Saranac Lake Fishing Report 
Weather: Partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 65°F in the morning to 78°F in the afternoon. Light winds from the southwest at 5-10 mph.

Water Conditions: Water temperatures are in the mid-60s, with clear visibility and moderate flow. The lake level is slightly above average due to recent rains.

Fishing Overview:

Bass: Largemouth and smallmouth bass are actively feeding in the shallows, especially around submerged structures and weed beds. Topwater lures and soft plastics are effective.
Trout: Brook and lake trout are being caught in deeper, cooler waters. Trolling with spoons and using live bait have yielded good results.
Pike: Northern pike are aggressive, with many anglers reporting catches near weed lines and rocky areas. Spinnerbaits and jerkbaits are recommended.
Walleye: Walleye fishing has been productive in the early mornings and evenings. Jigs tipped with minnows and crankbaits are working well around drop-offs and ledges.
Panfish: Bluegill and perch are abundant in the shallows. Small jigs and worms are the baits of choice for these species.
Fishing Tips:

Focus on structure and cover for bass and pike.
Use slow and deep presentations for trout.
Target walleye during low light conditions for the best success.
Recent Catches:

A 5-pound largemouth bass was caught near Eagle Island using a topwater frog.
Several lake trout, averaging 20 inches, were landed while trolling in the deeper channels.
An impressive 35-inch northern pike was hooked near the southern end of the lake on a large spinnerbait.

Saranac Fishing Report

Paulie Martin is testing his (prototype) Battle Fish Surf rod.   Paulie is helping me build the best Surf rods around.  
Stay tuned, we will build his next surf rod live!!
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Paul Smith College Fishing Report 

Battle Fish University is a comprehesiveguide school for Veterans. our goal is to turn Veterans/Soldiers into guides &amp; business owners. &nbsp; Led by Captain Andrew Beaudoin, this unique program covers all aspects of running a fishing charter business, providing participants with the skills and strategies needed to succeed in the industry.The program, running from June 28th to June 30th at Paul Smiths College, goes beyond just fishing. It delves into the intricacies of running a fishing charter business, including boat handling, entrepeneurship, customer service, &nbsp;marketing &amp; social media strategies. Participants not only learn to fish but also gain valuable insights into the business side of the industry.One of the key benefits of attending Battle Fish University is the opportunity to learn from Master guides Ken Kahlil, &amp; AJ Beaudoin, seasoned professionals with decades of experience in the fishing charter business. &nbsp;Mike Caslin (Past Babson College Professor) to teach entrepenuership, offer guidance, and expertise help participants develop the knowledge, and confidence needed to start a fishing charter business of their own.The program also provides a supportive environment for veterans transitioning into civilian life. The camaraderie and teamwork fostered during the program are invaluable for those looking to start a fishing charter business and build connections within the industry.In addition to its comprehensive curriculum, Battle Fish University provides comfortable lodging and delicious meals, ensuring participants can fully immerse themselves in the learning experience. This holistic approach sets the program apart, making it an ideal choice for veterans seeking to learn the intricacies of fishing and start their own charter business. By offering a supportive environment with top-notch accommodations and culinary offerings, the program creates an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth. Veterans can expect not only to gain valuable skills but also to enjoy a rewarding and memorable experience in the beautiful surroundings of Paul Smiths, New York.Join Battle Fish University today to embark on a life-changing journey into the world of fishing and charter business. Discover the skills and strategies you need to succeed, all while enjoying comfortable lodging and delicious meals in the picturesque setting of Paul Smiths, New York. Don't miss this opportunity to turn your passion for fishing into a rewarding career—apply now!

About Our Company

Embark on an unforgettabl adventure with Battle Fish University and Andrew Beaudoin. Book your spot today and learn valuable skills.

