Rates (Info):
Rates starting January 2025 are as follows:
1/2 day (4 hours) for one or two people is $340.
A full day (8 hours) for one or two people is $480. Due to high demand, I now offer lake trout jigging trips for 3 people. 1/2 day is $415 and a full day is $570.
I am trying to keep these rates as reasonable as possible. Prices have gone up for virtually everything in the past two years, so I’ve had to increase rates slightly (around 5%) for 2025.
My main lakes for guiding are Cayuga, Seneca, Owasco and Skaneateles. For lakes outside of my local “sphere” I may have to add a surcharge depending on the additional drivetime and fuel costs. Please contact me for info.
Trips are custom tailored depending on what you want to catch and where you want to fish. I like to do “high percentage guiding”. People generally hire a guide to catch fish, learn a waterway and/or learn a technique. Over the years I’ve learned the “fishing rhythms” of many of the Finger Lakes. Each lake offers different opportunities depending on what you want to fish for, when and where. An open mind re: the species fished for and the lake fished is the best way to ensure success. I’m one person, so I can’t fish everywhere all the time (though I wish I could!) Slow days sometimes occur when someone wants to do a certain fish on a certain lake at a certain time without regard to the optimal opportunity. If you go to a restaurant known for steak, and order seafood you may be disappointed! Each lake fishes best at different times of the year for different species, and I’ll be glad to discuss our options. Reading my reports is a great way to see what’s happening and when. Check out previous years and you’ll see what to expect.
A $100 deposit is required to secure a date (except during the winter or on short notice). The balance of the payment (check or cash) is due at day’s end. There is a 7 day (one week) notice on any trip cancellations. Give me a week’s notice if you change your plans and you’ll receive your deposit back.
DON’T FORGET YOUR FISHING LICENSE! IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE, YOU DON’T FISH! MAKE SURE YOU BUY ONE AND HAVE IT ON YOU!
REGARDING THE WEATHER:
I will make the final call regarding weather conditions. If you have certain conditions you don’t want to fish in (e.g. rain,) let me know in advance and we will figure something out. If I call off the trip, you will have the option of rescheduling your trip or a refund on your deposit. Sometimes the weather forecasts are wrong, but over the past few years they’ve been pretty accurate. I don’t know about any of you, but I don’t enjoy fishing in 25 mph winds and pouring rain; I don’t expect anyone to enjoy fishing in those conditions no matter how they are dressed! If the weather looks to be that bad, I strongly suggest postponing the trip!
Here are items I recommend you bring on your trip:
- Valid NYS Fishing License (Required!)
- Full Raingear (regardless of weather conditions)
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lunch/beverages
- Fishing Gear (optional)
- Cooler – Must have one in the summertime if you plan on keeping any fish
I will have all the fishing tackle you will need on board, including quality rods/reels, lures and/or flies and so on. You are welcome to bring your own tackle if you choose. Please let me know in advance if you reel left or right-handed and I will have the appropriate outfits ready for you.
A few reminders:
COVID-19: If you have Covid, or think you do, please let me know and we can reschedule your trip.
Winter Fishing: I enjoy winter fishing. Some of the best and most consistent fishing for landlocked salmon and large pike is had in the winter. I rarely fish unless forecast highs will be above freezing. If you choose to fish in the winter you need to dress accordingly with multiple layers. Full raingear is highly recommended due to any spray we may get from waves/chop. New York State requires lifejackets to be worn at all times in the winter. Feel free to contact me during any winter thaws if you would like to fish.
Alcohol/Drugs: Alcohol is discouraged, however I don’t have a problem with a beer or two. Any inebriation or heavy drinking is unacceptable. I strongly prefer you keep the drinks for AFTER THE TRIP! Fly-fishing and alcohol on a boat don’t mix at all, especially in the winter. Illegal drugs are strictly forbidden. Cigarettes or cigars are OK.
Fish cleaning: I do get some requests to filet fish. Upon request I will gladly demonstrate how to filet pike/pickerel bonelessly. I can also show the proper trimming of lake trout and other fish. Let me know IN ADVANCE and I will bring a knife, cutting board and other accessories. If the catch involves a large number of fish, we will most likely head in a little early.