Berger Ops. Fishing®
Berger Ops. Fishing®
Let’s go catch some bass!😎
Schedule a trip with Captain Curtis; an Insured, New York State Licensed Fishing & Boating Guide, New York State Public Vessel, Joint Pilot & Engineer, Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain 25 Ton, and FCC Licensed Commercial Marine Radio Operator. I specialize in smallmouth bass fishing charters on the St. Lawrence River and have a deep passion for aquatic life management in general. I’m obsessed with the chase for the great St. Lawrence smallmouth bass. I read the books, I study the water, I watch the fish, and I want to share what I know. There is no greater thrill for me than to put you on the fish!
My boat is a 2024 19ft custom built Prodigy Marsh Tough aluminum center console built to guide and fully equipped with everything you need to stay safe, catch fish, and have an AWESOME time.
You can rest assured that you’re coming aboard an extremely safe, and well equipped boat with a well educated captain who is going to provide industry leading tact, professionalism and guidance. I take a LOT of pride in making sure you learn something, have a blast of a time, and leave feeling confident that your hard earned money was well spent no matter how many fish you catch. Although a catch is never guaranteed, you SHOULD come with high expectations.
AHA Heartsaver® BLS, CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified
US Federal Transportation Worker ID Credential
Things to Bring:
NY Fishing License (16 and older)
Hat
Life Jacket Required (Children under 13)
Sunglasses (Polarized)
Sunscreen
Water/UV Resistant Clothing
Rain Gear
Bug Spray
Snacks
On Board Features:
JBL Sound
Tackle & Rods by St. Croix, Shimano, Rapala, X-Zone, Megabass, Seaguar, Custom Vendors and more…
Yeti Cooler
Life Jackets (bring your own if you have one you like)
Garmin VHF Radio & Vessel Identification System
Garmin one Touch Distress / Rescue Button
Fish finding electronics by Garmin
Interior LED Lighting
Dry Storage
Drinking Water
Pretzels
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (54)
+51Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
95%
Canton, New York
Oct 12, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
A Fantastic Family Fishing Experience on the St. Lawrence!
We had the best time fishing with Captain Curtis! He was super professional, patient, and clearly loves what he does. All the gear was provided, and he really knows the St. Lawrence River and where to find the fish. Curtis worked so well with my kids, who each fish a little differently and have different experience levels. He kept everyone involved and having fun the whole trip. The highlight was landing a 5.8-pound smallmouth — such an awesome moment, and his excitement made it even better! I can’t recommend Curtis enough, especially if you’ve got kids. It’s the perfect way to spend a day on the water with a true pro who makes it fun for everyone.
We had the best time fishing with Captain Curtis! He was super professional, patient, and clearly loves what he does. All the...
Aug 24, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
Great Evening on the Water with Curtis!
My son and I had a fantastic outing with Curtis. The boat is new, impressive, and well-equipped, and Curtis was both professional and welcoming... he went out of his way to set us up for success. He was also generous with his fishing knowledge, sharing tips and techniques that made it even more rewarding. The whole experience felt less like a charter and more like a friend inviting us out. Whether you’re an experienced angler or brand new, you’ll feel comfortable and have a great time. And best of all, watching my son reel in those smallies was an absolute treat! I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Curtis again.
My son and I had a fantastic outing with Curtis. The boat is new, impressive, and well-equipped, and Curtis was both professional...
Captain replied
Aug 16, 2025
Richard Frey Afternoon Trip
Afternoon fishing trip and tour
The afternoon trip we took with Captain Curtis Rissberger was a memorable experience. We did about 2 hours fishing then had a boat tour of Wellesley island international rift. This is something that cannot be done on a bigger boat and was so quiet and peaceful. My experience with Captain Curtis Rissberger is he is a down to earth guy who goes above and beyond to always make sure the customer is having a great time. He always puts customer service first and will go that extra mile. I honestly can not say enough good things about our trip and experiences with Captain Curtis Rissberger.
The afternoon trip we took with Captain Curtis Rissberger was a memorable experience. We did about 2 hours fishing then had a...
Captain replied
Aug 9, 2025
Tyler Brown Custom
An Incredible “Smallie” Experience
Where do I begin? From the professionalism, to the thoughtfulness and dedication to the sport of fishing, Berger Ops Fishing is a “must” charter on your bucket list for small mouth bass. Captain Curtis is knowledgeable and a great resource on the water for all things bass fishing. Fishing with Captain Curtis is like fishing with a long time friend. By far, the best charter fishing experience I’ve ever had. I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of our trip and the time spent on the water getting to know Captain Curtis and his love for the sport of smallmouth bass fishing!
Where do I begin? From the professionalism, to the thoughtfulness and dedication to the sport of fishing, Berger Ops Fishing is...
Captain replied
East Berne, New York
Aug 6, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
Evening trip with Captain Curtis
Every year we visit the Thousand Islands and my son just fishes of the docks of the places we stay at. This year I decided to book an evening tcharter with BergerOps so my son could get the full experience of fishing on the River. Captain Curtis was waiting for us at the launch when we arrived. The boat was super clean, well-equipped with many fishing poles, beautiful lures handmade by the Captain himself, and I felt very comfortable sending my son off for a few hours. Our captain knew exactly where to go, he had a plan in place to make the trip worth it. My son enjoyed the smooth boat ride, the music he got to choose, the conversations and knowledge given for beginners, and of course catching fish! Captain Curtis arrived back at the launch on time, both of them were all smiles, and this is now something I will book for my son every year. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Every year we visit the Thousand Islands and my son just fishes of the docks of the places we stay at. This year I decided to...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (54)
+51Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
95%
Canton, New York
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
A Fantastic Family Fishing Experience on the St. Lawrence!
