10-Hour Bass, Pike & Walleye Charter in Carthage
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour charter targeting Bass, Pike, and Walleye speciesProfessional guidance with River Valley Charters in CarthageMaximum 4 guests for personalized fishing instruction
When you're looking for serious fishing action in upstate New York, River Valley Charters delivers exactly what die-hard anglers crave. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 10 hours on prime Carthage waters where bass, pike, and walleye are absolutely stacked. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're committed to putting you on fish while teaching you the tricks that separate weekend warriors from real stick fishermen. Pack your valid New York fishing license, grab some snacks and drinks for the cooler, and get ready for some of the best multi-species action the North Country has to offer.
Your day starts early with River Valley Charters, and for good reason – the best bite windows don't wait around for anyone. With a maximum of four anglers on board, you're getting personalized attention that bigger operations simply can't match. The crew focuses on teaching you the nuances of reading water, understanding seasonal patterns, and adapting your presentation to what the fish want on any given day. These aren't just boat drivers – they're educators who want to see you succeed long after this trip ends. The Carthage area offers diverse structure and depth changes that hold different species throughout the day, so you'll be constantly learning new techniques and covering fresh water. Expect to move around quite a bit as conditions change and fish relocate, but that's exactly what makes this such a productive and educational experience.
River Valley Charters runs a variety of presentations depending on what the fish are telling them. You'll likely spend time trolling for suspended walleye using lead core or downriggers, working structure with jigs and live bait, and casting artificial lures around cover for bass and pike. The crew provides all necessary tackle, but experienced anglers often bring their favorite rods for specific techniques. Northern pike fishing here often involves working weed edges with spoons, spinners, or large soft plastics, while bass fishing focuses heavily on rocky structure, drop-offs, and timber. Walleye tactics change throughout the day – early morning might call for shallow cranks, while afternoon fishing often means going deep with jigs or bottom bouncers. The beauty of a 10-hour trip is having time to really dial in what's working and spend quality time perfecting your technique rather than rushing from spot to spot.
Northern pike in these waters are absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag and your nerves. These toothy predators typically run anywhere from 24 to 40 inches, with the occasional monster pushing well over that mark. Pike are most active during cooler parts of the day and absolutely love ambush points near weed lines and drop-offs. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strike and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw your hooks. Fall fishing is particularly hot for pike as they feed heavily before winter, but they're catchable throughout the open water season.
Walleye fishing around Carthage offers some of the most consistent action you'll find in the region. These golden beauties typically range from 15 to 25 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and enough big ones to keep things interesting. Walleye are known for their finicky nature, but local guides have dialed in the patterns that produce day after day. They're most active during low-light periods, which is why starting early pays dividends. The meat quality is second to none, and their subtle bites teach you to really pay attention to your rod tip – skills that make you a better angler across the board.
Smallmouth bass in these waters are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. Don't let their size fool you – a 3-pound smallie will give you a workout that rivals much larger fish. They love rocky structure, current breaks, and anything that provides ambush cover. What makes smallmouth special is their aggressive nature once hooked – they'll jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. The Carthage area produces consistent numbers with fish ranging from solid keepers up to true trophy-class bronzebacks that'll have you talking for years.
A 10-hour charter with River Valley Charters isn't just about catching fish – though you'll definitely do plenty of that. It's about investing in your skills as an angler and experiencing some of the best multi-species fishing New York has to offer. The combination of expert guidance, prime fishing waters, and enough time to really get dialed in makes this trip a standout choice for serious fishermen. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, chase personal bests, or just enjoy a full day of consistent action, this charter delivers on all fronts. The crew's commitment to education means you're not just paying for a day on the water – you're investing in knowledge that'll make every future fishing trip more successful. Don't wait around hoping for perfect conditions; the best time to book is now while prime dates are still available.
This 26' Penn Yan is your ticket to serious fishing action on Carthage waters. Built to handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, she's powered by a robust 405 HP V8 that'll get you to the hot spots fast and keep you steady when the fish are biting. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate those bass, pike, and walleye hiding below. With a proper toilet aboard, you can stay out longer without cutting trips short, and the live bait well keeps your minnows and shiners in prime condition. Whether you're working the deeper channels for walleye or casting into the shallows for aggressive pike, this boat gives you the platform and equipment to make the most of your 10-hour adventure with River Valley Charters.
Esox LuciusNorthern Pike are aggressive predators that average 2-3 feet and can hit 20+ pounds in our waters. These "freshwater sharks" have razor-sharp teeth and ambush prey from weedy cover in shallow bays and drop-offs. They're not the fastest swimmers, but their explosive strikes will test your drag. Spring and fall are prime times when they're active in shallower water. Summer pushes them deeper to cooler spots. Pike fight hard with sudden runs and head shakes that'll keep you busy. The key here is using a steel leader - their teeth will slice through regular line like butter. Target weed edges and structure with spoons or large soft plastics, and reel slowly to mimic injured baitfish.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the best fighters in our waters. These bronze fighters typically run 12-16 inches but pack serious attitude. They love rocky bottoms, boulder fields, and drop-offs in clear water. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're active in shallows, while summer heat pushes them deeper. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and battle right to the boat. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. Early morning and evening are your best bets when they're feeding aggressively. My local tip: try a weightless soft plastic around rocky structure and let it fall naturally. These bass can't resist that slow, fluttering action.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating and a favorite target on our trips. Most run 14-18 inches with some hitting 20+ and several pounds. Those silvery eyes help them hunt in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime time. They hang around rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and weed edges during the day, then move shallow at night to feed. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're more active. What makes walleye special is they're both challenging to catch and amazing on the dinner table - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The secret around here is working live minnows or nightcrawlers on a slow bottom presentation near structure. Patience pays off with these fish.
Henderson