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Showtime Fishing
Charter operator

Showtime Fishing

Traverse City, United States
100+ reviews
I have been fishing in and around Traverse city since 2016. I enjoy getting out on the water and helping others enjoy what West Bay has to offer, and am privileged to do it with my son.
Landen S.
Landen S.
Captain

Charters

Rating

5.0
177 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (177)

Showing 1 – 5 of 177 reviews
  • David Laake
    David Laake
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water!

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM • 5 adults

    Captain Johnny Barlow was great. He and his first mate made us feel welcome from the beginning. They did everything to help us have a good day. The smoke from the Canadian wild fires made visibility difficult but they kept searching for spots that allowed us to catch fish. We caught 9 on a maximum of 10 for our group. We had 2 others on the line but they got away. We could have had our maximum. All but one was caught in the last 2 hours of our 4 hour charter. A testament to their determination and knowledge of how to get success for us when others would have given up. The boat and gear were great and they kept the conversation lively. I completely recommend this fishing charter!

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you David, we had a great time with yall as well. Looking forward to the next time.

  • Tyler Griswold
    Tyler Griswold
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Unforgettable Family Experience

    Half Day Trip • 5 adults • 3 children

    Captain Johnny Barlow and First Mate Ben Green were absolutely incredible. We booked our trip on a whim as a first charter fishing experience for my wife and kids and we couldnt have had a better experience. These guys were great with our kids, extremely professional, fun and obviously masters of their craft. Our first experience doing this as a family just turned into what will be an annual vacation tradition and booking again next year with Showtime and Captain Johnny! Thanks again for a great day on the water!

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you Tyler!! We had a blast with you guys and are glad to hear you did too. Looking forward to next time out.

  • Jolynn Brant
    Jolynn Brant
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip ever with rough weather conditions!

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM • 5 adults • 2 children

    captain Jhonny and mate Alex where amazing with my kids and family, making the trip fun and memorable, even though the weather conditions where terrible we cough a few fish! recommend them for any family with little ones! i will for sure be reaching out to them for our girls trip as well!! they cleaned and cut our chatch!!! and they even took my boys to grind the “fish leftover parts!” 10/10 Happy fishing!!!

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you, we had a great time and loved getting the kids on fish. looking forward to the next time as well.

  • Shonte Peoples
    Shonte Peoples
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    August fishing trip

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM • 5 adults • 1 child

    My family and I really enjoyed ourselves. The captain and crew were excellent. The captain gave my son a lifetime memory by allowing him to steer the boat. It was windy which affected our experience, but we caught a few and didn’t leave empty handed. So, I give a 10. Thx Captain Jonny, like I said Ill be back.

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you guys. we had a blast with the whole family. im so glad your son had so much fun. He did great. Hope to see you again soon.

  • David Hendrixon
    David Hendrixon
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    Half Day Trip - 11:30 AM • 4 adults

    We had a great trip with Cpt Johnny. He’s knowledgeable, easy going, and has a nice boat and equipment. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an enjoyable fishing experience. We learned too late that bananas are bad luck on a fishing boat (see my friend’s shirt), but we were still successful!

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you David, We had a great time as well. I hope the wedding is just as good for everyone.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    Family fishing group posing aboard a boat with two young anglers and an adult proudly holding a large lingcod over coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Brian S.
    Brian S.
  • Action Fishing Charters – Showtime Fishing
    Action Fishing Charters – Showtime FishingTraverse City, MI
    Solo angler holding a large snook aboard a fishing boat at sunset.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Ben C.
    Ben C.
    Johnny and Derrick were fantastic! We had an amazing time and managed to catch some fish late in the season. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking a great fishing experience. Their equipment was top notch, and I’ll definitely be booking with them again in the future!
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    Adult angler proudly holding a large spotted trout aboard a fishing boat at dusk.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Donald C.
    Donald C.
    We were on fish in a matter of minutes. The Crew was very professional and personable. Very well maintained and clean boat. I will be using these guys again!!!
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    A smiling angler proudly displays a large Lake Trout while fishing on a serene lake, showcasing a successful catch during a relaxing day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    Joseph L.
    Joseph L.
    Captain John and First Mate Mike were awesome! Knowledgeable, fun, and worked hard to make our excursion memorable. We are going home with a cooler full of fish and would definitely book with them again.
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    A young angler proudly holding a Lake Trout while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch on a cloudy day.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Jolynn B.
    Jolynn B.
    captain Jhonny and mate Alex where amazing with my kids and family, making the trip fun and memorable, even though the weather conditions where terrible we cough a few fish! recommend them for any family with little ones! i will for sure be reaching out to them for our girls trip as well!! they cleaned and cut our chatch!!! and they even took my boys to grind the “fish leftover parts!” 10/10 Happy fishing!!!
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Northern Pike while fishing on a lake, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    Daniel H.
    Daniel H.
    my kids reeled in 4 large lake trouts. Captain and 1st mate where great! Boat was well maintained and clean. Had great fishing rods and fancy equipment. Will absolutly book with Showtime again in the future.
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    Freshly filleted fish stored in zip-lock bags on a countertop, ready for preservation after a successful fishing trip.
    Fil B.
    Fil B.
    Great and knowledgable crew, great equipment. Caught our quota of lake trout! The weather and Great Lakes cooperated. Overall a fantastic morning on the water.
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    Young angler proudly holding a large spotted lake trout aboard a fishing boat, with an adult companion and open water in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    David L.
    David L.
    caught two small lakers and one small king. 1 escaped. Its very convenient for TC but the King action in Frankfort is remarkably better. comfirtable boat.
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    Young angler proudly holding a large fish on a boat during a fishing trip, showcasing a beautiful sunset over the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Lake Trout
    Craig L.
    Craig L.
    Captain Johnny and first mate Ben had us on the fish immediately! The boat was fantastic even with the wind up a bit. Appreciate you guys!!
  • Showtime Charters
    Showtime ChartersTraverse City, MI
    Angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing on a boat, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Lake Trout
    David H.
    David H.
    We had a great trip with Cpt Johnny. He’s knowledgeable, easy going, and has a nice boat and equipment. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an enjoyable fishing experience. We learned too late that bananas are bad luck on a fishing boat (see my friend’s shirt), but we were still successful!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Showtime Charters in Traverse City

Salmon and Steelhead are in the rivers, waiting for you to hook 'em. Grab your fishing buddy and head out for the adventure of a lifetime.

Top catches for November