I live in south eastern Michigan and do not have a boat. It has been a great fishing season for me, but I did not accomplish one of the major goals I set for myself. This was to catch a brown bass. I fished multiple creaks and rivers and still this fish continues to elude me. I also fished Lake St. Clair a few times with a friend, but all he wants to do is fish perch and walleye. I'm okay with that, even though he gives me crap for being a bass fisherman. His boat, his rules, that's how it's been with him. Next year I WILL meet this goal even if I have to hire a guide to do it. So my question is, can someone recommend an experienced and laid back Lake St. Clair smallmouth fishing guide? I would also prefer someone who intends on using artificial bait and doesn't care if I light up a Camel on his boat.

Thanks ahead of time for your recommendations!

-Desperately seeking smallmouth

I fish primarily for smallmouth on LSC and other local lakes. As far as guides go, I've been out with Doug Samsal and he's a pretty laid back guy. I'm not sure about the smoking thing. Marcel Veenstra has a great reputation as well. Smallmouth are on fire right now, I'll be out on Cass Lake on Sunday. Good luck!

Drop into Sportsman's Direct (like 16 and Jefferson-ish) and they'll probably be able to help you out. Nice guys. Decent boat rental too from what I hear. There could also be the possibility of scoring Smallmouth from shore this time of year. You could also check out the St. Clair Network forums; I've read some good advice there from time to time.

 

I've pulled 3-4 lb. Smallmouth out of Kent in previous years but none this past year so I don't know if that's helpful. Cass Lake isn't a bad idea now that most of the recreational traffic is done for the season.

Thank you guys for your great input!

Marcel Veenstra is probably one of the best on the lake. And if he can't fit you in he has a number of guides that work for him that are great guys. I've fished with Marcel multiple times and always got on good fish and numbers.

http://www.marcelsguideservice.com/index.html