Berger Ops. Fishing®
+18Let’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
Captain
Curtis Rissberger
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (22)
+19Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Day on the Water!
Afternoon Half Day ~ 4 hours on July 12, 2025
A recent fishing trip out of Wellesley island on the St. Lawrence river provided an unforgettable experience. The sites of the surrounding area was immediately apparent upon arrival. As a first timer it was awesome to see all the different islands and the houses that sit on them. The conditions were not ideal to start, 85 degrees a light breeze, clear skies. It felt hot and we bounced around searching for fish. Bass were targeted, a common catch in these parts. Spinning rods were rigged with crank baits and drop shots. Over the next few hours, several bass, perch and northern pike were landed. It was a day filled with enjoyment, and the simple pleasures of spending time outdoors. Captain Curtis really went above and beyond to get us on the fish and was a true professional. I highly recommend his service for small groups that want to catch big fighting fish!
A recent fishing trip out of Wellesley island on the St. Lawrence river provided an unforgettable experience. The sites of the surrounding area was immediately apparent upon arrival. As a first timer it was awesome to see all the different islands and the houses that sit on them. The conditions were not ideal to start, 85 degrees a light breeze, clear skies. It felt hot and we bounced around searching for fish. Bass were targeted, a common catch in these parts. Spinning rods were rigged with...
Manlius, New York
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
St. Lawrence River Bass Fishing Tour
Afternoon Half Day ~ 4 hours on June 21, 2025
Incredible day to be out on the river. Had great luck with Small Mouth on the day, have a few over 4lbs. Curtis was really knowledgeable of the area we were fishing, we toured some spots that had schools of 3-4lb Small Mouth, and some other deeper areas with 4-5lb. Overall is was a really great experience. Curtis was really knowledgeable which helped us out a lot, and gave some advice on casting methods which changed our odds quickly! The boat was also incredible and quite spacious for a bass boat. Very nice! Looking forward to the next outing with Curtis.
Incredible day to be out on the river. Had great luck with Small Mouth on the day, have a few over 4lbs. Curtis was really knowledgeable of the area we were fishing, we toured some spots that had schools of 3-4lb Small Mouth, and some other deeper areas with 4-5lb. Overall is was a really great experience. Curtis was really knowledgeable which helped us out a lot, and gave some advice on casting methods which changed our odds quickly! The boat was also incredible and quite spacious for a bass...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Captain Curtis is extremely knowledgeable
Morning Half Day ~ 4 hours on July 19, 2025
Captain Curtis was extremely knowledgeable about smallmouth bass he put myself and friend in to. We left early in the morning and instantly hooked up on 2 descent sized smallies off a lures he recommended. I 100% plan on on chartering with him.I highly recommend him for the best experience his price is worth it
Captain Curtis was extremely knowledgeable about smallmouth bass he put myself and friend in to. We left early in the morning and instantly hooked up on 2 descent sized smallies off a lures he recommended. I 100% plan on on chartering with him.I highly recommend him for the best experience his price is worth it
Red Bank, New Jersey
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best Fishing Guide - Curtis!
Afternoon Half Day ~ 4 hours on July 11, 2025
Had an amazing evening on the water with Curtis. Caught a lot of quality small mouth bass and a monster Pike! Curtis is patient, explained everything, and has very high quality equipment that we used! Knew the area very well and knew all the honey holes! Amazing experience highly recommend Curtis!
Had an amazing evening on the water with Curtis. Caught a lot of quality small mouth bass and a monster Pike! Curtis is patient, explained everything, and has very high quality equipment that we used! Knew the area very well and knew all the honey holes! Amazing experience highly recommend Curtis!
Sandown, NH
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day with Captain Curtis
Full Day ~ 9 Hours on June 22, 2025
I fished a full day with Captain Curtis and I will absolutely be back for another! We tried a few different spots and he put me on one giant smallmouth after another. I must’ve caught 30 with most of them being over 4 lbs and one definitely over 5. Curtis knows the river like the back of his hand and I’d recommend a day with him whether you’re a beginner or have been fishing your whole life. Thanks Curtis!
I fished a full day with Captain Curtis and I will absolutely be back for another! We tried a few different spots and he put me on one giant smallmouth after another. I must’ve caught 30 with most of them being over 4 lbs and one definitely over 5. Curtis knows the river like the back of his hand and I’d recommend a day with him whether you’re a beginner or have been fishing your whole life. Thanks Curtis!
FAQs about Berger Ops. Fishing®
What are the trip rates for Berger Ops. Fishing®?
Berger Ops. Fishing® offers the following trips to customers:
- US $400 per group - Afternoon Half Day ~ 4 hours (4 hours)
- US $400 per group - Morning Half Day ~ 4 hours (4 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Berger Ops. Fishing®?
When you book a trip with Berger Ops. Fishing®, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS Garmin Satellite GPS with Digital Chart Plotting
- Fishfinder Garmin Integrated Downscan & Sidescan Features
- Ice Box Yeti 45 Series Custom Match Cooler
What's included in the trip price with Berger Ops. Fishing®?
Trips booked with Berger Ops. Fishing® include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Lures
- Snacks (Pretzels on boat, or bring your own snacks/food)
- Drinks (Water on boat, Bring Drinks, ask about alcohol)
What types of fishing does Berger Ops. Fishing® offer?
Berger Ops. Fishing® offers the following types of fishing:
- River Fishing (St. Lawrence River, 1000 Islands, Wellesley Island)
- Inshore Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Flats Fishing
What fishing techniques does Berger Ops. Fishing® offer?
Berger Ops. Fishing® offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle (Appropriate Tackle Provides Based on Experience)
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling (Trolling Motor Available)
- Spinning (Shimano, Diawa, and Abu Garcia Reels)
- Jigging
- Popping
Which fish species can I catch with Berger Ops. Fishing®?
Top targeted fish species with Berger Ops. Fishing® include:
- Bass (Smallmouth)
- Pike (Northern)
Your captain
Clayton, New York, United States
I’m Captain Curtis Rissberger. I founded Berger Ops. Fishing® in 2019. Berger Ops. Fishing® is the culmination of my fresh water fishing experience, lure building expertise, passion for environmental conservation, and eagerness to share what I know. I began my fishing experience dropping worms off the end of a dock at a family camp located on Wellesley Island, New York in 1999. Since then, my knowledge of the St. Lawrence River, boating, fishing, and aquatic life in general has been bolstered by countless experiences on the St. Lawrence River with friends, family, and fellow angers who share a similar passion. My hope is to perpetuate these fond memories to future generations through my guided fishing trips and charter service. You can count on Berger Ops. Fishing® to provide industry leading tact, knowledge, fun, and safety on and off the water.
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
River Fishing
St. Lawrence River, 1000 Islands, Wellesley Island
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Appropriate Tackle Provides Based on Experience
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Trolling Motor Available
Spinning
Shimano, Diawa, and Abu Garcia Reels
Jigging
Popping
Which amenities are available onboard
GPS
Garmin Satellite GPS with Digital Chart Plotting
Fishfinder
Garmin Integrated Downscan & Sidescan Features
Ice Box
Yeti 45 Series Custom Match Cooler
What’s included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Snacks
Pretzels on boat, or bring your own snacks/food
Drinks
Water on boat, Bring Drinks, ask about alcohol
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
Under 21 Must be Accompanied By Adult Over 21
Catch and Release Mandatory
All fish will be released Immediately
How you can pay
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal