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Beginner Lake Champlain Fishing | Reel Vermont
- Published Date: October 31, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Champlain
- $475 - $575 price range
Summary
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Lakeside Catches
The lake is calling.
Serenity is a cast away.
Just me, my rod, and the lake.
Hook, line, and chill.
Lines in the water, stress out of mind.
Peaceful casts, happy hearts.
Lake Champlain vibes only.
Fishing mode: ON.
Time flies when you’re fishing.
Lake life is the best life.
The lake is calling.
Serenity is a cast away.
Just me, my rod, and the lake.
Hook, line, and chill.
Lines in the water, stress out of mind.
Peaceful casts, happy hearts.
Lake Champlain vibes only.
Fishing mode: ON.
Time flies when you’re fishing.
Lake life is the best life.
The lake is calling.
Serenity is a cast away.
Just me, my rod, and the lake.
Hook, line, and chill.
Weekend Fishing Fun on Lake Champlain
Get ready for a laid-back morning of fishing on beautiful Lake Champlain! Captain Seth Meunier knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's pumped to show you the ropes. Whether you've never held a rod before or just want to soak up some lake vibes, this 4-hour trip is perfect for kicking back and trying your luck at landing some of Vermont's coolest fish.
Trip Overview
We'll meet up bright and early at 7 AM at Burlington Harbor Marina. Don't sweat the gear - Captain Seth's got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Hop aboard the RVGS Motorboat with up to 5 of your buddies, and we'll cruise out to some of Lake Champlain's sweet spots. Seth's a pro at making first-timers feel right at home, so no worries if you're new to fishing. He'll walk you through the basics, help you get your line in the water, and share some local knowledge about the lake and its fishy residents. By the end of our 4 hours together, you'll have tried your hand at catching everything from hard-fighting bass to the mighty northern pike.
What to Expect on the Water
Lake Champlain's a real gem, and we'll be hitting it up when the fish are most active. Seth's boat is comfy and stable, perfect for newbies who might be worried about sea legs. We'll likely start off with some simple casting techniques near the shoreline, where the bass like to hang out. As you get the hang of it, we might try trolling - that's when we slowly cruise along trailing our lines behind the boat. It's a great way to cover more water and up your chances of hooking into something big. Seth's always got an eye on the fish finder, so he'll know just where to position us for the best shot at a catch. And hey, even if the fish aren't biting, the views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains are worth the trip alone!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love this trip because it's so dang chill. There's no pressure to be a pro - it's all about having fun and maybe learning a thing or two. Seth's got a million stories about the lake, and he's always happy to share tips on everything from knot-tying to fish identification. Plus, Lake Champlain's got such a mix of fish that you never know what you might reel in. One minute you're battling a feisty bass, the next you've got a monster pike on the line. It's that surprise factor that keeps people coming back for more. And let's be real, there's nothing like the feeling of your first catch - Seth's seen plenty of newbies get hooked on fishing after just one trip out here.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass: These bad boys are the rockstars of Lake Champlain. They love to hang out near fallen trees and weed beds, and man, can they put up a fight! Spring and early summer are prime time for bass, but they're active all season long. Watching a big largemouth smash a topwater lure is something you won't forget.
Black Drum: Now here's a fish that'll give you a run for your money. Black drum are like the bulldogs of the lake - they're stocky, powerful, and when they decide to bite, hold onto your rod! They tend to feed on the bottom, so we'll use some heavier gear to target these guys. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds, so landing one of these is a real accomplishment.
Redfish: Yep, you read that right - redfish in Vermont! Also known as red drum, these beauties are more common down south but we get some in Lake Champlain too. They're gorgeous fish with a distinctive spot on their tail. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, and they put up an awesome fight. Catching one of these is like finding a hidden treasure in the lake.
Northern Pike: If you're after a real lake monster, the northern pike is your target. These toothy predators are lightning-fast and can grow over 40 inches long. Pike fishing is all about the thrill of the chase - they'll often follow your lure right up to the boat before striking. Spring and fall are the best times for pike, but we catch them year-round. Just watch your fingers when you're unhooking these guys!
