Alexandria Bay has had fishing guides for a long time, and today there are many good ones. So how do you pick? There's no single right answer. The right charter is the one that fits your group, your budget, and the kind of day you want.
The easy way to choose is to ask the same 10 questions of every guide you're thinking about. A good guide will be glad to answer. Below each question, you'll see how Laurentian Tours answers it, so you have one example to compare.
Is the captain licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard?
This is the first thing to ask. Taking paying passengers out on a boat takes a Coast Guard captain's license. To earn it, a captain has to log real time on the water and pass Coast Guard exams.
Laurentian Tours: Captain Richard Drake is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain. He has run boats on the St. Lawrence for over 40 years, more than 30 of them as a commercial captain.
Is the guide a New York State licensed guide?
New York also licenses outdoor guides. To get the license, a guide has to pass state exams and hold current first aid and CPR training, plus a water safety or boater safety course. You can read about it on the NYSDEC licensed guide page (opens in a new tab), and DEC keeps a public list of current licensed guides.
Laurentian Tours: Captain Richard is a New York State licensed outdoor guide.
Is the guide part of the Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association?
The Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association (opens in a new tab) is a group of local guides who fish the St. Lawrence. Its members are U.S. Coast Guard licensed, and the association posts its charter rates on its website, set by group size. Its website has a directory of member guides, so it's a handy place to start your search.
Laurentian Tours: Captain Richard is a member of the association and charges the association's standard rates.
How is the price set: per person or per boat?
Some charters price by the person. Others price by the boat, based on how many people are coming. Ask which one, and ask what the total will be for your exact group. Then compare totals, not just the "from" price.
Laurentian Tours: Prices are set by group size, up to 6 people. A half-day trip runs $475 for one person up to $600 for six, so each person pays less in a bigger group. A full day runs $650 to $900. Every trip and group size is listed on the rates page.
Do you need a deposit?
Many businesses take a deposit to hold your date. That's normal, but you should know the terms before you pay. Ask how much it is, when it's due, and when you'd get it back.
Laurentian Tours: There's no deposit, and nothing is paid online.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The St. Lawrence is a big river, and wind, storms, and fog can change a day fast. A good guide puts safety first. Ask who makes the call on a stormy day and what happens to your trip.
Laurentian Tours: If the weather is bad, Captain Richard reschedules.
What's included, and what do we bring?
Ask exactly what comes with the trip. Rods and reels? Bait? Life jackets? Drinks? Ask what you need to bring, too, like a fishing license or lunch.
Laurentian Tours: Fishing trips include the boat, rods, reels, tackle, bait, life jackets, cold bottled water, and light snacks. On a full day, pack a lunch. Anyone 16 or older needs a New York fishing license. Most trips leave from Bonnie Castle Marina, Boathouse 3, in Alexandria Bay.
Are kids and beginners welcome?
Some guides cater to serious anglers. Others love teaching first-timers. If you're bringing kids, ask if they're welcome and if there are life jackets in their size.
Laurentian Tours: Most customers are beginners and out-of-towners. Kids are welcome, and there are life jackets in every size. See family fishing charters for more.
What will we catch this time of year?
The fish change with the seasons. Ask what's biting during your dates and how the guide plans to fish. Be wary of anyone who promises a big catch. Fishing is fishing, and no honest guide can guarantee fish.
Laurentian Tours: Half-day and full-day trips target bass, pike, walleye, and perch, depending on the season. There are also musky trips in the fall and ice fishing in winter. See fishing charters for what bites when.
Will you clean our fish?
If you want to eat what you catch, ask if the guide will clean it. Ask how it will be packed, too, so you can plan a cooler for the drive home.
Laurentian Tours: Captain Richard cleans and packages fish on request, within the legal limits.
A few more things worth asking
- How many people fit on the boat? Laurentian Tours takes up to 6 per boat. For bigger groups, Captain Richard brings in a second association guide and boat, with notice.
- How long is the trip? Half days are 4 hours and full days are 7 hours.
- How do I book? Call or text 315-836-5798 (texting is preferred), or use the booking form.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a licensed fishing guide in Alexandria Bay?
Ask each guide for their U.S. Coast Guard and New York State guide licenses. The Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association website lists local guides, and NYSDEC keeps a public list of licensed guides.
Do Alexandria Bay fishing guides charge the same rates?
The Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association posts charter rates by group size. Laurentian Tours charges the association's standard rates. Other guides may price trips their own way, so ask each one.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter?
Yes, if you're 16 or older. A New York license covers the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence River.
What should I ask a fishing guide before booking?
Ask about licenses, how the price is set, deposits, weather, what's included, kids, what you'll catch, and fish cleaning. The answers will show you which guide fits your group.
Ready to plan a trip? See the trip details and prices, or call or text Captain Richard at 315-836-5798.
