Let’s Go Fish…
David Hurley
Licensed Captain
Location & Services
Based in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan (15 minutes from Detroit), I guide fly fishing trips primarily on Lake St. Clair, with occasional trips to Lakes Erie and Huron in the spring.
Specialty
I focus on multi-species flats fly fishing from a small technical poling skiff. Target species include:
- Freshwater drum
- Bowfin
- Carp
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Pike
- Catfish
- Rare flats musky
Season
The Lake St. Clair flats season starts as early as mid-May, with the peak multi-species experience running from June through October.
Gear & Tackle Recommendation
For flats fishing, I recommend floating lines with weighted flies to reach the fish quickly. A 7-8wt fly rod is ideal for all-around fishing, though I often use a 6wt as well. I’ll have a full range of gear ready, from a 6wt to a 10wt musky rod.
I provide all flies, leader materials, and essentials to ensure a successful trip.
Conventional Fishing
While fly fishing is my specialty, I also accommodate conventional anglers with a well-refined flats program. My hard tackle is limited, but I have a spinning rod and a selection of soft plastics that work well. If bringing your own gear, I recommend light finesse tackle for the best experience.
Guided Trip Details
- Licensed Captain
- Boat: 16ft skiff (ideal for 1-2 anglers)
- Rate: $450 for a full day (8a – 4p)
- No deposit required
What to Bring & Weather Policy
Attire: Sun-protective clothing, a hat, and polarized sunglasses for comfort and visibility. Hydration is key – bring plenty of water.
Food & Drinks: I provide a small cooler with bubbly water, but please bring your own food and snacks. We typically fish straight through the day, unless you request a lunch break.
Weather Policy: I aim to stay flexible – if conditions are unsafe or unfavorable, we may need to reschedule for a better experience.
Specialty Trips
April: pre-spawn smallmouth bass trips on Lake St. Clair, targeting key staging areas where hungry bass load up on calories. We’ll fish intermediate and sinking lines, searching for trophy smallmouth, with chances to hook largemouth bass, pike, and bowfin as well.
- Boat Capacity: 2 anglers (one fishing from each end of the skiff)
- Target Species: Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pike, bowfin
- Prime Time for Trophy Smallies!
May: I run a rugged, action-packed carp program out of Monroe County on Lake Erie. Carp flood the shallows, aggressive and ready to eat. Other nearby opportunities include:
- Blind casting for big freshwater drum
- Catfish
- Bass
- Gar
If you’re looking for an exciting spring flats experience, this is it!
