Home  /  Family & Beginner Charters

No experience needed · Thousand Islands, NY

Family & beginner fishing charters in the Thousand Islands.

Never held a fishing rod? You're in good company. Most of the people who fish with Richard Drake are first-timers, families, and folks who just want a day on the water, and they're exactly who he loves to take out.

Request a trip Call or text 315-836-5798
  • No experience needed
  • Kids welcome
  • All gear provided
  • Fish cleaned & bagged
  • Up to 6 per boat
A fishing boat cruising past island cottages on the St. Lawrence River in fall
How it works

How your first charter works.

No deposit, no gear to buy, and no fishing know-how required.

  1. Send a request or text

    Fill out the booking form, or call or text Richard. He doesn't take deposits.

  2. Climb aboard

    Richard confirms where to meet. Kids 12 and under wear a life jacket while the boat is moving, and he has them on board.

  3. Richard does the hard parts

    He rigs the rods, shows you how to cast and reel, nets your fish, and takes the photos.

  4. Fish cleaned and bagged

    Keep a few for dinner and Richard cleans and bags them. Or make it a shore dinner and eat them on an island.

Good to know

Why first-timers love it.

The St. Lawrence is one of the best places in the country to catch your first fish. Smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch, and rock bass are all around the islands, and kids love the nonstop action of a good perch school.

The water around Alexandria Bay is fairly sheltered, and Richard has never had to cancel a trip for rough weather. He's a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain who has been running boats on this river since he was 18.

Pick your trip

Which trip is best for beginners?

Best first trip

Half day

from $475

Four hours is the sweet spot for first-timers and kids. Plenty of action, and you're back in time for lunch.

Book a half day
The full experience

Half day + shore dinner

from $630

Fish the morning, then Richard cooks your catch on an island. It's the classic Thousand Islands day.

Book a shore dinner
More time to fish

Full day

from $600

Seven hours for groups who already know they'll want more. Pack a lunch.

Book a full day

Prices are per boat (up to 6 people) and follow the Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association rates. See all rates.

What's included.

We provide

  • Rods & reels
  • Tackle & bait
  • Life jackets (all sizes)
  • Instruction the whole way
  • Fish cleaning & bagging

You bring

  • Fishing license (ages 16+)
  • Layers & rain gear
  • Non-slip shoes
  • Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Snacks & drinks
  • A cooler for your catch
  • A camera
Request your trip
On the water
Richard Drake holding a big St. Lawrence River smallmouth bass
Small cottage islands on the deep blue St. Lawrence River
Two anglers fishing from a small boat at sunrise
Questions

Good questions, straight answers.

Still wondering about something? Richard is happy to talk it over. Call or text anytime.

315-836-5798
Do I need any fishing experience?
No. Most of Richard's customers have never been on a fishing charter. He'll teach you everything as you go.
Are fishing charters good for kids?
Yes. A half-day trip is the best fit for younger kids. Children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the boat is moving, and Richard has them in all sizes.
What will we catch?
It depends on the season. Summer and fall bring smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch, and rock bass. See the St. Lawrence fish guide for what bites when.
Does everyone need a fishing license?
Anyone 16 or older needs one. Kids under 16 don't. Richard will tell you whether a New York or Ontario license makes sense for your trip.
Will I get seasick?
It's unlikely. The St. Lawrence around Alexandria Bay is a river, not the ocean, and the water is fairly sheltered. Most days are calm.
How much does a family fishing charter cost?
Pricing is per boat, not per person: a half day runs $475 to $600 and a full day $600 to $850, depending on how many people come. The boat holds up to six.
Do we have to keep the fish?
No. Keep what you'd like to eat, within the legal limits, and release the rest. Richard cleans and bags whatever you keep.
Do you need a deposit to book?
No. Richard doesn't take deposits. Once he confirms your date, you're all set.

Ready when you are.

No deposit. Richard will call or text to confirm the details.

Request a trip
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