Carthage Pike, Bass & Walleye Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour seasonal fishing targeting pike, bass, and walleyeCaptain Benjamin Roggie guides groups through Carthage watersMay through July trips accommodate up to four guests
Captain Benjamin Roggie knows these Carthage waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This 4-hour inshore trip runs from May through July when the pike are prowling, the walleye are feeding, and the smallmouth bass are putting up a real fight. Whether you're just getting your feet wet or you've been working these waters for years, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. You'll have room for up to 4 people, so bring your crew and get ready to make some memories on the water.
Captain Ben runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – exactly what you want when you're out there trying to put fish in the boat. He'll meet you at the dock in Carthage with everything rigged and ready to go. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for the species you're targeting. Don't worry about bringing gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. The captain provides all the essentials, from jigs and spoons to live bait when conditions call for it. Just make sure you've got your New York fishing license sorted before you show up – that's the one thing he can't help you with on the water. The pace is steady but not rushed, giving everyone in your group plenty of chances to get their lines wet and feel some tugs.
This isn't your typical cast-and-pray operation. Captain Ben switches up techniques based on what the fish are doing and where they're hanging out. Early season pike fishing often means working the shallows with spoons and spinnerbaits, especially around weed edges where these toothy predators like to ambush their next meal. For walleye, you'll likely be jigging deeper structure or trolling crankbaits to cover water and find active schools. The smallmouth bass fishing really shines when you're pitching tubes and soft plastics around rocky areas and drop-offs. Ben reads the water conditions, weather patterns, and seasonal movements to put you where the action is. He's not afraid to move spots if the bite slows down, and he'll teach you the little details that make the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Northern Pike are the apex predators in these waters, and they're absolutely built for speed and aggression. These fish can stretch well over 30 inches and pack serious attitude when they hit your lure. May through July is prime time because they're active in the shallows after spawn, feeding heavily to bulk back up. Pike are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, thrash, and make runs that'll test your drag system. What makes them so exciting is you never know when one's going to absolutely crush your bait. They're ambush feeders with razor-sharp teeth, so every hookup feels like you've connected with something wild and unpredictable.
Walleye might not have the flash of pike, but they're pure gold for eating and they'll put a serious bend in your rod. These fish are structure-oriented and love deeper water during the day, though they'll move shallow to feed in low light. A good Carthage walleye runs 15 to 20 inches, with some real slabs pushing the 25-inch mark. They're finicky feeders that require patience and the right presentation, but when you find a school, you can really load the boat. The bite often feels like you've snagged bottom until the fish starts shaking its head – that's when you know you've got a marble-eye on the other end.
Smallmouth Bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. These bronze-backed fighters love rocky structure, current breaks, and drop-offs where they can hunt crayfish and baitfish. A 3-pound smallie will fight like it weighs twice that much, making multiple runs and aerial displays that'll have you whooping from the boat. The May to July window is fantastic because they're post-spawn and feeding aggressively to regain their strength. They're scrappy, smart, and absolutely relentless when hooked. Many anglers consider them the ultimate sportfish because they combine beauty, brains, and raw fighting power.
This seasonal trip books up fast once word gets around about the quality of fishing Captain Ben consistently delivers. Four hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots, try various techniques, and really get into some fish without feeling rushed. The combination of pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass means you're never quite sure what's going to hit your line next – and that variety keeps every cast interesting. River Valley Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish while teaching them something new about reading water and presentation. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or you want to dial in your skills on these top-rated Carthage waters, this trip delivers the goods. Get your licenses lined up, grab your crew of up to 4 anglers, and book your dates while the prime May through July window is still available.
Captain Benjamin's 26-foot Penn Yan is your ticket to some serious fishing action on the waters around Carthage. This reliable fishing machine packs a powerful 405 HP V8 that'll get you to the hot spots quickly, whether you're chasing northern pike in the shallows, targeting bass around structure, or drifting for walleye in deeper water. The boat's GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools and mark productive bottom structure. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out when the bite gets hot. The live bait well keeps your minnows and leeches fresh all day, and you'll appreciate having an onboard toilet during those longer sessions. Built tough for these northern waters, this Penn Yan handles everything from calm morning glass-offs to afternoon chop, letting you focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat during prime May through July season.
Esox LuciusNorthern Pike are the apex predators in our local waters - aggressive hunters that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. These long, sleek fish typically run 24-30 inches and pack a serious attitude. You'll find them lurking in weedy bays, around drop-offs, and along structure where they ambush prey. They love cooler water, so early season through July gives you the best action before they head deeper. What makes pike fishing so addictive is their explosive strikes and stubborn fights - they'll test your drag and keep you on your toes. Plus, those razor-sharp teeth add real excitement to every hookup. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Pike often grab prey sideways first, so give them a few seconds to turn it and swallow before you drive that hook home.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in our area. These bronze-backed fighters typically run 12-16 inches but don't let size fool you - they'll bend your rod and strip line like fish twice their weight. They love rocky structure, boulder fields, and current breaks in 8-15 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're active and aggressive before the heat pushes them deeper. What makes smallmouth so popular is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and bulldoze like crazy. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. Around here, I've found that bouncing a tube jig or small crayfish imitation along rocky bottoms is deadly effective. The key is to let it fall naturally into the crevices where they hide - that's when you get those bone-jarring strikes that smallmouth are famous for.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating and a real challenge to locate consistently. These golden-colored fish average 15-20 inches and have those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. During the day, they stick to deeper water around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges - usually 10-20 feet down. Your best shots come at dawn, dusk, or overcast days when they move shallow to feed. What guests love about walleye is they're fantastic table fare with that mild, flaky white meat, plus they fight with surprising power for their size. They can be picky biters though, which makes landing them rewarding. My go-to tip for our waters: use a slow-trolling approach with live minnows on a bottom bouncer rig. Keep your speed around 0.8-1.2 mph and let that bait tick along the bottom - walleye can't resist a struggling minnow.
Henderson