Trip Information
Here is some vital and recommended info when planning your trip:Where are we fishing?
We will meet at a pre-arranged spot and either launch the boat there or drive North or South to an accessible public or private launch site.
What are we going to catch?
We are going to primarily target Smallmouth bass. The North Branch is noted for its excellent numbers of QUALITY smallmouth. However, the North Branch is blessed with a multitude of fish species including; Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Rock Bass, Carp and Catfish. You could catch anyone of these species at any time during your charter.Can I keep the fish I catch?
No, in order to protect the resource NBO practices Catch, "Photo" and Release fishing only.Smallmouth bass can take many years to reach trophy size (16 inches plus) on the North Branch. A trophy smallie may be 9 years old or more by the time they reach 16 or 17 inches in length. Usually these trophy fish are the breeding females.
Our goal is to protect those fish so everyone can enjoy the thrill and joy of catching a trophy fish now and in the future.
What do I need to bring?
If you do not have fishing equipment I will provide it. However, feel free to bring your own fishing tackle. I would suggest a spinning reel spooled with 8 or 10lb test (new) line.My personal choice of rods both for myself and customers is St.Croix. A quality rod makes a huge difference in being able to cast accurately, detect light biting fish and have the power to set the hook into a monster smallie. For me St. Croix is the only choice!. My reels are all Pfluegers. Quality equipment really makes a difference in your fishing experience.
I will provide all plastic baits, hooks, jigs, and other baits free of charge. If we use hard baits or spinner baits, I will also provide these free of charge.
I would recommend you bring a hat, rain suit, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, appropriate clothing based on weather conditions and a valid PA fishing license. Please remember to dress warmer than you would normally anticipate during the Spring and Fall months as the river temperature makes it feel colder than it really is.
What are we fishing out of?
You will be fishing out of my 18' Tracker Sport Jet. A jet drive boat is imperative to traverse the shallow
waters and access certain areas of the North Branch. I can safely run in less than 10 inches of water.The boat has adequate room for 2 adult guests and myself. I do not take more than 2 adult guests due to weight limitations on the boat. I can take 2 children and one adult.
I do, however, have the capability of hosting more than 2 or 3 adults by adding another chartered jet boat and permitted guide. So if you are considering a trip with multiple adult anglers, please contact us for details!
Is lunch provided?
No, clients are responsible for there lunch and any snack items they may want to bring on a full day or half day charter. I do provide water and soda for charters.Do you (the guide) fish on charters?
No, as a general rule I do not fish on charters. I feel that this is your charter, not mine and if you are going to pay me to take you fishing you don't need me fishing in front of you or behind you catching fish.I will fish if i am invited to for instructional purposes or to find a pattern that is effective for that day if the fish are not biting on a particular presentation.
What if I don't know how to fish?
Don't worry! I enjoy teaching basic fishing techniques and you will be catching fish in no time! If you are an experienced or expert angler, I can recommend certain baits, presentations and location to enable you to better catch fish and fully enjoy your trip.Weather Conditions
We will fish rain or shine, windy or not and regardless of temperature or river clarity. If it's cold we may start
later in the day. If it's hot we may start at "O" dark thirty (early am). You can catch fish on the river in any
condition and the river changes daily. That is why it is a challenging, rewarding experience. If the weather is
deemed as unsafe (severe weather, river levels or flooding) and NBO cancels your trip, every effort will be made to
reschedule your trip or your deposit will be refunded.
Can I take my children?
Absolutely! NBO encourages children to get involved in the sport. Even if they have never fished before I can offer personalized attention and instruction. We require children 12 years and younger to wear provided PFD's at all times.What about Safety?
Safety comes first. The river can be a dangerous place due to the moving current, rocks and obstructions. The Jetboat is equipped with all required PAFBC safety devices including PFD's. All charters begin with a safety briefing. All children 12 and under are required to wear a PFD at all times during the charter. Customers are also encouraged to wear PFDS but are not required to do so.What if I want to take more than 2 or 3 people on my charter?
My associate guide, Chris Gorsuch, allows for me to run 2 charters on the
same day/time for those clients wishing to have a group of 4 or 5 people
to fish with. We would meet as a group and launch at the same time and
place together to provide the level of commradery you are looking for in
such a charter.Please call or email for more information on this specific multi-charter.
What about fishing the "main stem" of the Susquehanna?
In the past, some clients have asked about fishing trips on the main stem of the Susquehanna River below Sunbury. Starting in 2009, my “associate” guide and long time friend, Chris Gorsuch will now be able to fill that need for those clients wishing to book trips on the main stem of the susquehanna. Chris is an excellent angler and personable guide, who has the jetboat and river knowledge required to navigate the extremely rocky flows of the main stem.If you are interested in fishing the lower river, please contact me for details and dates of these trips.