SML Striper Fishing Guides2023-06-12T11:55:17+00:00

SML Striper Guides – Full Guided Charter Service, Fishing for the “Ultimate” Striped Bass on Beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Smith Mountain Lake reigns as Virginia’s top freshwater Striped Bass fishery and holds a lake record of 49.4 lbs. for the Striped Bass. Lead Captain Daniel Berthiaume and Captain Doug Schmidt hold  U.S. Coast Guard Licenses and are fully insured as  fishing guides on Smith Mountain Lake. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. 2020 Sportsman 247 or 25Ft  2009 Carolina Skiff both of which accommodate fishing parties up to six. ALL equipment is provided.

We fish different strategies based on the season, fish activity and schooling patterns. Our Captains employ live bait on down rods, planner boards and artificial lures throughout all seasons. As the summer months approach we also use umbrella rigs when the striped bass are schooled together. The bottom line is we’ll get you on the fish whatever it takes! 

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Your Captains

Our expert Smith Mountain Lake striper fishing guides, Lead Captain Daniel Berthiaume and Captain Doug Schmidt, hold U.S. Coast Guard Licenses and are fully insured as fishing guides. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. 2020 Sportsman 247 or 25Ft  2009 Carolina Skiff both of which accommodate fishing parties up to six. ALL equipment is provided.

Testimonials

Here’s what our happy Stripers had to say about our SML Fishing Guide Service:

Just wanted to let ya’ll know that we did really enjoy the trip. Your boy was exactly what I hoped he would be. He knows how to fish and how to treat folks and I have found that to be a hard package to find. My kids and my Bros in laws talked about the fishing for the rest of our gathering!

Also, thank Bert for dressing our fish and giving us the 411 on cooking them. We fried half and grilled half and had what the bosses called our best meal of the week! I have personally done a lot of fish eating and had no idea that stripers were for anything more than a good fight. Honestly though, I’d put them right up there with some of my favorite salt water fish.

Well, again–thanks! Hope to be able to go again soon.

Chip, Marietta, Ga.

Captain Bert, we just wanted to let you know what a great time we had last week fishing with you. Patty and I both commented that you were not only one of very few guides we have ever used that was on time, but worked harder at making sure we caught fish than any guide we can remember. If we pass through Virginia again, we’ll try to hook up with you and if we find anyone else coming that way, we will sure recommend you.

Jeff and Patty, Elizabethtown, KY
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how impressed we were with our fishing experience with you last week.

It is obvious that you (unlike several other captains we observed) truly enjoy your business and gave us much, much more than we expected. We all felt that your first concern was for us to catch fish and go home with a nice catch and some good memories.

Your boat and equipment was superb and your professionalism seems unmatched. We will make a point to recommend your charter to our many circles of friends and fishing enthusiasts.

Suzanne

I am writing to say how much fun we had out on the lake last Wednesday. That 9 hours on the lake was all we talked about the rest of the trip. You are definitely a first class guide. Again thanks a lot and we will definitely be coming back!

Brad

Am finally getting around to writing you a note to tell you how much Walt, Mark, Eric–and especially Griffin–enjoyed the fishing trip on the 16th. I know Griffin will always remember his 9th birthday gift from his Aunt Mary. Walt raved about the trip–and believe me, Walt doesn’t rave about many things! He said Bert was so good with Eric–and my two sons enjoyed talking to him so much. I cooked some of the fish that night and they were really good!

Sue

Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Charters FAQs

How experienced are your fishing guides?2023-06-12T01:39:27+00:00

Our lead guide, Captain Daniel Berthiaume has been fishing Smith Mountain lake for over 15 years. Captain Doug Schmidt has been fishing SML since 2007. They are both expert striper fishing guides that have the knowledge and experience to get you on the fish!

Is there a restaurant near by?2023-06-09T20:32:22+00:00

Yes, Mitchell’s Restaurant is located on Mitchell’s Point and is a casual family restaurant. The Edo Grill is also nearby. Enjoy these discounts when you book a fishing trip with us:

  • 20% Off all food and non-alcoholic beverages from Mitchell’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.   The Restaurant is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • 20% Off all food and non-alcoholic beverages from Edo Grill.  The Restaurant is open year round.
Where should I stay when we visit Smith Mountain Lake?2023-06-09T20:30:30+00:00

When you book a trip with Mitchell’s Guide Service, consider calling Lake Retreat Rental Properties, LLC to reserve your lodging. Lake Retreat has a large selection of over 60 lakefront properties to fit all your vacation lodging needs. See the Lake Retreat’s website for contact and booking information at  or contact them at 540-297-6002.

What should I bring with me?2023-06-09T20:29:31+00:00

You are required to bring a Virginia State Fishing License. We also advise you to bring Rain Gear, Snacks & Refreshments, Plenty of Cold Weather Gear in Winter, Hat & Sunscreen in Summer.

Where are you located?2023-06-09T20:28:15+00:00

We are located at Mitchells Point, Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Click here for a map and directions.

What is the best bait to catch Striped Bass?2023-06-09T20:26:27+00:00

Live eels are used by anglers throughout the species’ range as stripers seem to love them! Eels can be drifted or trolled, and fished deep with weight or suspended high in the water column under a float. Bunker (also known pogies or alewives or, properly as menhaden) are probably the number-one most common bait used for stripers, and herring aren’t far behind.

What is the best time to fish at Smith Mountain Lake?2023-06-09T20:22:29+00:00

Stripers are found in the lake all year-round but are more easily caught in the summer.  The best time for fishing on Smith Mountain Lake would be the early morning or the late evening when there are fewer people on the lake.

What is the striper record at Smith Mountain Lake?2023-06-09T20:21:37+00:00

Smith Mountain Lake reigns as Virginia’s top freshwater Striped Bass fishery and holds a lake record of 49.4 lbs. for the Striped Bass.

LATEST NEWS

Huddleston Veterans Memorial Courts

Mitchell’s Point Marina owner Jeff Prowse is creating a place where youth can stay active in the Huddleston area. Work is already underway for a recreation area that will eventually bring basketball, roller hockey and eventually pickelball to an area lacking in sports facilities.

Construction on the outdoor recreation area started earlier this year. Prowse said he purchased additional property adjacent to the marina to upgrade the water system, but saw an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.

The Semper Fi and America’s Fund is one of America’s highest rated charities, they are dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

As Marine family Debbie and I have seen first hand the tremendous work that the Fund does in supporting the veterans of all services. Mitchell’s Point Guide Services is honored to donate 1% or $5000 of our profits, whichever is a higher, to The Semper Fi and America’s Fund. If you would like more information about the Semper Fi and America’s Fund, or would like donate or volunteer click on the link below.

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