Meet your captain
Dave has been on the charter fishing scene since birth. As a 3rd generation captain, he started his career as a first mate at the age of 11 working on the family boats and for anyone else who needed a hand. In 2002 he earned his 100 Ton Master’s Captain’s License and purchased Tiny Bubbles (boat and business) from his father, Robert. The rest, as they say, is history. When Dave is not fishing he enjoys… Fishing! Whether it be in the creeks and inland lakes of our great Northern Michigan area, or in the Ocean and Gulf of the Florida Keys, there are very few days that go by when he doesn’t have a fishing pole in hand. Dave is also an avid hunter, enjoying whitetail, duck and small game hunting. Dave and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters (Noelle and Kass) and enjoy traveling when they’re not working.
Check out some of Capt. Dave’s claims to fame!
2020 Red Hot Best Of – Best Charter Captain
2019 Red Hot Best Of – Best Charter Captain
2018 Red Hot Best Of – Best Charter Captain
Red Hot Best Of – Top 10 Charter Captain 2016
World Fishing Network – Fish N Trips featured show
“Great Lakes Fisherman’s Digest – Featured show & contributor”
Captain Robert Rommell
Robert represents the 2nd generation of Rommell family fishermen. Having been first mate for his father, Robert Rommell Sr, to then purchasing his own charter boat and finally purchasing the Tiny Bubbles business, Robert has been a part of the Frankfort Fishing Community his whole life. Robert is “retired from his real job” but works more than full time with the Tiny Bubbles crew. You’ll find him at the helm of Tiny Bubble 4th Gen and Super Fish, as well as working the deck on Tiny Bubbles. Robert enjoys all types of fishing and hunting as well as spoiling his 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
First Mate Noelle Rommell
Noelle (Elle as she is better known) has been a fulltime mate on Tiny Bubbles since 2019. She has been on the boats since she was 6mos old and definitely has the “Rommell Fishing Curse”. Elle, much like her father, enjoys all types of fishing and looks forward to a career as the 4th generation Charter Captain in the Rommell family when she graduates in 2024. When Elle is not fishing she enjoys hunting, basketball and track.
Deckhand Dave Ratliff
Dave has been fishing on the Great Lakes since 1978. He loves to fish big water and help others learn and have a great time while fishing. He is very active in the local fishing community, and with Safari Club International. Dave is also an avid hunter and was able to complete GSCO Super Slam of North America in 2023! Dave looks forward to helping you be successful while fishing with the Tiny Bubbles Team.
Deckhand Ezra
Ezra has always enjoyed the outdoors and especially fishing. He has been fishing the big water for a few year now, but spends even more time fishing for steelhead and native trout, when he’s not trolling for walleye or ice fishing for perch. Ezra also enjoys hunting and being outdoors every chance he gets.
Guide Matt Johnson
Matt has work with Dave and Amanda for nearly ten years. He joined the fishing family as store manager for the Rommell’s old sport shop, Big Bob’s, back in 2013. Since then, Matt has continued to help out on the Lake Michigan boats, in his spare time with a career as Fire Lieutenant for Elmwood Twp. Fire Department. In 2022, Matt expressed an interest in taking on more with TBC and his love for all types of fishing, along with his skill in successfully targeting many different species, made it a natural fit to turn him lose with the Super Fish on Crystal Lake. Matt truly enjoys taking all anglers, but especially families, out to enjoy this fun and action packed fishing style. When Matt isn’t working at the fire station or on the boat, he also enjoys all different types of hunting.