Half Day Trip (PM) on October 12, 2025
We had the best time fishing with Captain Curtis! He was super professional, patient, and clearly loves what he does. All the gear was provided, and he really knows the St. Lawrence River and where to find the fish. Curtis worked so well with my kids, who each fish a little differently and have different experience levels. He kept everyone involved and having fun the whole trip. The highlight was landing a 5.8-pound smallmouth — such an awesome moment, and his excitement made it even better! I can’t recommend Curtis enough, especially if you’ve got kids. It’s the perfect way to spend a day on the water with a true pro who makes it fun for everyone.
We had the best time fishing with Captain Curtis! He was super professional, patient, and clearly loves what he does. All the gear was provided, and he really knows the St. Lawrence River and where to find the fish. Curtis worked so well with my kids, who each fish a little differently and have different experience levels. He kept everyone involved and having fun the whole trip. The highlight was landing a 5.8-pound smallmouth — such an awesome moment, and his excitement made it even better! I...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Evening on the Water with Curtis!
Half Day Trip (PM) on August 24, 2025
My son and I had a fantastic outing with Curtis. The boat is new, impressive, and well-equipped, and Curtis was both professional and welcoming... he went out of his way to set us up for success. He was also generous with his fishing knowledge, sharing tips and techniques that made it even more rewarding. The whole experience felt less like a charter and more like a friend inviting us out. Whether you’re an experienced angler or brand new, you’ll feel comfortable and have a great time. And best of all, watching my son reel in those smallies was an absolute treat! I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Curtis again.
My son and I had a fantastic outing with Curtis. The boat is new, impressive, and well-equipped, and Curtis was both professional and welcoming... he went out of his way to set us up for success. He was also generous with his fishing knowledge, sharing tips and techniques that made it even more rewarding. The whole experience felt less like a charter and more like a friend inviting us out. Whether you’re an experienced angler or brand new, you’ll feel comfortable and have a great time. And...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Afternoon fishing trip and tour
Richard Frey Afternoon Trip on August 16, 2025
The afternoon trip we took with Captain Curtis Rissberger was a memorable experience. We did about 2 hours fishing then had a boat tour of Wellesley island international rift. This is something that cannot be done on a bigger boat and was so quiet and peaceful. My experience with Captain Curtis Rissberger is he is a down to earth guy who goes above and beyond to always make sure the customer is having a great time. He always puts customer service first and will go that extra mile. I honestly can not say enough good things about our trip and experiences with Captain Curtis Rissberger.
The afternoon trip we took with Captain Curtis Rissberger was a memorable experience. We did about 2 hours fishing then had a boat tour of Wellesley island international rift. This is something that cannot be done on a bigger boat and was so quiet and peaceful. My experience with Captain Curtis Rissberger is he is a down to earth guy who goes above and beyond to always make sure the customer is having a great time. He always puts customer service first and will go that extra mile. I honestly...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
An Incredible “Smallie” Experience
Tyler Brown Custom on August 9, 2025
Where do I begin? From the professionalism, to the thoughtfulness and dedication to the sport of fishing, Berger Ops Fishing is a “must” charter on your bucket list for small mouth bass. Captain Curtis is knowledgeable and a great resource on the water for all things bass fishing. Fishing with Captain Curtis is like fishing with a long time friend. By far, the best charter fishing experience I’ve ever had. I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of our trip and the time spent on the water getting to know Captain Curtis and his love for the sport of smallmouth bass fishing!
Where do I begin? From the professionalism, to the thoughtfulness and dedication to the sport of fishing, Berger Ops Fishing is a “must” charter on your bucket list for small mouth bass. Captain Curtis is knowledgeable and a great resource on the water for all things bass fishing. Fishing with Captain Curtis is like fishing with a long time friend. By far, the best charter fishing experience I’ve ever had. I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of our trip and the time spent on the water getting...
East Berne, New York
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Evening trip with Captain Curtis
Half Day Trip (PM) on August 6, 2025
Every year we visit the Thousand Islands and my son just fishes of the docks of the places we stay at. This year I decided to book an evening tcharter with BergerOps so my son could get the full experience of fishing on the River. Captain Curtis was waiting for us at the launch when we arrived. The boat was super clean, well-equipped with many fishing poles, beautiful lures handmade by the Captain himself, and I felt very comfortable sending my son off for a few hours. Our captain knew exactly where to go, he had a plan in place to make the trip worth it. My son enjoyed the smooth boat ride, the music he got to choose, the conversations and knowledge given for beginners, and of course catching fish! Captain Curtis arrived back at the launch on time, both of them were all smiles, and this is now something I will book for my son every year. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Every year we visit the Thousand Islands and my son just fishes of the docks of the places we stay at. This year I decided to book an evening tcharter with BergerOps so my son could get the full experience of fishing on the River. Captain Curtis was waiting for us at the launch when we arrived. The boat was super clean, well-equipped with many fishing poles, beautiful lures handmade by the Captain himself, and I felt very comfortable sending my son off for a few hours. Our captain knew exactly...
FAQs about Berger Ops. Fishing®
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