FAQ

Where do you fish/launch? 

I use a few different launches depending on the time of year. But they will always be on the Susquehanna River, between Harrisburg and Marietta, utilizing the east and west shore launches. I will let you know the launch when you finalize your booking.

Can we bring ALCOHOL?
Beer IS permitted. In moderation that is. No Liquor. No glass. Please be safe, good footing and balance are crucial. And be respectful. Respectful to each other, my boat/equipment and me. Trips with beer on-board will be paid before we leave the ramp at the start of the trip.  If the alcohol rules are not followed by everyone, I will end the trip early, with no discounts or refunds.

Do you allow marijuana products? What if we have a medical card?
I am a USCG Licensed Captain. I have a federally issued license and take it very seriously. The USCG has a zero-tolerance policy for Captains and drugs on vessels for hire. So the answer is no. Sorry for any inconvenience or if that steers you away. There are plenty of guides on the river that are not actually Captains that only have a state permit that comes with no restrictions. They may let you to do whatever you want on their boat.  

Best time to go?

Anytime in my short 6 month window to serve you, is the best! That's why I chose it!  But little trade secret, If you have the flexibility to go on a THURSDAY or SUNDAY NIGHT for catfish, its the BEST! It gets packed out there at times. Less boat traffic means we get the prime spots with little to no boat neighbors. 

TIME OF SEASON/BREAKING IT WAY DOWN WITH SPECIFICS:

Frankly our weather is so hard predict anymore. I would say as soon as the water starts to warm up and water hits that 52-55 mark, it will be game on for the pre-spawn flathead bite. Which is epic. May fills up early and usually with repeats at this point wanting pre-spawn flatheads. But a mild winter could make early and all of April every bit as good because we're always where we need to be temp wise by mid-April. And April is always a great channel cat month and can be a phenomenal bass month regardless of temps. So I'd call April my "sleeper" month that most people forget about but it could easily be quite epic for flathead and its typically great for bass and channels.  Once we get into June and July we are into flathead spawn. (Channels and bass are not effected) Flatheads will still eat and they don't all spawn or spawn at once but the bite does slow down drastically compared to prespawn, which almost feels like cheating sometimes. So on the popular summer-break June/July trips, those nights that follow a dreadful hot day, thats when and why the 8 hour trip has grown so popular and is so successful. The bites may be spaced out a bit, or can turn on late and we get the added benefit of any spot we want when everyone else leaves. Bass can be caught all season, sometimes you need to work harder. But that is a lot of times due to river conditions, which change often and at times drastically. So it all takes us back to where I started. Anytime from April-Sept is the best time to go, lets just make it happen. If the water warms up fast, we can get flatheads all of April, but we know there will be active bass and channels regardless of temps.  Once that magic temps hits for flatheads, whether it be April 1 or April 15..it's temp based remember....these fish don't have calendars...the flathead bite explodes til about Memorial day. Then it will slow down compared to prespawn. It'll all get back to back to normal as we get through spawn. There are other variables such as low water and floating grass in late summer that can make it all a challenge but we push through and work hard to catch fish all 6 months. 

Can I bring my own rod?

We only use my rods and gear for the catfish trips. If you book a SUNDAY BASS TRIP, you are more than welcome to bring your own rod and tackle. I ask that barbs be pushed down for safety. But if you've got a rod and lures you like, bring them! Use a push button rod/reel? Bring it! Kids have their own little fun rods, bring them! I've even had people bring fly rods! The rod holders everywhere do add a challenge but a skilled fly angler can manage! My boat is a great big platform for you to have fun fishing from, so feel free to use my gear or your own! 

What if it rains?

We fish rain or shine. Trips are not cancelled or rescheduled for rain. I kinda hope it rains! Not the answer you wanted I'm sure. But the fact is, rain usually makes for great fishing. Our best rips have been in the worst rain, hands down. So bring your rain gear and lets go! Wind, rain, even downpours, that won't stop us. STORMS/Lightning: If that is going to happen when we are out, we will simply come off. Everyone will go to their vehicles. We will wait it out, then resume when it is safe. 

FLOODING and RIVER SPIKES?

I monitor river conditions 24/7, as they can change very rapidly. In the event of flash flooding, or a spike to what I deem as unsafe levels, I would be in touch leading up to your trip to discuss your personal options. I would make that call based on many factors, such as water levels, current and debris. I've got many years experience and safety is always my top priority. Flooding is obviously more common in April/May here which is also when my calendar books up most solid, I do ask that if you're booking a trip then to be prepared to be understanding and even possibly flexible with rescheduling into later summer if necessary. (IT IS VERY RARE THAT WE NEED TO DO THIS BUT I LIKE TO MENTION IT)

RULES

*Beer in small amounts only no liquor, no glass

*all passengers 16 or older must have PA Fishing License, whether they plan to fish or not

*MAX of 6 *anglers/combined anglers weights AND their gear/coolers cannot exceed 1,400lbs
*Children under 16 are free with paying adults
*We are 100% catch and release for all fish species

*Smoking, cigarettes, cigars and vaping IS permitted, no disposal on the floor or in the river.

*Strict no drug policy
*Be sensible with coolers/bags for space sake. No glass bottles

*Pack on what you pack off.  No trash can is provided on the boat. 

*bring a pad/towel or blanket to sit on for the side bench seats
*Dress accordingly. We fish RAIN or SHINE.