Pike, Bass & Walleye Fishing in Carthage, NY
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.