Fishing the Great Lakes is never short on surprises. On a recent trip to Michigan, we had our sights set on Lake Michigan, but strong winds forced us to adjust. Instead of canceling, we headed into East Grand Traverse Bay with Captain Bob Hinds of Central Coast Angling—and what followed was a morning full of action, learning, and big salmon.

This blog recaps our conversation with Captain Hinds, covering his summer fishing experiences, the unique jigging opportunities in Platte Bay, and why Northern Michigan continues to stand out as one of the most diverse fisheries in the Great Lakes region.

A Summer to Remember on Lake Michigan

Captain Bob began by reflecting on what has been an outstanding fishing season.

“It’s just been a phenomenal spring out of the Manitou Islands,” he explained. “Fishing was just phenomenal—deck-loading for Kings, tons of bites, and very happy customers.”

Hinds described days when his boat saw 35–40 bites, often filling the deck with mature Chinook salmon. His time around South Manitou Island stood out, offering spectacular fishing with almost no crowding.

Unlike popular ports where dozens of boats compete for space, South Manitou is remote. “If we see five boats on a Saturday morning, that’s a busy day,” Hinds said. The combination of low pressure, beautiful National Park backdrops, and consistent salmon action made it a highlight of his season.

Shifting to Coho Jigging in Platte Bay

While trolling dominated much of his summer, Hines was already transitioning into a different fishery by late August: vertical jigging for coho salmon out of Platte Bay.

This fishery is no secret, but it’s one that demands a hands-on approach and rewards anglers who enjoy feeling every strike.

“It’s vertical jigging, more like Detroit River walleye style,” Hinds explained. “They’ll bite it on the fall, and you have to be ready.”

Using live sonar to track pods of fish, Hinds adapts quickly. On calm mornings, he targets fish 65–70 feet down with jigs. When winds push salmon toward river mouths, he switches to long casts with spinners.

“It’s like swinging flies in a river,” he said. “When they climb on the spinner, just keep reeling—don’t set the hook. Some anglers get it right away, others never do. But it’s an awesome fishery with thousands of coho.”

His fall calendar was already booked solid with clients eager to experience this action, extending into late September.

Why Northern Michigan Is So Special

One theme that kept coming up in our conversation was the incredible variety of fishing opportunities in Northern Michigan.

“Every eight miles, you’ve got a place to launch,” Hinds said. “Bluegill, bass, salmon, trout, rivers, fly fishing—there’s something for every season.”

For charter captains like Hinds, mobility is a huge advantage. If Lake Michigan’s main body is unfishable due to weather, anglers can shift to Grand Traverse Bay, Platte Bay, or an inland lake.

And while salmon dominate much of his business, Hinds pointed out that Grand Traverse Bay also boasts world-class smallmouth bass fishing, not to mention trout and even cisco.

“You don’t need fancy gear or a big boat,” he added. “I see guys running two riggers and a couple divers and catching plenty of fish.”

Memorable Moments on the Water

Every fishing season produces stories, and Hinds shared a few that stuck with him. One involved a client who dropped a salmon overboard after landing it for a photo. “I’d never seen that happen in all my years,” he laughed.

Another memory was a young boy’s birthday trip. The five-year-old fought and landed his first salmon, creating a moment both he and his family will never forget.

“He drilled it all the way in,” Hinds recalled. “That little guy will always remember his birthday fish.”

For Hinds, these experiences are what make guiding so rewarding. Every trip brings a new memory, whether it’s a child’s first fish, a client seeing a salmon for the first time, or the chaos of a multiple-rod hookup.

Gear That Gets the Job Done

Hinds also spoke about his new Skeeter WXR 2260, which he described as his “hammer.”

“What kind of carpenter would you be if you didn’t have a good hammer? This is my tool, and I use it every day,” he said.

Rigged with Garmin electronics, autopilot, and Yamaha power, the boat handles big water confidently while still being easy to trailer and fuel-efficient.

From trolling Lake Michigan for kings to jigging Platte Bay for coho, the setup allows Hinds to safely fish a wide range of conditions.

And, of course, tools like the Fish Hawk Electronics system play a major role in dialing in presentations. Whether tracking down-speed, water temperature, or current, knowing what’s happening below the surface is the edge serious Great Lakes anglers rely on.

Fishing with Purpose

Another side of Hinds’ operation that stood out was his commitment to giving back. Fish not used for personal consumption often go to local families in need.

“I get one or two calls a week asking for fish,” he explained. “I vacuum seal them and donate them to people who will eat them. It’s good eating and a good way to give back.”

This approach highlights the broader role that charter captains can play in their communities—not only providing unforgettable experiences on the water but also ensuring the harvest benefits others.

The Grand Traverse Bay Experience

Our morning on East Grand Traverse Bay was a perfect example of why flexibility is so important in Great Lakes fishing. While the winds kept us off the big lake, the bay offered a sheltered alternative and plenty of action.

The fish were healthy, hard-fighting chinooks, with most running in the high teens. “That’s a great Grand Traverse Bay salmon,” Hinds said as we admired one gorgeous Chinook.

The scenery was just as rewarding—calm waters, only a handful of boats, and the sense of having stumbled onto a special bite when others stayed home.

Looking Ahead

As our conversation wrapped up, it was clear that Hinds is already looking forward to the fall coho run and beyond. Between jigging opportunities in Platte Bay, trolling salmon around the Manitou Islands, and exploring inland options, Northern Michigan anglers never run out of options.

“We’re blessed to have such an amazing fishery,” Hinds said. “Every season offers something new.”

Final Thoughts

Fishing with Captain Bob Hinds offered a reminder of why so many anglers return to the Great Lakes year after year. It’s not just the fish—though fighting mature kings on Grand Traverse Bay is tough to beat. It’s the variety, the scenery, the challenge of adapting to conditions, and the people you share it with.

And for anglers across the Great Lakes, whether you’re trolling open water or jigging coho in the fall, remember that the right information makes all the difference. Tools like Fish Hawk Electronics help you unlock the puzzle beneath the surface—giving you the confidence to adjust, adapt, and put more fish in the boat.