Expert Guided 8 Hour Bass Pike Walleye Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target bass, pike, and walleye in Carthage watersEighthour offshore charter accommodates four guests maximumRiver Valley Charters provides guided multispecies fishing experience
Looking for a solid day on the water where you can actually fill the cooler? River Valley Charters has you covered with this top-rated 8-hour fishing adventure that targets three of the North Country's most sought-after species. We're talking about waters that consistently produce bass, northern pike, and walleye – and with a full day to work different spots, you'll have plenty of chances to put some serious fish in the boat. This isn't just another charter; it's your chance to experience some of the best multi-species fishing New York has to offer, right here in Carthage where the rivers and lakes hold more fish than most anglers realize.
This 8-hour trip is designed for up to 4 anglers who want to make the most of their time fishing. We'll be working the prime waters around Carthage, hitting different structures and depths throughout the day to target all three species. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you might start the morning working shallow bays for aggressive bass, then move to deeper water for walleye during the midday lull, and finish strong targeting pike along weed lines as the sun starts to drop. River Valley Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be fishing the spots that consistently produce rather than wasting time searching. With 8 hours to work with, there's time to adapt to what the fish are doing and really dial in the bite. Pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to think much about food anyway.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. For bass, expect to throw everything from topwater lures in the early morning to jigs and soft plastics when they're holding tight to structure. Pike fishing means trolling spoons and working the edges of weed beds with spinnerbaits – these toothy predators love ambush spots where they can dart out and crush baitfish. Walleye tactics change throughout the day, but we'll likely be jigging with live bait or pulling spinners over rocky points and drop-offs. The captain provides all the rods and tackle you'll need, rigged specifically for each species we're targeting. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. We'll have everything from medium-heavy bass setups to the wire leaders you need when pike are in the mood to bite. The boat is equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the nets and tools needed to handle whatever comes over the gunwale.
Northern Pike are the apex predators in these waters, and for good reason. These aggressive fish can stretch well over 30 inches and fight like they mean it, making long runs and throwing themselves out of the water when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time for pike around Carthage, but they're especially active in cooler water when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes pike so exciting isn't just their size – it's their attitude. They'll crush a lure with zero hesitation, and once hooked, they'll test every inch of your drag system. The weed lines and rocky points around here hold some real monsters, and there's nothing quite like watching a big pike follow your lure right to the boat before deciding whether to commit.
Walleye might not jump like pike or fight like bass, but they're the reason most serious anglers keep coming back to these waters. These fish are pure eating quality, and the populations around Carthage are both healthy and hungry. Walleye typically run 14-20 inches here, with plenty of keepers in the mix and the occasional trophy pushing 24 inches or better. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning, late evening, and overcast days – but with the right presentation, you can catch them throughout the day. What walleye lack in aerial acrobatics, they make up for in steady, head-shaking fights and absolutely stellar table fare. Plus, they school up, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby.
Smallmouth Bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter, and the rocky structure around Carthage is perfect smallie habitat. These bronze-backed fighters typically range from 12-16 inches, but don't let the size fool you – a 3-pound smallmouth will give you a workout that'll leave you grinning. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they love rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can ambush crayfish and baitfish. What sets smallmouth apart is their fighting style – they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The clear, cool waters around here are perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right, and watching a smallmouth crush a topwater lure in shallow water is something every angler needs to experience.
This world-class 8-hour adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these waters have to offer. With three target species and a full day to work different techniques and locations, you're looking at the kind of trip that creates stories you'll be telling for years. River Valley Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and this multi-species approach means there's always something biting no matter what the conditions throw at you. Whether you're a local angler looking to explore new water or visiting from out of state, this customer favorite delivers the variety and action that keeps people coming back. Don't wait until the prime dates fill up – book your Carthage fishing adventure now and get ready for a day on the water that'll remind you why you love fishing in the first place.
Hit the productive waters around Carthage aboard this well-equipped 26' Penn Yan that's built for serious angling. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the best bass, pike, and walleye spots without feeling cramped. The 405 HP V8 gets you to the fish fast and handles these northern New York waters with confidence. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hide, while GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. A live bait well keeps your minnows and leeches fresh all day, and the onboard head means more time fishing instead of heading back to dock. Whether you're casting for aggressive pike in the shallows or working deeper water for walleye, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Esox LuciusNorthern Pike are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight once hooked. These "freshwater sharks" typically run 24-30 inches and around 3-4 pounds in our local waters, though bigger ones lurk in the deeper holes. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas during cooler months, especially around drop-offs and marshy coves where they ambush prey. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively hunting in 3-8 feet of water. What makes pike special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag. Plus, they're not picky eaters, hitting spoons, spinners, and big soft plastics. Local tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Pike like to play with their food, so let them take it and run before setting the hook hard.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the scrappiest fighters in our waters. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-16 inches but pack serious attitude. They love rocky bottoms, fallen timber, and drop-offs in clear water. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with early morning and evening being prime time. In summer heat, they go deeper to cooler water around 15-20 feet. What makes smallmouth special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and never give up easily. The firm, mild-flavored meat is excellent eating too. You'll find them hitting everything from topwater poppers to deep-diving cranks, depending on conditions. Around Carthage, they're particularly fond of crayfish patterns since that's their main food source. Pro tip: when fishing rocky areas, use a tube jig in brown or green - hop it along the bottom like a fleeing crayfish and hang on tight.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the holy grail for many anglers - they fight smart and taste even better. Most of our walleye run 14-18 inches, perfect for the dinner table. These golden-colored fish have special eyes that help them hunt in low light, which is why dawn and dusk produce the best action. During the day, look for them on rocky points, gravel bars, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. They move shallow at night to feed. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer evenings can be outstanding too. What guests love is the subtle bite and strong, steady fight - no crazy jumps, just pure determination. The flaky white meat is some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. My go-to tip for Carthage waters: use a jig and minnow combo, and fish it slow along the bottom near structure. Patience pays off with these finicky biters.
Henderson