Freshwater Drum: Also called sheepshead, these fish are the dark horses of Lake Champlain. They're not the prettiest fish in the lake, but boy can they fight! Drum have strong pharyngeal teeth that they use to crush shells, so they love to hang out where there are lots of mussels and snails. They make a grunting sound that you can sometimes hear through the hull of the boat - it's pretty wild!
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks - if you're looking for a stress-free way to dip your toes into the fishing world, this is it. Captain Seth's weekend trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who just wants to see what all the fuss is about. You'll get hands-on experience, plenty of laughs, and maybe even a fish story or two to take home. The best part? You don't need to bring a thing except your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack). So why not give it a shot? The fish are waiting, the lake is calling, and Seth's ready to show you the ropes. Book your spot now and get ready for a morning on the water you won't forget. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the big cousins of redfish, often weighing 5-30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90+. They're bottom-feeders, preferring brackish waters and hanging around oyster beds, pier pilings, and mudflats. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water, though they can go deeper. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear when you're out on the water. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. They're not the fastest fish, but larger ones can give you a good tussle. Drum are known for their strong, pharyngeal teeth – perfect for crushing shellfish. When fishing for them, use fresh crab or clams on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: if you're after eating-size drum (under 15 pounds), try fishing near creek mouths where they're feeding on small crustaceans. The meat on smaller ones is much better eating.
Freshwater Drum
Freshwater drum, also called sheepshead, are an oddball catch that can be a lot of fun. They average 10-14 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them near the bottom in clear, shallow waters with some vegetation. Drum are known for the grunting sound males make during spawning – hence nicknames like "thunder pumper" or "croaker". They're bottom feeders, using their strong pharyngeal teeth to crush snails and clams. Summer's the peak time to catch them, but you can find drum year-round. While they're not known for acrobatics, larger ones can put up a decent fight. Drum have a unique "lucky stone" in their head – a hard ear bone some folks collect. For best results, use natural baits like crawfish tails or worms on the bottom. Here's a local secret: try fishing near underwater structures where drum gather to feed on clinging mollusks. The meat can be good eating if prepared right, especially from smaller fish.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of the sunfish family, typically running 1-4 pounds but capable of topping 20. You'll find them in weedy shallows, around sunken logs, or cruising the edges of deep drop-offs. These ambush predators have a mouth that extends past their eye - hence the name. They're aggressive strikers, making for an exciting catch, especially on topwater lures. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. For a real thrill, try working a buzzbait along weed edges at dawn or dusk. Bass aren't known for long runs, but they'll put up a good fight with head shakes and jumps. One local trick: when the bite's tough, switch to a slow-rolled spinnerbait in darker colors. These fish have excellent lateral lines, so vibration can trigger strikes even in murky water.
Northern Pike
Northern pike are the aggressive predators of cool, freshwater lakes and rivers. They're long and lean, typically 2-3 feet, with a mouth full of sharp teeth. You'll find them lurking in weed beds, near drop-offs, or patrolling the shallows. Pike are ambush hunters, lying in wait before exploding on their prey. They'll eat just about anything, including other pike. Early spring, right after ice-out, is prime time as they move shallow to spawn. Pike fights are all about powerful runs and thrashing head shakes. They're not known for jumping, but their size and strength make for an exciting battle. Careful handling is a must – those teeth are no joke. For a fun challenge, try tossing big, flashy spoons or inline spinners near weed edges. Here's a local tip: on windy days, focus on points and bays where baitfish get pushed in. Pike will be there waiting for an easy meal.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a blast to catch in the shallows. They typically run 28-33 inches at maturity, but can grow much bigger offshore. Look for them in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, often tailing in grass flats or cruising oyster bars. They've got a distinctive black spot near the tail – nature's fake-out to confuse predators. Redfish are aggressive feeders, which makes for some exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Fall is prime time when they school up in the shallows. They put up a great fight, with strong runs and some tail-walking action. For eating, smaller "slot" fish are best, with firm, white meat that's great on the grill. If you're fishing the flats, try this: use a gold spoon and retrieve it just fast enough to make it flutter. The flash imitates a fleeing baitfish and can trigger some explosive strikes.
About the RVGS Motorboat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
