Bachelor parties and big groups.

Big groups are hard to plan for. Not everyone fishes. Not everyone wants a late night. A guided day on the St. Lawrence River works for a mixed crowd because nobody needs gear or skill, and everyone ends up with a story.

This page is for bachelor and bachelorette parties, friend groups of 7 or more, and work outings. If your group is 6 or fewer, see our guys' fishing trip or girls' getaway ideas.

How do big groups work?

One boat holds up to 6 people. That's the limit.

For a bigger group, Captain Richard Drake brings in a second guide from the Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association, with a second boat. He's a member of the association and charges its standard rates. Here's how to set it up:

1. Give notice. He needs time to line up the second guide and boat. The more notice, the better, especially for summer weekends.
2. Send the details. Text 315-836-5798 with your date, head count, and the trip you want. Or use the booking form.
3. Get one quote. He'll quote both boats for you, so the organizer has one number to share.
4. Split the boats. Decide who rides where before the day. Ask Captain Richard where and when each boat will meet you, so nobody waits at the wrong dock.

There's no deposit, and nothing is paid online.

Which trips work for a party?

• Half-day fishing. Four hours for smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, and perch. Short enough that nobody gets bored. See fishing charters.
• Half day + shore dinner. About 4 hours of fishing, then the guide cooks the catch over a fire on an island. It's the classic Thousand Islands day, and it feeds the whole crew. See the shore dinner.
• Full-day fishing. Seven hours for groups that really want to fish. Pack a lunch.
• Ice fishing in winter. A heated shanty, all the gear, and a meal cooked on the ice. The ice fishing trip runs 4 hours, usually 7 to 11 AM.

Part of the group doesn't want to fish? One boat can do a private river cruise past Boldt Castle while the other fishes. Then everyone meets up.

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A sample party day

The night before. Everyone gets to Alexandria Bay. Alexandria Bay has hotels, motels, inns, and cottage rentals; summer weekends book up early. A big rental keeps the whole group in one place.

Morning. Meet at Bonnie Castle Marina, Boathouse 3, in Alexandria Bay. Each boat heads out with its own guide. Make it a contest: biggest fish, most fish, first fish. Loser buys breakfast tomorrow.

Midday. Pull up on an island for a shore dinner: BLTs, salad with Thousand Island dressing, the morning's catch fried golden brown, salt potatoes, and French toast with maple syrup. Want the whole group eating together? Ask Captain Richard how to set that up with two boats when you book.

Afternoon. Back at the dock. Rest up, or visit Boldt Castle if it's open (mid-May to mid-October).

Evening. Dinner and a night out in town. Alexandria Bay has pubs, pizza places, and restaurants on the water.

Going out the night before a fishing trip? Keep in mind the trip starts in the morning, and the river doesn't wait. A late night works better after the fishing than before it. Plan the big dinner for the last night, and keep the first night low-key.

How do you split the cost?

Every boat is priced by the number of people on it. Here are the prices for one boat:

For a group of 12, you'd have two full boats of 6. Captain Richard will send the exact quote for both boats.

Simple ways to split it:

• Even split. Add up both boats and divide by everyone.
• Cover the guest of honor. For a bachelor or bachelorette party, the group often splits the guest of honor's share.
• Each boat pays its own. Easy if the two boats are doing different trips.

Plan for a few extras too. Anyone 16 or older who fishes needs a New York fishing license (opens in a new tab). Nonresidents can buy a 1-day license online. And tip each guide. Our tipping guide explains what's normal.

Good to know before you book

• Drinks on board. Every captain has rules. Ask Captain Richard before you plan on bringing anything.
• Safety first. Captain Richard is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain with over 40 years running boats on this river. Listen to your guide on the water.
• Weather. If wind or storms make it unsafe, he reschedules. Have a backup day if you can.
• What to bring. Layers, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and a fishing license. Rods, tackle, bait, life jackets, water, and light snacks are on the boat.
• Fish to keep. Captain Richard cleans and packages your catch on request. Bring a cooler.

Coming in from out of town? See the plans for a trip from Albany or from Rochester.

Frequently asked questions