1.) What species do you fish for?

 

We target largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. On our guide trips, we sometimes also catch musky, pickerel, striped bass, walleye, catfish, panfish, and other Pennsylvania warm water fish species. If you have a special request to target species other than largemouth bass or smallmouth bass, please specify that when booking your fishing trip. 

 

​

2.) What do you use for bait?

​

We only use artificial lures in true bass sportsmanlike fashion. When targeting bass, artificial lures are designed to be more effective and efficient than live bait. If you make a special request to bring your own live bait, it may be permitted as long as you don’t make a mess on the boat with it and/or prevent us from efficiently and effectively targeting bass. If young children are part of your group, I may be especially willing to allow you to bring your own live bait to target panfish.

​

I've developed my own custom line of bass fishing lures & tackle that I use every day on the water to help us consistently catch bass! I exclusively provide Awgul Fishing branded lures and tackle on all fishing guide trips and you can familiarize yourself with the baits and tackle that you'll be using on your charter by visiting www.awgulfishing.com/shop. 

​

​

3.) What lake should I book my trip on?

 

Lake Nockamixon in Quakertown, PA is Pennsylvania's premier trophy largemouth bass fishery. I live just minutes away from this lake and I've dedicated the past 15 years to learning and fishing it! In 2023, my clients and I caught 44 bass over 5 lbs, 17 bass over 6 lbs, 8 bass over 7 lbs, and 1 bass over 8 lbs! However, with above average sized bass comes below averages quantities of bass caught. The average bass caught on Lake Nockamixon is about 3.5 lbs. An average fishing guide trip usually sees about 2-5 bass caught here. Our biggest bass caught here ever was 8.14 lbs and the most fish we ever caught here in one day was 31 fish. The stained water of Nockamixon has an abundance of aquatic vegetation, cover, structure, and unique offshore features that you'll be fishing. This lake is 7 miles long and about 1,450 acres large. Lake Nockamixon has a 20 horsepower restriction, so we're limited to just my 112 lb thrust electric trolling motor when fishing here. If you're looking to learn this unique fishery and have the potential to catch trophy bass, then Lake Nockamixon is the fishery for you!

​

Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport, PA is an excellent largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and musky fishery located just outside of Reading, PA. I've been fishing this lake regularly for the past 9 years. The unique blue/green water of Blue Marsh Lake has various hard cover and structure, offshore features, and some aquatic vegetation. The average sized bass caught on this lake is about 2 lbs and an average fishing guide trip usually sees about 5-10 bass caught here. Our biggest bass we ever caught here was 5.5 lbs and the most fish we ever caught here in one day was 75 fish.

​

Beltzville Lake is a unique multispecies fishery located in Lehighton, PA. I've been fishing this lake regularly for the past 11 years. This lake has very clear water and various hard cover and structure, offshore features, open water fishing opportunities, and some aquatic vegetation. The average sized bass caught on this lake is about 1.5 lbs and an average fishing guide trip usually sees about 5-10 bass caught here. The biggest bass we ever caught here was 5 lbs and the most fish we ever caught here in one day was 65 fish.

​

Marsh Creek Lake is a small 535 acre fishery located in Downingtown, PA. I've been fishing this lake for the past 14 years. This lake has stained water and various hard cover and structure, offshore features, and some aquatic vegetation. The average sized bass caught on this lake is about 1.5 lbs and an average fishing guide trip usually sees about 5-10 bass caught here. The biggest bass we ever caught here was 4.5 lbs and the most fish we ever caught here in one day was 25 fish. Marsh Creek Lake is an electric motor only lake, so we're limited to just my 112 lb thrust electric trolling motor when fishing here.

​

Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains is Pennsylvania's 2nd largest lake and Eastern Pennsylvania's most popular tourist destination lake. I've been fishing this lake for the past 12 years. This lake has stained water and various hard cover and structure, offshore features, open water fishing opportunities, and some aquatic vegetation. The average sized bass caught on this lake is about 1 lb and an average fishing guide trip usually sees about 5-10 bass caught here. Our biggest bass caught here ever was 4.5 lbs and the most fish we ever caught here in one day was 35 fish.

​

Whichever destination you decide to try fishing, I will do my best to ensure that you and your fishing buddies have a memorable, exciting, and educational day on the water! 

​

​

4.) What's the best time of year to fish?

 

I offer fishing guide services year round as long as there isn't ice on the water! Here's a breakdown of last years historical fishing conditions broken down by time of year:​

​​​

December through Early March:

Fishing Difficulty: Hard

Seasonal Pattern: Wintertime fishing

Best Times of Day to Fish: Middle of Day

Notes: Wintertime fishing can be cold and tough, but if the weather cooperates and there's no ice on the water it can be a great time of year to catch big bass and avoid boat traffic. If you're up for the challenge, bundle up and let's go fishing for some bass in their wintertime haunts!

