Hi, I'm Captain Max, and I'd love to welcome you aboard Topwater Safari. The St. Lawrence River is arguably the finest smallmouth fishery on the planet, but this healthy ecosystem offers so much more. Whether we are chasing trophy smallmouth and largemouth or targeting northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill, the action is world-class. Between the crystal-clear water and the incredible scenery, every trip is a visual feast.
You will be fishing from a brand-new 2025 Xpress X21, fully rigged for a premium experience. I've equipped the boat with the largest LiveScope screen on the market, making for an incredibly interactive day. We will watch fish interact with our baits in real-time, often seeing them from 100 feet away before they ever know we're there. Beyond the screen, we do a lot of traditional sight fishing where we use our eyes to spot fish roaming the flats or tucked against boulders. I provide all high-end rods and reels, and we will be utilizing the newest techniques and baits to ensure you have the best edge possible.
To ensure we are protecting the fishery and following local regulations, my calendar is divided by season. From May 1st through June 14th, we focus on perch, walleye, pike, and bluegill while catch-and-release bass is closed. From June 15th through July 3rd, bass season is live and we focus exclusively on smallmouth and largemouth. I will then be away for five weeks mentoring the next generation at Candlewood Kids Fishing Camp on Lake Champlain, but I will be back on the river from August 8th through October 15th for the prime late-summer and fall bass run.
As a younger 27 year old guide, I bring a high level of energy and a modern perspective to the water. I'm genuinely passionate about the outdoors and love teaching the why behind the bite. I especially enjoy fishing with kids and families—there's nothing better than seeing a young angler hook into a St. Lawrence giant. I hope to fish with y'all soon!