Coach’s Angle Charters
Are you wondering “Why Coach’s Angle”?
Well, what sets us apart from the competition are a few simple things:
#1. When you book the Coach you fish with the Coach–not passed on to someone else.
#2. We do not overfish our areas and we are constantly locating new fish.
#3. We try to schedule you at the time of year that maximizes your desired fishing style (jerkbait, finesse, topwater, etc.).
#4. We use only high quality tackle from local Michigan tackle companies that know how to make lures that catch fish on Michigan’s ultra clear waters as well as top national brands as needed.
#5. We customize each days fishing hours to take into consideration the weather forecast and your schedule.
#6. We welcome ALL skill levels from first timers to retired national pros .
#7. We also offer family discounts as well as multiple-day discounts.
If you have additional questions, talk to Coach by texting, calling or emailing.
260 519 1168
fzfields@gmail.com
Find daily/weekly updates during season on Facebook at:
Coach’s Angle Smallmouth Charters
“Welcome to one of the premier smallmouth bass destinations. After many years of teaching and coaching basketball in Indiana, I now reside in the KALKASKA/TRAVERSE CITY area. I spend 6 days a week fishing these beautiful waters and I am inviting you to join me. My 30-plus years of tournament and guiding experience have made it possible for you to have a fun day of fishing.”
Waters most often selected include East Bay, the entire Elk Chain, Charlevoix and Walloon.
Other destinations are available upon request.
2026 Season
The following charters are available (for one or two fishermen):
4.5 hours $ 480.00
6 hours $ 600.00
7.5 hours $ 740.00
Add $80 for a third fisherman
Ask Coach about family discounts and weekly charters. We can customize.
Call or Text: (260) 519-1168
Or by email at:
We've observed fish congregating in specific spots over five days on two lakes. With over 100 smallmouth caught last week most were in schools. Fishing a 200 yard stretch of favorite waters did not produce. But small areas held the majority.
The school's compactness seems to vary with water clarity, dispersing in clear water and concentrating in stained water. Exploring all new areas yesterday, we found smallmouth in three out of five spots (reserving earlier hotspots for next week's guests.)
This phase will change soon.
And for the next few days you can pick the water color you like.
Mostly Quiet Cove Jerkbaits were used with an occasional LuckyCraft.
None of the 20 smallmouth were over five lbs today but a couple very close.
Be safe as there is still floating and suspending debris.
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After our previous post of a quality outing a couple of our daytrippers reached out and here we go...
Twenty two caught with four lbs the biggest. The fog rolled in midmorning--thank goodness for gps assistance. When the wind finally happened it was welcomed.
(Many calls were received in late winter wanting to know when I thought they should come from Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kentucky to get in on the very good early season hardbait fishing. I guessed a little late as the early exit of ice has caused this. We all are scrambling to get scheduled.)
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Big numbers of good smallmouth today.
A 5.35 and a 5.20 led the way with a half dozen more over four lbs.
Plenty of stained water which may be why they were schooled so tight.
My early bass people are going to hit it right!
Note: The DNR opened some of their launches for today. Baggs Landing is now open but I'm not sure about others.
Here is the DNR office that has been very helpful--231-922-5280
They have the most up-to-date info.
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An update on the northwest Michigan flooding...
The only thing I know for sure is that State access sites are closed on many lakes.
The state told me directly (Friday and again on Saturday) that the closure was because of excess floating objects. Otherwise, a no-wake restriction might be helpful but was not in effect.
I was told there were no homes on Elk or Skegemog that were being flooded but there were from Torch and upstream from Torch. Please let me know if this is wrong.
I took three days off to help a couple friends fighting high water in their downtown structures (not on the water).
Prior to that a few days of fishing provided enough smallmouth to be prepared for next week's clients. However, the highlight may very well be the limits of perch caught using an old bass fishing technique. Several of the perch made their way to a client's taxidermist.
Will talk to the DNR Office again today. FISH PICS SOON!
Be very safe
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Although many of our lakes have too much ice a couple are safe enough if you watch for occasional ice chunk.
After first two days on the water the report is like years past--smallies in predictable areas and 10 to 12" perch gathered under the schools of baitfish.
As most of you know jerkbait fishing can be physically demanding.
I've been looking for an alternative that is less demanding and I think we are getting close. It has worked so far but we will see if it holds up. Biggest smallmouth on day one was a 5.60.
Upcoming days will be fun as a few more lakes will open up. And the winds will position the baitfish.
Thanks to Camp and Cruise and the folks at PowerPole for their help in getting us ready for 2026.
Here we go...
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Happy Easter to all. Hopefully your family can spend some time together.
Those of us this far north are finally losing some snow and starting to see some open water.
Be safe my friends and God Bless Our Troops.
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