​

Late March to Early April:

Fishing Difficulty: Medium

Seasonal Pattern: Prespawn

Best Times of Day to Fish: Middle of Day

Notes: Bass tend to be the pretty aggressive during the prespawn season. Fish caught during this timeframe also tend to be heavier than average as they feed heavily and start moving up towards their shallow spawning grounds. Just be prepared to potentially face some cold weather! 

​

Mid April through early May:

Fishing Difficulty: Easy

Seasonal Pattern: Spawn

Best Times of Day to Fish: Middle of Day

Notes: The bite can be excellent since bass become very aggressive, territorial, and predictable as they prepare to spawn. This is the time of year that we typically catch the greatest quantities of bass. Most of the musky that we catch are caught during this season too.

​

Mid May Through Early June:

Fishing Difficulty: Hard

Seasonal Pattern: Postspawn

Best Times of Day to Fish: Morning & Afternoon

Notes: After bass finish spawning, they become difficult to catch for a period of time. During the postspawn season, the fishing can be tough to catch for a couple of weeks as they recover from the spawn before moving into their summertime pattern soon. However, the still need to eat and we'll still be out on the water!

​

Mid June Through August:

Fishing Difficulty: Medium

Seasonal Pattern: Summertime

Best Times of Day to Fish: Morning & Afternoon

Notes: Throughout the summer season, bass can be found all around the lake. Fish can be anywhere from shallow to deep while holding to various types of cover and structure. This is my favorite time of year to do fishing guide trips because we typically catch a decent amount of fish this time of year and we get to use many different techniques. The warm water can make bass pretty active, so break out your sunscreen and let's go wet a line!

​

September through Mid October:

Fishing Difficulty: Easy

Seasonal Pattern: Early Fall Transition

Best Times of Day to Fish: Middle of Day

Notes: When the water temperature start cooling, the fish start moving! The fall transition has historically been a very hot time of year for bass fishing for us. However, the techniques that we use during this season aren't always the easiest, but they seem to catch a lot of big fish during this timeframe!

​

Late October through November

Fishing Difficulty: Hard

Seasonal Pattern: Fall

Best Times of Day to Fish: Middle of day

Notes: The fall can be a great time to catch active and feeding bass while avoiding the boat traffic. However, this season has historically proven to be one of the more difficult seasons of the year for bass fishing since the fish will be moving around and changing so much. When we do find fish, they'll often be very aggressive as they prepare for winter, so we'll still be out on the water when it starts to cool down while everyone else starts worrying about football and hunting!

​

5.) What if I have to reschedule or cancel? 

 

I offer free rescheduling with at least a 48 hour notice. If this date and time no longer works for you for any reason, you can simply pick another available date and time or I can issue you a gift certificate that you redeem later at your convenience. 

 

Please note that I may require a mandatory reschedule in the unlikely event that there's extremely severe weather, dangerous winds, or an unforeseen circumstance on my end during your scheduled fishing trip. In these unexpected situations, I'll try to provide you with as much notice as possible.

 

For any circumstance, if you'd prefer to cancel your fishing trip and not reschedule, please refer to our cancellation policy listed on www.awgulfishing.com/info.

 

​

6.) How many anglers can join?

 

You can bring up to 3 anglers total in your group (That means yourself and up to two other people) because my boat, according to US Coast Guard law, is rated to safely hold a maximum of 4 people. However, I recommend 2 or less anglers for the most comfortable experience. There's no need to contact me to tell me how many people will be in your group.

​

 

7.).) Do I need a fishing license?

 

All people who are 16 years or older who want to fish must purchase and bring a valid 2024 Pennsylvania fishing license. You can learn about purchasing your 2024 Pennsylvania fishing license on our website at www.awgulfishing.com/pafishinglicense

 

​

8.) What should I bring with me?

 

The only thing that you need to bring with you is a valid 2024 Pennsylvania fishing license. However, here's a list of some things you might also want to consider bringing with you:

 

a.) A small cooler with water bottles and/or sports drinks

b.) Snacks (Or meals for longer trips)

c.) Weather appropriate clothing and outerwear

d.) Sun protection

e.) Your fishing rods and tackle box (Optional)

 

​

9.) Should I bring my own fishing rods and tackle box?

