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Kid-Friendly Bass Fishing on Susquehanna River

  • Published Date: December 19, 2025
  • Fishing
  • $175 - $500 price range

Summary

Ready for a fun family fishing trip? Captain Jeremy offers a 2-hour smallmouth bass adventure on the Susquehanna River that's perfect for kids and beginners. You'll head out on a 16' Weldcraft boat, fully stocked with fishing gear and a livewell to keep your catch fresh. Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening departures, with room for up to 2 guests. It's a private trip, so you'll have the captain's full attention as you learn the ropes of river fishing. Kids must wear life vests, and you'll need to bring your Pennsylvania fishing license. Feel free to pack some snacks for the boat. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or looking to introduce the little ones to fishing, this trip offers a safe, fun, and educational experience on one of Pennsylvania's most famous rivers. You might just catch the fishing bug yourself!
Kid-Friendly Bass Fishing on Susquehanna River

River Bass Action

Kid-Friendly Bass Fishing on the Susquehanna

Ready for a fun, fast-paced fishing adventure that's perfect for the whole family? Captain Jeremy's got you covered with this awesome 2-hour smallmouth bass trip on the Susquehanna River. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to introduce the kids to fishing, this private excursion is tailored for maximum enjoyment and plenty of action. With multiple departure times and all the gear provided, it's never been easier to get out on the water and experience the thrill of hooking into some hard-fighting river bass.

Trip Overview

Hop aboard Captain Jeremy's 16' Weldcraft boat for a 2-hour fishing frenzy on the Susquehanna. This trip is all about having a blast while learning the ropes of river fishing. You'll cruise to some of the captain's favorite bass hotspots, where the action can be fast and furious. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to help you land that trophy smallmouth. Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening trips to fit your schedule. The boat's fully decked out with quality rods, tackle, and even a livewell to keep your catch fresh. Safety's a top priority too, with life vests required for the kiddos. Just remember to grab your PA fishing license before you arrive, and feel free to bring along some snacks to keep your energy up while you're reeling 'em in.

What to Expect on the Water

Get ready for a hands-on fishing experience that's perfect for beginners and families. Captain Jeremy will show you the ropes of casting, retrieving, and setting the hook when a bass strikes. You'll likely be using a mix of artificial lures like soft plastics, crankbaits, and maybe even some topwater lures if the conditions are right. The Susquehanna's known for its rocky structure and current breaks, which create perfect ambush points for hungry smallmouth. Don't be surprised if you hook into a few other species too - the river's full of surprises! The captain will be right there to help you land your catch and might even share a few local fishing tales along the way. It's not just about catching fish; it's about making memories and learning to appreciate the river ecosystem.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass are the stars of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These bronze bruisers are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find in freshwater. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs that'll have your drag singing. In the Susquehanna, smallies typically range from 1-3 pounds, but don't be shocked if you tie into a 4+ pounder - they're out there! These fish are ambush predators, often hanging around rocky areas, submerged logs, and current breaks. They're most active in the mornings and evenings, which is why those early and late trips can be so productive. Smallmouth bass are opportunistic feeders, chowing down on everything from crawfish to small baitfish, which makes them a blast to catch on a variety of lures. The best part? They're abundant in the river, so you've got a great shot at hooking into multiple fish during your trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks can't get enough of this quick-hit fishing adventure, and it's easy to see why. For starters, it's the perfect length for families with younger kids - long enough to get plenty of action, but not so long that attention spans start to wander. The private nature of the trip means you get Captain Jeremy's full attention, which is huge for newbies looking to learn the ropes. Plus, the Susquehanna River is just plain gorgeous. You're not just fishing; you're getting a front-row seat to some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful scenery. The chance to hook into a hard-fighting smallmouth (or several) is a major draw, and the memories made on these trips tend to last a lifetime. It's not uncommon for families to book return trips year after year as the kids grow and their fishing skills improve. There's always something new to learn and experience on the river.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly way to experience the best of Susquehanna River fishing, Captain Jeremy's kid-friendly bass trip is tough to beat. With all the gear provided, flexible scheduling options, and a focus on both fun and education, it's the perfect introduction to the world of river fishing. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to add some outdoor adventure to your trip, this 2-hour excursion delivers big time. The smallmouth are biting, the river's calling, and Captain Jeremy's ready to show you and your family an awesome time on the water. Don't let this chance slip away - book your trip now and get ready to make some splashy memories on the Susquehanna!

Learn more about the species

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description 

Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers.  Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown.  They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays. 

Smallmouth Bass

Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass Habitat 

Smallmouth Bass Map of Habitat

This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms.  Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.

Spawning

Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year. 

Diet

The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass 

A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.

Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended. 

There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers.  A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook. 

Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.

Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat

Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on.  What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing.  Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.

Smallmouth Bass

About the 1652 Weldcraft

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 17

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 60

Hop aboard Captain Jeremy's 16' Weldcraft boat for a fun-filled bass fishing adventure on the Susquehanna River! This 2-hour trip is perfect for families and newbie anglers looking to cast a line and reel in some smallmouth bass. With room for 2 guests, you'll have plenty of personal attention as you learn the ropes of river fishing. The boat comes fully stocked with rods, tackle, and a livewell to keep your catch fresh. Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening departures to fit your schedule. Kids will love the hands-on experience, but remember those life vests! Don't forget to grab your Pennsylvania fishing license and pack some snacks for the ride. It's a great way to introduce little ones to the joys of fishing while making lasting memories on the water. Get ready for an action-packed outing filled with learning, laughs, and hopefully a few bass to brag about!
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Ready for an unforgettable family fishing adventure? Book your private charter with Rippin Lips Guide on the Susquehanna River today and reel in excitement, memories, and trophy catches!

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