Charter Captain Workshops to Focus on Great Lakes and River Fisheries, Research and Safety

NEW YORK – April 6, 2026. New York’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River fisheries, research, and safety are on the agenda for Charter Captains Workshops to be held April 29, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center in Oswego, New York, and May 7, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Clayton Opera House in Clayton, New York. The U.S. Geologic Survey, State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are among workshop presenters. The workshops, presented by New York Sea Grant, are free to attend; registration is not required. Captains may attend one or both workshops.

New York Sea Grant Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist Stacy Furgal said, “New York Sea Grant has designed these Captains workshops as opportunities for the charter industry and fisheries research communities to share and gain information that helps enhance their services and stewardship of New York’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.”

Oswego County Director of Tourism Dan Breitwig said, “Local charter captains and fishing guides are important tourism ambassadors. They can take a fishing experience from ordinary to exceptional in a single day – and every business generates thousands of dollars into the local economy each year. With these workshops and the new Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council Fishing Sub-committee, we are excited to see where this year’s fishing season takes us.”

Thousand Islands International Tourism Council Executive Director Corey Fram said, “There are no greater stewards of enjoying our waterways and fishery than our charter captains and fishing guides. They take great pride in taking care of their guests and the environment. I’m grateful that New York Sea Grant has arranged for this series and that our fishing professionals embrace these opportunities to meet, share ideas, and work toward creating a first-class experience for our visitors.”

At each workshop, the U.S. Geological Survey will share information on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River native fisheries and habitats.

New York Sea Grant will provide information on safe boating, electronic distress signal devices, and how to select U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

The April 29th workshop in Oswego will also include a presentation by SUNY Oswego on alewife, salmon, and yellow perch fisheries.

Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association President Captain Phil Lucason, of Family Style Fishing Charters, Sterling, New York, said, “These workshops are an excellent way to kick start the open water fishing season and get up-to-date on information about the charter industry and fishery.”

Captain Jeff Garnsey of Classic Island Cruises, Clayton, New York, said, “Having this collaboration by New York Sea Grant, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and others gives stakeholders the unique opportunity to hear about important changes that may have come out over the winter to ensure that we are up-to-date for a new season on the water. And, information on the current state of our local fishery is always invaluable to anglers.”

New York Sea Grant is a statewide, university-based program that connects research, outreach, and education to the needs of New York’s coastal communities, environments, and economies. It is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York with 14 offices statewide and a part of the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nyseagrant.org.

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