The guys' trip, on the river.

Every guys' trip needs a plan everyone will actually show up for. A weekend on the St. Lawrence River works because it doesn't ask much. Nobody needs a boat, gear, or any fishing skill. A guide handles all that, and your crew just has to get to Alexandria Bay.

Here's how to put one together, from picking the trip to splitting the bill.

Which trip fits your crew?

It depends on the season and how hard your group wants to fish.

A few notes. Bass fishing on the St. Lawrence opens June 15, and pike and walleye open May 1, per the NYSDEC regulations (opens in a new tab). Check the current rules before you book.

Musky are hard to catch. Some days nobody gets a bite. If your group wants steady action, a full day for pike and bass is the safer pick. Our fall musky post explains what to expect.

On an ice trip, you fish from a heated shanty, and the guide cooks a meal on the ice. On a duck hunt, decoys are supplied, dogs are welcome, and loaner shotguns are available on request.

A sample guys' weekend

This works for 4 to 6 friends in summer or early fall.

Friday. Roll into Alexandria Bay in the afternoon. Grab dinner in town. You'll find pizza places, pubs, and spots on the water.

Saturday. Meet Captain Richard Drake at Bonnie Castle Marina, Boathouse 3, in the morning. Take a full day on the water, 7 hours of moving from spot to spot for bass, pike, walleye, and perch. Pack a lunch. Cold water and light snacks are on board.

Sunday. Fish a morning half day, or take a slow ride past Boldt Castle on a private cruise. Then head home.

Want the classic version? Swap Saturday for a half day with a shore dinner. You fish about 4 hours. Then the guide fries your catch over a fire on an island, with BLTs, salt potatoes, and French toast with maple syrup.

In the fall, make Saturday a musky day and Sunday a regular fishing day. Or come for a duck hunt. Hunts start before sunrise, so stay close by the night before.

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How much does a guys' fishing trip cost?

Prices are a set total for the whole boat, based on how many people come. More people means a smaller share each.

A waterfowl hunt is $500 for one hunter, plus $100 for each added hunter, up to 4.

To split it, divide the total by your head count. A few other costs to plan for:

• Fishing licenses. Everyone 16 and older needs a New York fishing license. Nonresidents can buy a 1-day or 7-day license from the DEC (opens in a new tab).
• Hunting licenses. Hunters bring a New York hunting license, HIP registration, and a federal duck stamp (16 and older).
• Tip. See how much to tip a fishing guide.
• Lodging and meals. Split those however your crew likes.

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

What should everyone bring?

The boat comes stocked with rods, reels, tackle, bait, and life jackets. Your crew handles the rest:

• A fishing license for everyone 16 and older, saved on your phone.
• Layers and rain gear. It's cooler on the water than on shore, and the wind picks up fast.
• Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There's not much shade on a boat.
• Lunch for a full day, plus any drinks and extra snacks you want.
• A cooler for the fish you keep.
• Warm boots, gloves, and a spare pair of socks for fall and winter trips.

For an ice trip, dress warmer than you think you need. The shanty is heated, but you're still out on a frozen river in winter.

What if there are more than 6 of you?

One boat holds up to 6 people. For a bigger group, Captain Richard brings in a second guide from the Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association, with a second boat. Each boat is priced by its own head count.

Give him some notice, since he has to line up the second guide. Tell him your group size, your dates, and which trip you want, and he'll send you a quote. Splitting into two boats can be fun, too. Keep a count of who catches what, and settle it at dinner.

Tips for booking a guys' trip

• Pick dates early. Summer weekends fill up, and so do rooms in town.
• Find a place that sleeps everyone. Alexandria Bay has hotels, motels, inns, and cottage rentals. A rental cottage keeps the whole crew under one roof.
• Text, don't email. Captain Richard prefers a text at 315-836-5798. You can also use the booking form.
• Ask about the rules on board. Have a question about drinks, coolers, or anything else on the boat? Ask Captain Richard when you book.
• Weather happens. If it isn't safe to go out, he reschedules.
• Bring a cooler. Captain Richard can clean and package the fish you keep, on request.

Driving in? See the plan for a weekend from Syracuse or from New York City.

Frequently asked questions