FAQs & Guest Info.
What to bring, what's included, what to know before your trip on the St. Lawrence.
What to expect on the water.
What To Bring
Valid fishing license (see below), polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks or a packed lunch. Dress in layers — mornings can be cool even in summer. A rain jacket is a good idea in shoulder seasons.
What's Included
All rods, reels, tackle, lures, and terminal gear. Use of the boat and all marine electronics. Coolers for your drinks. Everything you need to fish — all you bring is your license and the stuff that'll keep you comfortable for the day.
Getting Here
We launch out of public ramps in either Clayton, NY or Cape Vincent, NY. We'll confirm the launch point the night before based on conditions and where the fish are biting. Parking is available at both.
Before you book.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. All U.S. customers are required to abide by NYS regulations and must have a valid NYS fishing license. To fish Canadian waters, you'll also need a valid Ontario Outdoors card and an Ontario non-resident fishing license. Licenses are each angler's responsibility — we can point you to the right place to buy them before your trip.
What's the best time of year to fish?
Smallmouth fishing on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario is strong from roughly June through October. Early summer is often the best window for numbers; fall brings some of the biggest fish of the year. Reach out and we'll talk through the best dates for what you're looking for.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Lake Ontario trips are subject to weather — wind and wave height can make the open water unsafe on certain days. If conditions won't allow it, we'll switch to the St. Lawrence River, which is far more protected. If weather is severe enough that even the river isn't fishable, we'll reschedule.
Is the trip good for first-timers and kids?
Absolutely. I love helping first-timers land their first trophy smallmouth — a half-day trip is usually the right fit. Kids welcome on any trip. The boat is comfortable, we run at everyone's pace, and there's nothing like watching a young angler set the hook on a smallmouth.
How many anglers can fit on the boat?
Maximum 2 anglers per trip. The Phoenix 921 Elite X is a premium bass boat that comfortably and safely fishes two anglers at a time — that's how we make sure everyone on board actually gets to fish the way they came to fish. If you've got a larger group, reach out and we can talk through options (multiple boats, split days, etc.).
Do you keep the fish?
Our standard is catch and release — these are world-class trophy smallmouth and they matter to the fishery. If you'd like to keep a legal fish for a meal, let me know during your trip and we'll handle it within NYS regulations.
What's the deposit and cancellation policy?
Contact us for details — policies vary by season and booking window. We'll walk you through deposit and cancellation terms when you inquire.
Are gratuities expected?
Gratuity is not required but is always appreciated. Industry standard is 15–20% of the trip cost — but entirely at your discretion based on the experience.
How do I book?
Easiest is to call or text Brett directly at (678) 633-2000 — or send an email. Response time is within one business day on any missed call or message. You can also send an inquiry through the contact page.