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Playin Hooky
Charter operator

Playin Hooky

Lake Placid, United States
50+ reviews
I have lived in the Adirondacks for over 30 years exploring all of its vast wilderness. Former USA Luge athlete now finding a career in sharing my passion for the Adirondacks and its beauty. Very patient with all ages and happy to teach everyone how to enjoy the sport. Highly motivated to teach proper handling techniques, sustainability of waterbodies and teaching everyone how to preserve our habitat for many generations to enjoy.
Justin W.
Justin W.
Captain
Dylan A.
Dylan A.
Captain

Charter

Rating

5.0
53 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (53)

Showing 1 – 5 of 53 reviews
  • Jessica Pasqualicchio
    Jessica Pasqualicchio
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Family Friendly Trip.

    3 Hour Trip - 11:00 AM • 5 adults • 3 children

    We booked a 3 hour fishing trip on one of our vacation days. Captain Justin was super friendly and easy going, and really patient with our 3 kids. He showed them how to use the reels, and was unbothered about endlessly getting their hooks unstuck from trees. The kids caught 3 fish, definitely the largest they have caught. We got a little history and info about the lake, and some recommendations for local ice cream and popcorn after! The kids learned how to hold the fish and how to gently release them back to the water. It was a relaxing family experience. We plan on doing again.

    Reported catch:
    Smallmouth Bass
    Largemouth Bass
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you so much Jessica! We hope to see you in the future to catch another PB

  • Rory Bailey
    Rory Bailey
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun for everyone!

    3 Hour Trip - 11:00 AM • 4 adults

    Justin is an awesome guide. He’s a great teacher and very enthusiastic about the outdoors. He seemed excited for us when we’d catch a fish. Start to finish, everything was top notch. Excellent communication, the boat was perfect, and we caught a bunch of fish. Also, the lakes are stunning. Justin was able to give us information about the area as well as the different fish. Would definitely book him again.

    Reported catch:
    Largemouth Bass
    Smallmouth Bass
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you so much Rory, it was a pleasure taking you and your family out on the water! Look forward to seeing you again

  • Peter Vanderveer
    Peter Vanderveer
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Fantastic day on the water

    3 Hour Trip - 11:00 AM • 3 adults

    Dylan was great and both my 10 year old and I caught our personal best small mouths (at least the best we have actually measured and weighed). We will he back for some ice fishing this winter.

    Reported catch:
    Smallmouth Bass
  • Katie Callahan
    Katie Callahan
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Will do it again!

    5 Hour Trip • 5 adults

    My two kids went out fishing with Dylan and they had the best time. They both caught fish and he made it a fun day. They both had nothing but great things to say and my son who is 19 said he wants to go out again next time we are in town. I communicated with Justin a few times prior to the trip and he was so responsive. Thank you both very much!

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you for choosing us, Dylan had a great time with them! Looking forward to having the kids out again in the future.

  • Jeff Sharp
    Jeff Sharp
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    outstanding fall experience

    3 Hour Trip - 11:00 AM • 3 adults

    very knowledgeable guide and enjoyed a beautiful fall day and caught plentynof nice smallmouth. I’d certainly highly recommend to anyone.

    Reported catch:
    Smallmouth Bass

Real catches shared by our community

  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    Young angler proudly holding a large smallmouth bass on the bow of a fishing boat on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Smallmouth Bass
    Peter V.
    Peter V.
    Dylan was great and both my 10 year old and I caught our personal best small mouths (at least the best we have actually measured and weighed). We will he back for some ice fishing this winter.
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    Angler proudly displaying a large Smallmouth Bass caught during a serene fishing trip on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Smallmouth Bass
    Addison B.
    Addison B.
    Capt. Dylan put me on the small mouth. Very good 20 ft boat with a large live view sonar. Watch your lure go down to the fish and it will change your experience about how fish react to your bait. Dylan was great to talk with and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Shawn P.
    Shawn P.
    captain wss hrest and caught a ton of fish
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake, surrounded by lush greenery.
    Fish 1
    Smallmouth Bass
    John G.
    John G.
    Our 2nd year fishing with Justin as our guide and another successful year catching small mouth bass! Justin is extremely knowledgeable and keeps it upbeat and fun the entire trip! After fishing with Justin you will have a deeper appreciation of the area and wildlife.
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Calico Bass
    Kimberley B.
    Kimberley B.
    Captian Dylan was very knowledgeable and great with our teenage kids. We all caught small mouth bass - one 20”! The equipment was easy to use and well cared for. The three hours flew by - even my daughter who wasn’t excited about fishing had a good time. Highly recommend. We will book again!
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake.
    Fish 1
    Smallmouth Bass
    Auggie D.
    Auggie D.
    Justin was the Perfect guide! He was super knowledgeable and friendly. And you cant beat big smallies with an Adirondack view!
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Largemouth Bass
    Brad R.
    Brad R.
    A lot of great things about this trip. Big fish, great captain with top notch gear and an awesome boat. Captain was very knowledgeable about the lake and where the fish were located. My son and I had a great time!
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Northern Pike while enjoying a sunny day on a serene lake.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Northern Pike
    Katie C.
    Katie C.
    My two kids went out fishing with Dylan and they had the best time. They both caught fish and he made it a fun day. They both had nothing but great things to say and my son who is 19 said he wants to go out again next time we are in town. I communicated with Justin a few times prior to the trip and he was so responsive. Thank you both very much!
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    Young angler proudly holding a large largemouth bass aboard a fishing boat, with family members and the boat console visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Largemouth Bass
    Jack M.
    Jack M.
    Went out with the whole family. We fish a lot and honestly, this was probably one of the best outings we’ve ever had. I would highly recommend! Felt super comfortable right away, I got us on fish all day what more can you ask for?
  • Playin’ Hooky Guiding - Fishing
    Playin’ Hooky Guiding - FishingLake Placid, NY
    A proud angler holding a freshly caught bass while fishing on a serene lake, showcasing a fun day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Largemouth Bass
    Brian L.
    Brian L.
    Our Captain Dylan was communicative prior to booking and helped guide us to the launch. From there we had a terrific day on the water. Super family friendly for my gang of 6 and everyone caught fish! Would definitely recommend!!

Fishing reports

An enthusiastic angler proudly displaying a large Northern Pike while fishing on a lake, showcasing the thrill of the catch.

Toothy Season

Jun 3, 2023 • Lake Placid
Water temperature has been steadily increasing which makes chasing Northern Pike a blast! We are searching shallow weedy bays for hungry Pike with many good results lately! We can also go outside of Franklin County for catch and release bass untill June 15th when the season opens fully for NYS. Book next trip soon to catch a wall hanger of a fish
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Angler proudly displaying a large Smallmouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery.

FISH ON!!!

May 8, 2023 • Lake Placid
We are happy to announce fishing season is in full swing! After high water conditions and cold temperatures made it hard this past few weeks, we are on to green grass and warmer days! Book your next trip soon before we fill up, a great day is only a few clicks away
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Angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing in a scenic autumn setting.

Lake Trout Bite

Oct 8, 2022 • Lake Placid
Trolling for Lake Trout has been very successful. Have about 2-3 more weeks left of good fishing
Show more