommend this trip.

    Reported catch:
    Chinook Salmon
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Alita Kelly
    Alita Kelly
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Incredible Fish Charter

    5 Hour Trip – June Special • 6 adults

    We had a great time on this experience for fathers day. The boat was the perfect size for our family of 5. The lake was beautiful and our captain was attentive and we caught some beautiful lake trout. All of our questions were answered in a very kind, thorough way and we had a ton of fun. Would definitely go again!

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
  • Keely Sanders
    Keely Sanders
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day Trip with Captain Jeff

    5 Hour Trip • 6 adults

    We took the half day morning trip with Captain Jeff. Jeff is so personable and knowledgeable of the waters/fish/area. It was a great time - we caught a few different kinds of fish; it was a slow day for bites - but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Jeff works hard to get his patrons on fish and make it a good trip. We will definitely be back and booking with Jeff! I couldn’t recommend the experience enough.

  • Bryan Breza
    Bryan Breza
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    August fishing trip

    5 hour trip • 4 adults

    We had a great time! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great salmon fishing experience!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    A fisherman stands next to a display of multiple fish on a dock, showcasing a successful catch after a charter trip with Brown Bear Charters.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Bryan B.
    Bryan B.
    We had a great time! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great salmon fishing experience!
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Salmon aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful catch during a serene outing on the water.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Anthony E.
    Anthony E.
    I have hired at least a dozen salmon charters, but this was by far the best experience I have had. Captain Jeff and his second were fantastic. From the time we got to the dock in the morning to the moment we got back, everything was outstanding. The communication before and after the trip was great. We caught plenty of fish, but even if we had not caught anything, I would recommend this trip.
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    An excited angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing on a boat, with a clear blue sky and water in the background.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Alita K.
    Alita K.
    We had a great time on this experience for fathers day. The boat was the perfect size for our family of 5. The lake was beautiful and our captain was attentive and we caught some beautiful lake trout. All of our questions were answered in a very kind, thorough way and we had a ton of fun. Would definitely go again!
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    An angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Amy C.
    Amy C.
    We started out to deeper water and the lake was a bit choppy, it was fun riding big waves, but not great fishing condition from what we were told. Water temps and weather didn’t make for a lot of fish around, but we. Caught 2 lake trout! One as we were reeling all the poles in for the night. Thank you Captain Jeff and helper Brody for a great time!! We would love to do it again sometime!
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    A group of anglers, including a young angler, proudly display several large salmon on a marina dock beside a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Bryon C.
    Bryon C.
    I booked a half day trip kinda last-minute, Captain Jeff was able to accommodate us. We had a great time and caught some nice chinook. Would definitely recommend! Thank you Captain!
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    Group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Salmon at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Adrian B.
    Adrian B.
    Very good experience with a very knowledgeable captain and deckhand. Big fish lots of bites, from the fresh waters a Michigan straight to the pan!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    Adult angler proudly holding a large speckled salmon aboard a fishing boat on open water.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Audra S.
    Audra S.
    Jeff (Bear) and Matt were great- friendly, very proficient, great conversation while waiting for fish to bite. Very fun when they did!
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    Two adult anglers display three large salmon-like fish on a marina dock beside a charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Chinook Salmon
    Keely S.
    Keely S.
    We took the half day morning trip with Captain Jeff. Jeff is so personable and knowledgeable of the waters/fish/area. It was a great time - we caught a few different kinds of fish; it was a slow day for bites - but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Jeff works hard to get his patrons on fish and make it a good trip. We will definitely be back and booking with Jeff! I couldn’t recommend the experience enough.
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    Solo angler displaying a large salmon aboard a fishing boat on bright open water.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Ethan S.
    Ethan S.
  • Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters
    Brownbear Sport Fishing ChartersManistee, MI
    Young angler reeling in a fish from the stern of a fishing boat on open ocean waters.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Catherine H.
    Catherine H.
    Captain Jeff is great! I highly recommend a trip out to sea with him.

What's biting with Brownbear Sport Fishing Charters in Manistee

The Manistee River holds good numbers of acrobatic Steelhead in November, which you can target if the weather allows. Pier fishing is also strong until the waters start to ice over!

Top catches for November