Topwater Safari

01/03

Topwater Charters

From sunrise surface explosions to multi-day fishing adventures, Topwater Charters by Topwater Safari deliver heart-pounding excitement and peaceful moments in nature.

Clayton Alexandria Bay Thousand Islands Lake Ontario St. Lawrence

Guided Fishing Trips
& Nature Tours

Experience world-class St. Lawrence River bass fishing, trophy smallmouth trips, and immersive nature and wildlife tours in the heart of New York's Thousand Islands. Topwater Safari offers personalized, private experiences led by a knowledgeable local guide who specializes in bass fishing, wildlife viewing, and bird photography across the St. Lawrence River.

Thrilling Topwater Strikes

Experience the adrenaline rush of explosive topwater blowups you won't forget.

Tailored Fishing Tips

Get personalized techniques and pro tips to elevate your fishing game.

Shallow Water Mastery

Learn the subtle techniques and tactics that make shallow water fishing truly rewarding.

Premium Gear, Maximum Performance

Fish with top-quality rods, reels, and equipment for the best on-the-water experience.

Ready for your once in a lifetime experience?

Have Questions?

Photography & Trips
& Nature Tours

Discover unforgettable opportunities to photograph the St. Lawrence River's scenic backwaters and the wildlife of upstate New York. These tours blend adventure, education, and artistry for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Colorful iguana Close-up of a giraffe Close-up of a chimpanzee holding hands Alligator breaching the water Color-changing tree

Expertise You Can Trust

With years of hands-on experience in topwater fishing and exploring the St. Lawrence River's natural landscapes, you're in expert hands.

Master the Shot

Enhance your skills with hands-on guidance covering essential photography techniques and recommended equipment settings.

Explore the Unseen

Explore hard-to-reach locations and learn to identify the river's unique plants and animals along the way.

Meet Your Captain

A passionate topwater fisherman, wildlife photographer, and nature enthusiast born and raised in Michigan — now guiding adventures across the country's best waters.

Captain Max

15+

Years obsessed

27

Years Old

GVSU

Geography Grad

USA

RV Lake Tour

Fifteen years ago I watched a bass explode from the water to crush a surface lure. I've been chasing that strike ever since — across lakes in my RV, a month or two at a time.

My degree in Geography and Sustainable Planning shapes how I read the water. Wildlife photography sharpens how I see it. Together, that's the trip you're booking.

“My goal is to send you home refreshed, inspired, and more connected to Mother Nature whether you came for the strike or the silence.”

Fish the St. Lawrence
in comfort & style

Spec Sheet

XPRESS X21

Top view of the Xpress X21 bass fishing boat

Trips are run on a fully rigged 21-foot Xpress X21, one of the most respected shallow-water bass platforms on the water. The X21 is known for its wide, stable hull, smooth ride, and huge casting decks — giving you the space and confidence to fish, film, or photograph comfortably all day long.

The boat is also equipped with dual 10-foot Power-Poles, allowing us to stop instantly and hold position quietly in shallow water without dropping a noisy anchor. That means we can stay locked on fish, beds, or wildlife while remaining stealthy and undetected.

A powerful trolling motor lets us move silently through lily pads and hydrilla, while the high-performance outboard gets us across big water quickly and safely. There's tons of open deck space for casting, fly fishing, or bringing camera gear, plus comfortable seating when it's time to relax between spots.

Whether you're here to catch trophy largemouth on topwater frogs, learn advanced electronics, or capture unforgettable wildlife photos, this boat is built to deliver a smooth, professional, and next-level experience from the moment we leave the ramp.

Shop Nature Photography Prints

Discover a selection of stunning nature photography prints that capture the spirit of adventure and the beauty of the wild.

Two giraffes laying togetherSmall bird perched on a branchLarge highland cowBlack and white photo of a monkey running on the groundBlack and white photo of a chimp with hands togetherColorful iguana walking on the groundLarge bird in the marshPelican landing on the water