Do we need to have fishing experience?

   No. We teach and fish on the charter.

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Do we need to bring fishing gear?

   No. All gear and bait are supplied. You are more than welcome to bring your own, however it is not required.

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Is there a charge for the trip?

   No. All trips are free of charge.

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How long are the trips?

   Most trips are 4-6 hours depending on the participant, however we can structure to meet your needs.

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Are these day trips?

   Yes. Most trips are Monday through Friday. We encourage weekday trips due to recreational weekend boat traffic on the       water. We have never had a parent not take their kid out of school for fishing therapy. We do offer late afternoon and         

   evening trips during the summer.

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How many people can fish?

   The maximum capacity according to Coast Guard regulations is 6 passengers plus Capt. Cory and crew.

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Can I go more than once?

   Yes. Most people enjoy fishing more than once.

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Where do we fish?

   We fish primarily the western end of Oneida Lake.

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What time of year to we fish?

   Most trips are from May to September.

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Are the trips educational?

   Yes. We teach fishing techniques, fish identification, local ecology, and statewide rules and regulations.

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What type of fish are in Oneida Lake?

   Oneida Lake is full of different species of fish. While fishing it will not be uncommon to catch one or more of the following     species: walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, tiger musky, bluegill, pumpkinseed         sunfish, rock bass, black crappie, yellow perch, freshwater drum (sheepshead), common carp, bowfin, burbot, longnose

   gar, lake sturgeon, gizzard shad, and round goby.

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Are the Captain's insured?

   Yes. All Captains are fully licensed and insured. We require Liability Waivers to be signed before each trip.

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Do we need a license?

   Those 16 years and older need a NYS fishing license. They are available on-line with the NYDEC for a one day or

   seasonal license. Click here to be redirected to the NYSDEC license page. 

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Do we need life jackets?

   We provide all required life jackets. Those under 13 years old are required to wear a life jacket at all times. You can bring

   your own if you wish.

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What about food and accessories?

   Please bring whatever snacks and beverages you prefer. Water and fruit (no bananas) are available on the boat. We ask

   that if you bring food and drink, to please pack them in unbreakable containers (no glass).

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How do we dress?

   Dress to the weather of the day. Hats, light jackets, rain jackets, and sneakers (please no work boots) are encouraged.

   Dress in layers. You can always remove outer layers if needed, and remember it's often colder on the water than on

   shore. We have room to store extra clothes. Bring sunglasses and suntan lotion (please no spray-on while on board). We

   have medical kits on board. Its usually a little cooler on the water than on land. Check the local forecast here.

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Can we keep the fish?

   Yes, depending on the species in they are legal according to the NY State fishing regulations. We like to practice catch

   and release fishing. If you choose to keep your catch, we will prepare them for you by fileting the fish and putting them in

   zip lock bags. Remember to bring a cooler for transporting your catch if you plan to keep any.

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Does the fishing charter boat have a bathroom. 

   We have a marine toilet onboard within a changing area. There is also full bathrooms at the marina. These are close

   enough that we can always return if needed.

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Will our group be the only people on the fishing charter boat.

   Yes. Only your group, Captain Cory and crew will be on the boat.

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What techniques are used on the fishing charter boat?

   A variety of techniques are used, including casting, drifting, trolling and jigging with both artificial and live bait. If

   interersted you may also try fly fishing.

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Where do we meet and get picked up?

   The fishing charter boat is located at Oneida Lake Marina - 3713 State Route 21, Canastota, NY 13032. You can click the

   address for driving directions.

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Is smoking allowed?

   Smoking (including marijuana) and vaping is not permitted on the vessel at any time. Any controlled substances that the

   participant does not have a valid prescription for are also not permitted. If we discover one of our participants is carrying,

   we have no choice but to terminate the charter and head back to the marina. Please don't put our captain in this

   situation, they can lose their license for it.

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Are alcohol beverages allowed?

   Yes. Only to be consumed by adults over 21 years of age. Drink responsibly and understand that consumption may limit

   the activities we will allow you to do.

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Do you guaranteen that we will catch fish?

   We can guarantee fishing, but not catching. The captain will do everything in his power to put you where the fish are. We

   cannot control what does or does not bite the hook. Rest assured, we will move to various locations that have proven to

   be successful in the past should the fishing be slow. We also change tackle / lures frequently.

 

What about photos?

   Pictures are encouraged.

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How do I book a trip?

   Call Captain Cory at 315-440-4324 for a fishing date.

   Once booked, the Captain will call a few days in advance to discuss time and place to meet and fish. 

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