Captains Bob Smith and son, Wes Smith, have a combined over four decades worth of experience fishing the clear waters of Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands. Both captains are U.S. Coast Guard certified and operate fully equipped 31' and 33' Tiara boats out of Historic Fishtown in Leland, Michigan. Catch King and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Brown Trout and more with professional and proven tackle and equipment. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced angler, Bob and Wes are committed to ensuring that your crew is comfortable, smiling and hollering, "Fish on!", all day long.
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EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FUN! 

Meet Our Captains
Captain Bob Smith 
Captain Bob, of the Mariah, has over 40 years of experience fishing the waters of Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands. Fishing Lake Michigan is more than a profession for “Mariah Bob”, it is a passion that led him to calling Leelanau County his full-time home in 1997. Owner of the Sportsman Shop in Glen Arbor, Michigan and Captain of the Mariah out of Fishtown in Leland, Michigan, Bob is a true master of the sport. With his exceptional skill of  navigating the water and lively personality, he is committed to providing a fishing experience that is unforgettable and keeps you coming back year-after-year!
Captain Wes Smith ​
Captain Wes, of the Pier Pressure, has spent his entire life fishing the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan with his father, Captain Bob Smith. From the early years of being first mate aboard the Mariah to docking alongside his father in Fishtown, Wes learned everything he knows about sport fishing from expert Captain Bob. At 18 years of age, Captain Wes became one of the youngest U.S. Coast Guard captains on Lake Michigan. After more than a decade running charters aboard his own boat, he has proven himself as an elite captain time and time again. His outgoing personality, love and knowledge of the sport, and dedication to clients is undeniable. ​

OUR BOATS

MARIAH
PIER PRESSURE
​Our captains run top-of-the-line  31’ and 33’ Tiara boats. Both ships are U.S. Coast Guard certified and fully equipped for optimal comfort, safety and performance.  On board you will find the most up-to-date, professional and proven equipment and tackle for non-stop fishing action. Compared to other Lake Michigan charter boat operations, our equipment, experience and dedication to providing an enjoyable excursion have guests coming back year after year.


Some of our boat features include:
  • Raymarine Navigation and Sonar Electronics
  • Fish Hawk Temperature and Speed Sensors
  • Industry Leading Shimano Rods and Reels
  • Professionally Proven Lures and Tackle
  • State-of-the-Art Big Jon Electric Downriggers
  • Plenty of Seating and Space for Your Crew
  • Large Cabin with Comfortable Restroom