Fish Western NY & the Finger Lakes

Licensed Captain • Tournament Pro • Cayuga Lake Specialist • Year-Round Guide Service

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25+ years of competitive fishing at the highest levels

Captain Ken Golub - Finger Lakes fishing guide based in Pittsford NY

Captain Ken Golub

Born and raised in Syracuse, NY and now based in Pittsford, I've spent my life on the waters of Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. As a licensed USCG Captain and professional tournament angler, I bring over 25 years of competitive experience to every guided trip.

My competitive career includes fishing the FLW circuit with 3 career wins and 24 top-10 finishes, competing on the MLF stage as an MLF angler, and accumulating over $575,000 in career tournament earnings. I'm also an Alfred University alum and former track & field and rugby athlete.

Over the past 40 years, I've kept meticulous notes on every trip — techniques, baits, water temps, structure, seasonal patterns, and what the fish were doing on every lake I've fished. That's 3,800+ days on the water across 17 lakes in Western New York and the Finger Lakes, all documented. When you book a trip with me, you're not just getting a guide — you're tapping into four decades of data and hard-earned knowledge.

Off the water, I've built and sold over 7 businesses and spent years in corporate management. I'm also the code monkey behind Bass Tournament Calendars. I bring that same drive, discipline, and attention to detail to every trip on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in a new fishery or a complete beginner wanting to learn, I'll put you on fish.

3,800+
Days on the Water
$575K+
Career Earnings
3
Career Wins
24
Top-10 Finishes
40
Years of Notes

The Fleet

Two rigs to cover every season and situation

Bass Cat Puma tournament bass boat used for Finger Lakes guide trips

Bass Cat Puma

Engine: Mercury Pro XS
Season: Spring through Fall
Best For: Full-day trips on the Finger Lakes & open water
Features: Tournament-rigged, Lowrance & Garmin LiveScope electronics, spacious casting decks
Custom 15-foot rig for winter bass fishing on Hemlock and Canadice Lake

Custom 15' Rig

Season: Late Fall & Winter
Best For: Hemlock Lake & Canadice Lake
Details: Both are HP restricted lakes with no shoreline development — pristine, untouched water surrounded by nothing but woods. The small rig is purpose-built for these hidden gems.

Waters We Fish

From the Great Lakes to the hidden gems of the Finger Lakes region

Cayuga Lake 🔥
298 Days • 8.1lb LMB • HOT!
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Lake Erie
141 Days • 6.9lb SMB • Smallmouth Capital
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Seneca Lake
87 Days • 7.6lb SMB • Land of the Giants
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Conesus Lake 🔥
741 Days • 7.9lb LMB • My Most-Fished Lake
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Hemlock Lake *
207 Days • 7.4lb LMB • 148 Fish in One Day!
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Canandaigua Lake
96 Days • 6.6lb LMB • Challenging But Can Be Great
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Silver Lake 🔥
84 Days • 7.4lb LMB • HOT!
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Keuka Lake
202 Days • 7.7lb LMB • The Y-Shaped Lake
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Honeoye Lake
301 Days • 7.9lb LMB • Loaded With Bass
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Canadice Lake 🔥🔥
288 Days • 7.7lb SMB • HOT!
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Owasco Lake
109 Days • 7.9lb SMB • Trophy Smallmouth
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Lake Ontario
149 Days • 7.98lb SMB • Great Lake Action
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Cross Lake 🔥
316 Days • 7.9lb LMB • I Grew Up On It
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Irondequoit Bay 🔥
415 Days • 8.05lb LMB • My Front Yard
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Onondaga Lake 🔥
187 Days • 7.6lb LMB • Polluted With Giants
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Otisco Lake
131 Days • 6.2lb SMB • Rediscovered Gem
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Waneta & Lamoka
112 Days • 6.8lb LMB • Watch Out for Musky Mike
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Guide Trips

Targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass across Western NY

🎣

Bass Fishing

Largemouth and smallmouth bass on the Finger Lakes, Conesus Lake, and surrounding waters. Techniques include minnowing, jigs, drop shot, and topwater depending on the season.

❄

Late Fall & Winter

Don't put the rods away after October. I fish year-round — including through the snow. The custom 15' rig keeps us on fish when everyone else is home for the winter.

🏆

Tournament Prep

Competing in an upcoming tournament on local waters? Get dialed in with a pre-fish day. I'll share patterns, areas, and techniques to put you ahead of the field.

👪

Family & Beginners

First time on the water? No problem. I provide all rods, tackle, and instruction. Great for kids, families, and anyone looking to learn the sport from a pro.

🌎

Corporate Outings

Team building on the water. Multi-boat trips available for groups. A unique experience your team won't forget.

Rates

All trips include rods, tackle, and lures — just bring your fishing license

Half Day

$600
4 hours • 1-2 anglers
  • Morning or afternoon
  • All tackle provided
  • Great for beginners

Full Day

$800
Sun up to sun down • 1-2 anglers
  • Dawn to dusk
  • All tackle provided
  • Multi-lake trips in one day

Rates are for 1-2 anglers. Contact me for group pricing and multi-boat corporate outings. Gratuity not included.

Seasonal Calendar

Year-round fishing on Western NY waters

Spring

Pre-spawn & spawn bass fishing. Smallmouth move shallow on the Finger Lakes. Big bass start showing up on Conesus.