At Battle Fish University, we offer comprehensive entrepreneurship lessons for Military Veterans. We focus solely on teaching the ins and outs of operating successfull fishing charter business'. Located at Paul Smiths College in NY, our program is designed to help you learn start a fishing charter business from the ground up. Led by Andrew Beaudoin, our expert instructor provides hands-on instruction on the essentials of running a successful fishing charter business. Whether you are recently separated from the military or will be soon, our program has something for everyone. Join us at Paul Smiths College for an unforgettable experience and start your journey towards owning a thriving fishing charter business. Reserve your spot and embark on a new adventure with Battle Fish University!

<h2>Fishing with Andrew Beaudoin - Rates & Booking</h2>
Instructor Andrew Beaudoin of Battle Fish University led this class on Monday, May 5th at Paul Smiths Colleges. The hands-on approach gave us practical experience targeting local species in productive waters. If you're interested in structured fishing instruction that delivers real results, contact Battle Fish University to book your class.

<h2>Highlights of This Fishing Class</h2>
The standout moment came when we connected with a hardhead sea catfish, a species that demands respect and good technique. Catching one confirms the waters around Paul Smiths hold quality fish worth targeting with the right approach and guidance.
Working with an experienced instructor meant learning proper methods, understanding the environment, and adapting to conditions as they developed. These elements combined to create a memorable and educational fishing experience.

<h2>Local Species Insights: Hardhead Sea Catfish</h2>
Hardhead sea catfish are opportunistic feeders found in coastal waters and estuaries around Paul Smiths. They're known for their aggressive takes and strong, determined fights once hooked. These catfish use their barbels to locate food along the bottom, and their hardened skull plates give them their distinctive name. They're respected by local anglers for their power and the challenge they present when hooked.
The environment around Paul Smiths provides ideal habitat for hardhead sea catfish. These fish thrive in areas with structure, depth changes, and good water flow. The location's natural features create conditions where they feed actively and grow to respectable sizes. Encountering one during a class session demonstrates that local waters support quality fishing opportunities when you know where to look and how to fish effectively.
Successfully landing a hardhead sea catfish requires patience, proper tackle, and solid technique. The fight they put up makes them memorable catches and validates the decision to pursue instruction-based learning with experienced guides who understand these species and how to target them consistently.

This fishing class in Paul Smiths, NY on Monday, May 5th proved rewarding when we hooked into a hardhead sea catfish. The session with our instructor showcased what's possible when targeting local species in these waters. It was a solid reminder of why this location attracts anglers looking for hands-on experience.

