About Your Trip
Join Captain Bill for a hands-on bass fishing adventure across some of the most productive waters in Upstate New York and the Thousand Islands region. With more than 30 years of experience fishing Oneida Lake, the St. Lawrence River, and the northeastern basin of Lake Ontario, Captain Bill brings both tournament-level expertise and a passion for teaching anglers how to improve their skills on the water.
A competitive bass tournament angler for over 16 years,
Captain Bill has fished at both the local and regional levels and understands what it takes to consistently locate and catch fish. His introduction to guiding came early while working as a first mate on his uncle’s Lake Ontario charter, where he learned that a great trip isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about helping anglers understand the patterns, techniques, and structure that lead to success.
That philosophy carries through every trip. Whether you're new to bass fishing or looking to sharpen your techniques, Captain Bill focuses on helping you learn while putting you on fish.
Trips take place on a variety of legendary bass fisheries including Oneida Lake, the St. Lawrence River, Henderson Harbor, Chaumont Bay, and the Thousand Islands region—all known for producing impressive numbers of Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. These waters offer incredible structure, from rocky shoals and humps to grass beds, bridge pilings, shipwrecks, and current breaks around the islands.
The St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands are world-famous for their hard-fighting smallmouth bass, with fish commonly ranging from 2½ to 4 pounds and the very real possibility of landing trophy bronzebacks in the 5–6 pound range. Clear water conditions often allow anglers to see the fish while fighting them, creating a unique and exciting experience.
Oneida Lake, located just north of Syracuse and recognized among Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Bass Lakes, offers both smallmouth and largemouth opportunities. Grass beds, bays, and rocky structure provide ideal habitat for bass feeding on perch, shad, and crayfish.
You’ll fish from a 21’ Nitro Z21 tournament bass boat, fully equipped with modern electronics and powered by a Mercury 250 Pro XS, giving you the speed and technology needed to stay on productive water throughout the day.
Captain Bill provides rods, reels, tackle, and life jackets, though anglers are welcome to bring their favorite gear. The boat also has a cooler onboard for your lunch, snacks, and drinks. Guests should bring sun protection, polarized glasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and a valid New York State fishing license (a Canadian license may also be required depending on where you fish).
Captain Bill is also a US Coast Guard licensed captain, certified in First Aid and CPR, and carries full commercial insurance, ensuring a safe and professional experience on the water.
Trips are available in 4, 6, or 8-hour options for up to 3 anglers, making them perfect for individuals, friends, or small groups looking to experience some of the best bass fishing in the Northeast while learning from a seasoned tournament angler.
Amenities
Skill Levels
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tackle
All rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Beer
Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.
Location
This guide can be flexible with the departure location.
Weather
You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather
Kid Friendly
This trip can cater to small children.
Flexible Cancelation
This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.
Fish Cleaning
No cleaning service provided.
Boat Restroom
No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.
Live Bait
Live bait is not used on this trip.
Disability Friendly
This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.
Lunch
Please provide your own food / snacks.