Summer

Peak season. Deep minnowing, topwater early, and offshore structure. Bass are active everywhere. Full-day trips recommended.

Fall

Some of the best fishing of the year. Bass go on a big feed before winter. Trophy season for big fish.

Winter

I don't stop when the snow flies. Cold-water bass fishing on the custom 15' rig on Hemlock and Canadice Lake.

Fishing is in the Family

The Golub Legacy

Fishing isn't just a career — it's a family affair. My son Rein was a Bassmaster High School All-American and went on to fish competitively for the University of Alabama. The next generation is carrying it forward.

My wife Lisa has been my biggest supporter through 25+ years of tournaments, early mornings, and long drives to weigh-ins. None of this happens without a strong team at home.

Rein Golub - Bassmaster High School All-American from Pittsford NY Rein Golub with trophy largemouth bass Captain Ken and Lisa Golub Pittsford Post feature on Rein Golub National Championship

Watch the Action

Subscribe to the channel: A - Ken G on YouTube

11 Finger Lakes - 11 Bass - 1 Day

The funnest thing I ever did — on the spur of the moment, I hit all 11 Finger Lakes and caught a bass in every single one in a single day. Watch →

Smallmouth Bass Techniques

Ken Golub talks smallmouth bass and his techniques for fishing the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. Watch →

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking your trip

What should I bring on a guided fishing trip?

I provide all rods, reels, tackle, and lures. You just need to bring a valid New York State fishing license, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key in the Finger Lakes), and a cooler if you want to keep your catch. Water and snacks are also a good idea for full-day trips.

Do I need fishing experience to book a trip?

Not at all. I regularly take complete beginners, families with kids, and first-time anglers. I provide all the instruction you need and tailor the trip to your skill level. Whether you've never held a rod or you're a seasoned tournament angler, I'll make sure you have a great day on the water.

Which lake is best for bass fishing?

It depends on the season and what species you're after. Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake are outstanding for trophy smallmouth bass. Conesus Lake and Honeoye Lake are loaded with largemouth. In winter, Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake fish incredibly well. With 40 years of notes across 17 lakes, I'll recommend the best option based on conditions, time of year, and your goals.

Do you fish year-round?

Yes. I'm one of the few guides in the region who fishes 12 months a year. The custom 15-foot rig is purpose-built for late fall and winter fishing on smaller lakes like Hemlock and Canadice. Some of the best bass fishing happens when no one else is on the water.

What's the difference between a half-day and full-day trip?

A half-day trip is about 4 hours, either morning or afternoon, and costs $600 for up to 2 anglers. It's great for beginners or if you want a taste of the action. A full-day trip runs from dawn to dusk at $800 and allows us to fish multiple spots or even multiple lakes. Full days consistently produce more and bigger fish.

How far in advance should I book?

Peak season (May through October) fills up fast, especially weekends. I recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak months. Weekdays tend to be more available. Winter trips are easier to schedule on shorter notice. Reach out and I'll work with you to find a date.

Where do we launch from?

Launch locations vary by lake. I'm based in Pittsford, NY and cover the entire Finger Lakes and Western NY region. When you book, I'll provide the exact meeting point and launch ramp details for your specific trip. Most launches are public boat ramps with plenty of parking.

Fishing Reports

Latest conditions and catches from Western NY waters

Spring 2026 April 2026

Pre-Spawn Heating Up on the Finger Lakes

Water temps are climbing into the low 50s across most Finger Lakes. Smallmouth are staging on secondary points and transitional rock in 8-15 feet on Cayuga and Seneca. Conesus largemouth are starting to push shallow as the weed growth picks up. Jerkbaits and Ned rigs have been the go-to presentations. Expect the spawn to kick off in the next few weeks as we hit sustained 55-degree water.

Winter Wrap-Up March 2026

Canadice & Hemlock Delivered All Winter

Another strong winter season on the small lakes. The custom 15-footer got us into quality smallmouth on Canadice through January and February, even in single-digit air temps. Hair jigs dragged slowly along deep rock transitions were the ticket. Hemlock produced consistent largemouth in the 3-5lb range on blade baits. Winter fishing is underrated here.

Fall Recap November 2025

Trophy Season on Cayuga & Conesus

Fall 2025 was one of the best in recent memory. Cayuga Lake smallmouth went on a feeding frenzy in October as shad moved into the creek arms. Multiple trips produced 5lb+ smallmouth on drop shot and swimbaits. Conesus largemouth were stacked on the last remaining weed lines, with several fish over 5 pounds coming on jigs and spinnerbaits in late October.

LIMITED SPOTS

Never Fished a Bass Tournament?

$250

Get in the boat for a 3-hour evening tournament and experience competitive bass fishing firsthand. Some fishing experience needed — I'll handle the rest. You keep half the winnings.

Tuesdays
Conesus Lake
Wednesdays
Onondaga Lake
Thursdays
Irondequoit Bay

Limited spots available throughout the summer. Book early.

Reserve Your Spot

Book Your Trip

Let's get you on the water

Captain Ken Golub

Licensed USCG Captain
Pittsford, NY
Serving the Finger Lakes & Western NY

f facebook.com/eat.sleep.work.fish @ Ken@DJCINS.COM ☎ (585) 455-0001

What to bring: Valid NY fishing license, sunscreen, sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and a cooler for your catch. I provide all rods, tackle, and lures.

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