Hardhead sea catfish caught while fishing in Paul Smiths NY

<h2>Hardhead Sea Catfish (Ariopsis felis) Fish Description</h2>Also known as Saltwater Catfish, or Hardhead, the Hardhead Sea Catfish is one of the four species under the Ariopsis genus; it is primarily associated with its relative, the Gafftopsail Catfish (Bagre marinus).&nbsp;The Hardhead Sea Catfish’s body is elongated and scale-free. Its caudal fin is forker. Its underside is white but it is often dirty gray on top with green or blue tones at times. It has four barbels under its chin, and two more at the edges of its mouth. These barbels help the Hardhead Sea Catfish find its prey. It has dorsal and pectoral fins which are supported by a barbed spine that is sharp and covered in slime.&nbsp;<h2>Diet and Size</h2>As an opportunistic consumer, the Hardhead Sea Catfish feeds on shrimp, fish, crabs, polychaetes, gastropods, sea cucumbers, gastropods, cnidarians, seagrasses, and algae. The juvenile Hardhead Sea Catfish eats annelids, mollusks, and amphipods while the adult ones tend to eat larger fish.Typically, Hardhead Sea Catfish measure up to 12 inches in length and around 3 pounds in weight. Some can weigh only one pound whereas some reach up to 12 pounds. Some Hardhead Sea Catfish can also measure up to 28 inches.&nbsp;<h2>Interesting Facts About the Hardhead Sea Catfish&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>The Hardhead Sea Catfish is named thus for having a hard and bony plate between the catfish’s eyes extending downward up to its dorsal fin.</li><li>The Hardhead Sea Catfish’s fins contain mucus which have a mild toxin.</li><li>A dead Hardhead Sea Catfish can still pose a serious threat when somebody steps on its erect pectoral or dorsal spine which can easily puncture even tennis shoes.</li><li>Studies have shown that Hardhead Sea Catfish use echolocation, making it unique among other bony fishes. It uses low frequency sounds to avoid obstacles.</li><li>Hardhead Sea Catfish produce sounds in three ways: one, by letting their bones and swim bladder make vibrations; two, by rubbing the pectoral girdle against their pectoral spines; and three, by grinding their teeth.</li><li>The male Hardhead Sea Catfish practice mouthbrooding where they collect the eggs and keep them in their mouths until they hatch.</li></ul><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Hardhead Sea Catfish — Fishing Techniques</h2>Since the Hardhead Sea Catfish is known to be a voracious feeder, it will bite any natural bait; the most effective for them, however, is shrimp. This catfish is known for being a notorious bait stealer.&nbsp;Anglers consider the Hardhead Sea Catfish as an undesirable catch due to its “fishy” taste. Still, it is one of the 30 most commonly caught species by recreational anglers in the areas spanning the Indian River Lagoon in central Florida.Anglers who target inshore fishes like the Sand Seatrout, Spotted Seatrout, and Red Drum also encounter the Hardhead Sea Catfish.Commercially, this species of fish has been harvested using bottom trawls for industrial purposes.Anglers are warned to handle the Hardhead Sea Catfish with care because its dorsal and pectoral spines may cause puncture wounds and aggravated by the serrations along the catfish's spines.&nbsp;<h2>Habitat and Distribution</h2>Hardhead Sea Catfish are found in the Gulf of Mexico. the northwest Atlantic Ocean, and the southeast coast of America, particularly around Florida Keys. They are also sighted in Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Chesapeake Bay region, and the Yucatan Peninsula.They are mostly sighted in nearshore waters, river mouths with muddy or sandy bottoms, and estuaries with brackish waters. They are only occasionally seen in freshwater areas. During winter, Hardhead Sea Catfish tend to migrate from shallow to deeper waters.

Hardhead Sea Catfish

Hardhead Sea Catfish from Paul Smiths Fishing Class

Join an instructor-led fishing class in Paul Smiths, NY with Battle Fish University. Learn techniques and catch local species. Reserve today.

Fishing Class in Paul Smiths NY - Battle Fish University

Instructor-Led Fishing Class with Andrew Beaudoin

Hardhead Sea Catfish Fishing in Paul Smiths - What to Expect

Hardhead Sea Catfish Caught in Paul Smiths NY

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Captain Andrew Beaudoin is a seasoned fishing guide and the driving force behind Battle Fish University, based in Paul Smiths, New York. With a passion for fishing that spans decades, Captain Beaudoin has honed his skills and expertise, making him a trusted authority in the fishing charter business. His commitment to conservation and sustainable fishing practices sets him apart, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the thrill of fishing in New York's waters. As the leader of Battle Fish University, Captain Beaudoin shares his wealth of knowledge with military veterans and fishing enthusiasts alike. His hands-on approach and personalized instruction empower participants to learn to fish responsibly and start their own successful fishing charter businesses. Captain Beaudoin's dedication to his craft and his students is evident in every aspect of Battle Fish University, making it a premier destination for fishing education and adventure. Beyond his role at Battle Fish University, Captain Beaudoin is a respected member of the fishing community, known for his conservation efforts and advocacy for sustainable fishing practices. His passion for fishing and commitment to the environment serve as an inspiration to anglers everywhere, reflecting his deep respect for the natural world. Whether leading a fishing expedition or teaching the next generation of anglers, Captain Andrew Beaudoin is a true steward of the fishing industry, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the privilege of learning from him.

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Hardhead Sea Catfish Caught in Paul Smiths NY

Hardhead Sea Catfish Fishing in Paul Smiths - What to Expect

Class by Instructor Andrew Beaudoin in May

Meet your Instructor Andrew Beaudoin

Summary

Fishing with Andrew Beaudoin - Rates & Booking

Highlights of This Fishing Class

Local Species Insights: Hardhead Sea Catfish

Fishing in Paul Smiths Colleges:

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