 

You're welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you'd prefer. I do provide fishing rods, lures, and tackle. I have an extensive arsenal of 12 brand new spinning reel combos just for client use. For kids and beginners, I have a couple "push-button" reel combos. For more advanced anglers, I have a few beginner baitcasting combos (However, if you're comfortable using baitcasting reels, you should probably consider bringing your own rods). Feel free to contact me for recommendations about what gear you should bring based on the current conditions. 

 

10.) Should I tip? 

 

While the decision to tip is entirely up to you, it's customary to tip a fishing guide at least 10% to 30% of the price of your trip (Especially if your guide made every effort to help you have a great experience). Since I operate this guide service full-time, I appreciate the generosity and support of my customers that help me make a living and cover my expenses during each fishing trip. I accept tips via cash, Venmo (Username @AwgulFishing), or PayPal (awgulfishing@gmail.com). 

 

​

11.) Can I bring alcohol?

 

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the premises of all locations that we fish, so please don't bring any alcohol with you on your fishing trip. 

 

​

12) Can you guarantee that I'll catch fish? 

 

I can take you to where the fish should be, and I can teach you how to probably catch them, but I can't make the fish bite your lure. I can only guarantee what's within the boundaries of my control. It's my commitment to use my decades of fishing experience and the $100,000+ of professional fishing equipment that I've invested in over the years to help every angler try to catch fish. I promise that I'll do my best to make sure you and your fishing buddies have an exciting, enjoyable, and educational fishing adventure. If you're not satisfied with your fishing experience with me, please tell me so I can make it right.

 

​

9.) What kind of fishing experience can I expect?:

 

We practice catch and release sportfishing with artificial fishing lures.

 

When starting your fishing trip, I'll ask you about your expectations and goals for the trip so I can custom tailor an appropriate experience for you. 

 

For example, maybe you're interested in learning how to catch more bass with a hands-on educational fishing experience. In this case, you can expect me to actively teach and demonstrate various techniques throughout your trip. Or, perhaps you're more interested in a leisurely fishing trip with your fishing buddies. In this case, I'll stay out of your way and just operate the boat while tending to your group's fishing needs. Perhaps you have a specific goal like catching a trophy bass, or helping your son catch his first fish, or learning how to use a specific bass fishing technique. In these cases, I'll adjust our techniques and approaches to maximize the likelihood of accomplishing your goals! 

 

Please don't hesitate to speak up and communicate your expectations and goals with me so I can offer you the most fulfilling experience possible! I do my best to earn a 5 star rating from each customer. I'm here to serve, educate, entertain, and help you and your fishing buddies make memories on the water that will last a lifetime.

​

 

10.) What are the best days of the week to go fishing?

 

​I'm a full-time fishing guide and am on the water all throughout the week. Note that weekend fishing guide trips are in hot demand and book up very quickly many months in advance. However, I recommend that you try to book fishing guide trips on weekdays rather than weekends if you're able to. There's usually more boat traffic and fishing pressure during the weekends which can result in less fish catches. If you can manage, take time off work and come fishing Monday through Friday to take advantage of smaller crowds and more catching!

​

​

11.) Can I get sea sick?

​

The Pennsylvania fisheries that I guide on are each relatively small lakes. Boating conditions on these lakes are rarely if ever "choppy" or "rough." Considering the fact that my boat has an extra large 8 foot wide deck and that there are not any rolling waves on any these lakes, there is a very slim chance that you'll get sea sick. I have never had someone get sea sick on his boat yet.

​

​

12.) Can I mount my catch?​

​

Although we only practice catch and release bass fishing, you can still get your fish mounted! These days, you are able to create a fiberglass replica of a fish without harvesting it! If you are interested in having a taxidermist create a replica for you, I can help. I will record your fish's specific measurements and capture high quality photographs of your catch so a taxidermist can create a fiberglass replica. This is a process that I have done before for several clients. I also work with a reputable taxidermist that you can trust to capture the memory of your fish with a stunning replica!

​

​

13.) Can I smoke or use tobacco on your boat?

​

Customers of age may use tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, dip, and vapes ONLY if you responsibly dispose of your waste and do not make a mess on my boat or damage my property with hot cigarette/cigar butts, ashes, or spit waste. Customers that cause damage or mess to my property with tobacco products may be held liable according to the Awgul Fishing Guide Service Agreement and Waiver. Alcohol and illegal drugs are not allowed on my boat considering that these substances are prohibited on the site of all of the lakes that we fish. If it is discovered that you have brought alcohol or illegal drugs on the boat, I must immediately end your fishing guide trip and take you back to the dock without any refund or credit.

 

​

Have Any More Questions?

​

Give us a call/text at (267) 730-3203 or email us at awgulfishing@gmail.com