How many guests are allowed on a charter? In order to ensure adequate movement around the boat, we limit our charters to a maximum of 4 guests in order to ensure comfort.
Do I need a fishing license? Yes. Charter party members 16 years of age and older must have a fishing license. Please be sure to get one in advance of the charter. Fishing licenses can be obtained ONLINE OR BY PHONE through the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. If you prefer to get one in person, Bass Pro in Auburn is one license issuing agent. The Owasco Town Hall (2 Bristol Ave.) is also a license issuing agent.
When do I pay? We request full payment at the dock prior to departure.
What payment methods are accepted? Cash, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express. Our crew does not carry cash; please bring proper amount
Can I bring drinks and snacks? Yes! We don't provide food or beverages, but our guests are welcome to bring a small or medium cooler with snacks/drinks.
Are children allowed? Of course! We love to introduce children to fishing. Children do count against the charter limit. We are patient and encourage passing on the sport of fishing for generations to come. For trips with small children, we recommend rod fishing; for the little ones, it's more about the numbers. We highly recommend that all children under age 12 wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. We have them on board.
Can I bring my own rod? Yes. We provide all necessary fishing tackle and bait, but your own rod and reel is fine to bring along.
Do you guarantee we will catch fish? Wouldn't that be great? Unfortunately, it's called 'fishing' and not 'catching'. We will certainly do everything we can to ensure our guests catch fish, but there are times when they aren't cooperating.
Do you allow smoking? Smoking is permitted in the aft end of the fishing boat. There is no smoking allowed in the cuddy. If you must smoke, we ask that you respect others.
Do you have a toilet on board? The boat has a portable toilet in the cuddy. The doors to the cuddy provide privacy. It's not luxurious, but it is functional!
Do you clean the fish? Yes. We will clean your fish on request back at the dock. Three is no additional charge for cleaning, and they are placed in a freezer bag with ice provided.
What if I get seasick? Unfortunately, it happens. We will not go out if there are large 'white caps' on the lake, but if you feel you may have a problem, you might want to try some of the popular over-the-counter medicines; or bring along ginger candy, dry crackers and lemon candy to help. We do not refund or credit a trip that has been terminated due to seasickness.
Will we troll or still fish? Whatever our guests want. We are equipped to troll, drop anchor and still fish or provide a combination of both types of fishing. Our goal is to provide the experience you desire.
What type of fish can we expect to catch? Owasco Lake has lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, nothern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead and carp. Skaneateles Lake has lake trout, rainbow trout, atlantic (landlocked) salmon, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, rock bass, brown bullhead.
What is the charter season for fishing? It really depends on the weather, but we generally aim to fish April thru October.
What time are the morning and afternoon charters? We are flexible. Charter times are built around your needs.
Will there be other guests on the boat? No. Your charter is private and only the charter captain and members of your party will be on board.
Can we extend our charter hours while out on the lake? Yes, if we have availability to extend your day. Please let the crew know before you return to the dock.
What if it rains? We monitor the weather and if the water looks to be too rough or there is an impending storm, we will contact you to reschedule the charter. Your safety if a priority. If the trip is terminated due to weather after the boat has left the dock, we will provide a prorated refund based on the time spent fishing (lines in the water). Rain will not automatically result in a cancelled trip; we factor in the wishes of the guests and the weather forecast to determine how best to proceed.
Do you require a deposit in advance? No. We rely on the integrity and honesty of our guests and hope that you will honor an agreed upon date and time for your charter. We have not yet found it necessary to collect a deposit in advance. Finger lakes people are awesome!
Can we bring alcohol on board? Yes. Alcohol can be brought on board and consumed by guests over 21 years of age. Please drink responsibly and understand that over consumption can result in a limit in activities and/or termination of the trip.
How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the charter? During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the NYS Dept. of Health interim guidelines require occupancy not to exceed four passengers. Other guidelines in place include: cleaning of the boat and equipment after each charter. Hand sanitizer/paper towels on board; disposable masks/gloves are available on the boat for passengers who wish to use them.