Hey there, heroes! Captain Scott here, ready to take you on a fishing adventure you won't forget. As a former Law Enforcement Officer myself, I know how much you folks give to our communities. That's why I'm offering a special discount just for first responders and veterans on my Lake Champlain fishing charters. Let's get you out on the water for some well-deserved R&R and world-class fishing action!
Picture this: You're cruising across the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain, straddling the border of Vermont and New York, with nothing but open sky above and fish-filled waters below. For four solid hours, we'll be hunting down some of the lake's most prized catches - we're talking Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and even Landlocked Salmon. And the best part? You can bring up to three buddies along for the ride. It's the perfect way to unwind, swap stories, and maybe even start some friendly competition over who lands the biggest fish.
Now, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. For those Lake Trout, we might do some deep trolling with downriggers. If the Smallies are active, we could be tossing some topwater lures near the shoreline. And for those elusive Landlocked Salmon? We might try some drift fishing with live bait. Don't worry if you're new to any of these methods - I'll walk you through everything. We've got all the gear you need on board, from rods and reels to the latest fish-finding tech. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a camera to capture your trophy catches!
You know, there's something special about Lake Champlain that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the Adirondacks and Green Mountains create this picture-perfect backdrop. Or it could be the thrill of never knowing what you'll pull up - one minute you're reeling in a feisty Smallmouth, the next you're battling a monster Pike. But I think what really makes it stick is the peace you find out here. It's just you, your buddies, and the gentle lapping of waves against the boat. For a few hours, you can leave all the stress of the job behind and just focus on the next bite.
Alright, let's break down some of the fish we'll be chasing:
Smallmouth Bass: These bruisers are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. They love to hang around rocky areas and will hit just about any lure with gusto. Spring and early summer are prime time for Smallies, but they're active all season long.
Northern Pike: If you're after a real toothy critter, Pike are your target. These ambush predators can grow over 40 inches long and will give you a run for your money. We often find them lurking in weed beds, ready to pounce on anything that moves.
American Yellow Perch: Don't let their size fool you - these tasty panfish are a blast to catch, especially if you're bringing kids along. They school up in huge numbers and are active year-round. Plus, they make for some fantastic fish fries!
Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers are the prize of Lake Champlain. They prefer the colder, deeper parts of the lake and put up one heck of a fight when hooked. Fall is usually the best time to target them, but we can find them throughout the year if we know where to look.
Listen, as someone who's walked in your shoes, I know how important it is to have those moments of escape. This isn't just a fishing trip - it's a chance to decompress, to connect with nature and your buddies, and to remember why you love what you do. So why not treat yourself to a day on the water? The fish are biting, the scenery is stunning, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give me a call at 518-523-4275 to lock in your date. And if you're thinking of bringing a kid along, let me know - we'll make sure it's a trip they'll never forget. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, but trust me, this is one investment in your well-being you won't regret. See you on the lake!
Yellow perch are the bread and butter of Lake Champlain fishing. These tasty panfish usually run 7-10 inches, but bigger "jumbos" over a foot long aren't uncommon. You'll find schools of perch around weed beds, docks, and drop-offs in 5-30 feet of water. They're active year-round, but ice fishing for perch is a local tradition. These fish are perfect for introducing kids to fishing - they bite readily and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Perch are also some of the best-eating freshwater fish around. Their white, flaky meat is mild and delicious. Try fishing with small jigs tipped with worms or minnows. One local secret: when you catch one perch, stay put. Where there's one, there's usually a whole school. Bonus tip: try jigging a Swedish Pimple lure through the ice for non-stop winter action.
Lake trout are the big game fish of Lake Champlain's depths. These cold-water monsters can top 20 pounds, with deep grey-green bodies and light spots. You'll find them suspended in the basin, often at depths of 50-100 feet. Lakers are most active in spring and fall when the water's cooler. Trolling with downriggers is the go-to method, but jigging can be effective too. Fighting a big lake trout is a test of endurance - they use their broad tails to make powerful runs. The challenge of hooking one of these deep-dwelling giants keeps anglers coming back. They're also excellent eating, with rich, pink flesh similar to salmon. Here's a local secret: try trolling with glow-in-the-dark spoons early in the morning for best results. Just remember to let them fight it out - lakers have soft mouths and can easily throw the hook if you rush things.
Northern pike are the wolves of Lake Champlain - long, sleek predators with a mouthful of sharp teeth. These ambush hunters typically run 24-30 inches but can grow much larger. Look for pike in weedy shallows and near drop-offs, especially in spring and fall when they're most active in cooler water. They're not picky eaters, so big flashy lures work well. Pike fishing is all about the explosive strikes and powerful fights. These fish will test your gear and your nerves, often following a lure right up to the boat before smashing it. Spring is prime time as pike move shallow to spawn. For a fun challenge, try fly fishing with big streamers. Just watch those teeth when unhooking - we call 'em "river gators" for a reason! Pro tip: use a steel leader to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth.
Smallmouth bass are a feisty freshwater fish that'll give you a run for your money. These bronze-colored beauties typically range from 2-6 pounds and love hanging around rocky areas in clear, cool water. You'll find them in Lake Champlain's shallows during spring and fall, but they head deeper when summer heats up. Smallies are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap out of the water and make strong runs that'll test your skills. They're most active in low light, so early mornings or evenings are prime time. If you're after a real trophy, try working a jig or soft plastic slowly along drop-offs or submerged structure. These fish have great table fare too, with a firm, white flesh that's mild and flaky. One local trick: on calm days, try topwater lures like poppers for some exciting visual strikes.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150