Pike, Bass & Walleye Fishing in Carthage, NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour seasonal trip targeting pike, bass, and walleyeCaptain Benjamin Roggie guides groups up to 4 guestsAvailable May through July on Carthage waters
Captain Benjamin Roggie knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish this season. This 4-hour charter runs from May through July when the action is red-hot, targeting three of New York's most popular game fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler or bringing the family out for their first real fishing adventure, this trip delivers exactly what you're after. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and Captain Benjamin keeps things relaxed while making sure everyone gets their shot at landing something worth bragging about.
You'll meet Captain Benjamin bright and early at the launch, where he'll get you set up with everything you need for a successful day. The boat is well-equipped and comfortable, perfect for the 4-hour window that gives you prime fishing time without wearing everyone out. This is inshore fishing at its finest – we're talking about working the structure, drop-offs, and weed lines where these fish love to hang out during the warmer months. The captain knows exactly where to find them based on water temperature, weather patterns, and seasonal movements. Don't forget to grab your New York fishing license before you show up – it's required and you can snag one online or at most local tackle shops. The whole vibe is laid-back but focused, giving beginners a chance to learn the ropes while letting experienced anglers do their thing.
Captain Benjamin runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are telling him that day. For pike, expect to throw spinnerbaits, spoons, and live bait rigs around weed edges and deeper structure. These toothy predators love ambush spots, so we'll work the transitions between shallow and deep water where they like to cruise. Bass fishing means getting into the technical stuff – soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater action when conditions are right. The smallmouth here are absolute fighters, and you'll feel every headshake and jump. Walleye require a more finesse approach, often involving jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers, worked slowly along the bottom structure. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The captain will adjust techniques based on weather, water clarity, and fish activity, so every trip feels different even if you've been out before.
Northern Pike are the apex predators of these waters, and they put on a show when hooked. These aggressive fish can stretch over 30 inches and pack serious muscle, making explosive runs that'll test your drag system. Late spring through early summer is prime time as they move into shallower areas to feed heavily after spawning. Pike are ambush feeders, lurking in weedy areas waiting to demolish anything that swims by. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability – you might catch a bunch of smaller ones then suddenly hook into a true monster that's been living in these waters for years.
Smallmouth Bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 12-18 inches but don't let the size fool you – they'll jump, dive, and fight like fish twice their size. May through July is when they're most active, feeding aggressively in the warming water around rocky structure and drop-offs. Smallmouth have incredible eyesight and can be finicky, making them a fun challenge for anglers who like to think through their approach. When you hook one, get ready for acrobatics that'll have everyone on the boat watching the show.
Walleye are the table fare champions of this trip, with flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're typically more active during low-light conditions, but Captain Benjamin knows the deeper spots where you can find them throughout the day. These fish have excellent vision in low light and tend to school up, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Walleye in this area commonly run 15-22 inches, with the occasional surprise that'll make your day. They're not the flashiest fighters, but they make steady, determined runs and provide that satisfying weight that tells you you've got something good on the line.
This seasonal charter books up fast once word gets out about the fishing quality, especially during peak summer months when families are looking for that perfect day on the water. Captain Benjamin's local knowledge and relaxed teaching style make this trip perfect for mixed groups where some folks are serious about fishing and others just want to have fun. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm without feeling rushed, and the May-July window means you're hitting these species when they're most active. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, plan a guys' trip, or just get out and enjoy some of New York's best inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Get your licenses sorted, bring your camera for the grip-and-grin shots, and get ready for some quality time on the water with fish that'll make the trip worth every minute.
Captain Benjamin Roggie's 26-foot Penn Yan is built for serious angling on the waters around Carthage. This well-equipped fishing machine runs on a powerful 405 HP V8 that'll get you to the hotspots fast, whether you're chasing pike in the shallows or working deeper water for walleye and bass. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish. You'll have GPS to navigate the local waters and a quality fish finder to locate schools and structure where the big ones hide. The live bait well keeps your minnows and leeches fresh all day, which makes a huge difference when walleye get picky. There's even a toilet onboard for longer trips. From May through July, these waters are prime for multi-species action, and this Penn Yan gives you the perfect platform to make the most of it.
Esox LuciusNorthern Pike are built like freshwater sharks - long, lean, and loaded with sharp teeth. Around here, you'll find them averaging 2-3 feet and putting up a serious fight. These ambush predators love hanging out in shallow, weedy areas near drop-offs and structure where they can surprise their next meal. May through July is prime time since they're active in the warmer shallows before heading deeper in peak summer. What makes pike fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature - they'll smash just about any lure that moves past them. The key trick I share with guests is to fish your lures slow and steady, making them look injured. Pike love to play with their food, so when you feel that first hit, keep reeling at the same pace and wait for the real strike. Just watch those teeth when landing one!
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the best fighters in freshwater. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-16 inches around here and are absolutely scrappy. You'll find them hugging rocky structure, fallen timber, and drop-offs in clear water. They love areas with gravel or rock bottoms where they can ambush crayfish and small baitfish. May through July is perfect timing as they're active in moderate depths before going deep in peak summer. What makes smallmouth so popular with guests is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and fight until they're in the net. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. The trick I always share is to target them early morning or late evening when they're most active. Try weightless soft plastics around structure, and don't be surprised when they hit hard and immediately head for cover.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish around these parts, with their flaky white meat and mild flavor. They typically run 15-20 inches and have those distinctive glassy eyes that help them see in low light. During our season, you'll find them relating to rocky structure, drop-offs, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move shallow to feed. What guests love about walleye fishing is the combination of challenge and reward - they can be finicky biters but make up for it on the dinner table. They're not flashy fighters like bass, but they'll give you steady headshakes and runs. My go-to tip is to fish live minnows or nightcrawlers on a simple jig head, working it slow along the bottom near structure. When you feel that subtle "tick," set the hook gently - walleye have soft mouths.
Henderson