With over three decades of experience navigating the waters out of Sodus Point, Captain Jim Del Real offers a premier Lake Ontario fishing charter experience built on a lifetime of passion. Having started as a deckhand at age eight, Captain Jim has spent 35 years mastering the specific patterns of Sodus Bay and the surrounding Great Lakes. At Diamond J Charters, we pride ourselves on more than just our catch rate; we are dedicated to providing a high-end, private fishing charter in Sodus Point NY that prioritizes hospitality, from offering local lodging assistance to providing complimentary filleting and packaging for your haul at the end of the day. Our vessel, a 37-foot Trojan International, is specifically designed for Lake Ontario sport fishing charters, offering a stable 14-foot beam and twin 454 engines to ensure a smooth ride. Unlike smaller boats, the Diamond J features a climate-controlled cabin, a spacious stand-up head, for ultimate comfort. If you are looking for a great fishing charter for Lake Ontario salmon or trout, we provide all the high-quality rods, reels, and specialized tackle needed for a successful day on the water. What truly sets our Sodus Point salmon fishing charter apart is our commitment to the spirit of sport fishing. We utilize light-action rods and line to target powerhouse species like King Salmon, Coho, and Steelhead, making every strike a memorable battle. This "light tackle" approach ensures that whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, you feel the true power of the fish. We are proud to host multi-generational trips, often welcoming grandfathers, fathers, and sons back year after year. As a top-rated family fishing charter in Sodus Point NY, we specialize in creating a welcoming environment for military veterans, corporate groups, and families looking to bond over the Great Lakes' legendary fishing. Conveniently located at Captain Jack’s Restaurant Marina, we are the ideal choice for those seeking charter fishing near Rochester NY on Lake Ontario. To prepare for your trip, simply secure your New York State fishing license and bring along a cooler, polarized sunglasses, and soft-soled shoes. We handle the rest, from navigating to the most productive honey holes in Wayne County to ensuring your catch is ready for the grill. Contact Diamond J Charters today to book your Lake Ontario charter fishing Sodus Point trip and see why our clients have been returning for over 35 years.

Brown Trout

Sodus Point, New York 

<div>Another great day of fishing along the beautiful shore line of Lake Ontario. The Browns and Cohos are in heavy and very active. We had number of doubles and triples throughout the day. It would be a very good time to sing up and enjoy this great fishing. </div><div>Let’s Go Fishing, Captain Jim </div>

<div>Light tacke and stick baits</div>

Fishing catch of multiple fish laid out on boat deck at Sodus Point NY

EPSG:4269

Successful fishing trip displaying fresh caught Coho Salmon on boat deck at Sodus Point NY

Charter fishing group displays catch of Chinook salmon and brown trout on boat deck in Sodus Point NY

Successful fishing trip at Sodus Point NY with Lake Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon displayed on boat deck

Successful salmon fishing charter at Sodus Point NY with catch of coho and sockeye salmon displayed on boat deck

Atlantic salmon catch displayed on boat deck at Sodus Point NY fishing charter

Fresh caught Chinook salmon lying on boat deck in Sodus Point NY

Successful fishing trip in Sodus Point NY with fresh catch displayed on boat deck

Fresh caught fish displayed on fishing boat deck in Sodus Point NY

Brown trout catch on fishing boat at Sodus Point NY

Two large Chinook salmon caught fishing in Sodus Point NY displayed on boat deck

Brown trout caught fishing at Sodus Point NY on boat

Fishing charter catch of multiple Coho salmon laid out on boat deck at Sodus Point NY

Brown trout caught fishing at Sodus Point NY on boat deck

Angler holding caught fish on fishing boat deck at Sodus Point NY

Secure your date with Diamond J Charters today to experience the premier salmon and trout fishing that Sodus Point, NY has to offer! Feel the power of a trophy King Salmon on your line and create lifelong memories on the majestic waters of Lake Ontario with Captain Jim.

Diamond J Charters is a premier Lake Ontario fishing charter based out of Sodus Point, New York, offering family-friendly guided trips designed for anglers of all skill levels. Led by an experienced local captain with deep knowledge of Lake Ontario’s seasonal patterns and productive fishing grounds, every trip is built around safety, comfort, and consistent action on the water. Specializing in king salmon fishing charter Lake Ontario, along with trout and seasonal salmon runs, Diamond J Charters targets the most active waters of Lake Ontario to give guests the best possible chance at a successful day. From early-season brown trout to peak summer salmon fishing, the captain uses proven local techniques and real-time water knowledge to put anglers on fish. Perfect for families, beginners, and experienced anglers, these Sodus Point NY charter fishing trips offer a relaxed but productive experience with all gear provided. Whether you’re planning a half-day outing or a full-day offshore trip, every charter is tailored to conditions and guest goals. Book your trip today with Diamond J Charters and experience one of New York’s top destinations for guided salmon and trout fishing out of Sodus Point.

Find answers to common questions about Sodus Point fishing charter rates, seasonal salmon runs, and what to bring on your Lake Ontario trip with Diamond J Charters to ensure a prepared and successful day on the water.

﻿For Captain Jim, the rhythm of the waves has been the soundtrack of his life since long before he could drive a car. His story began at the age of eight, working as a deckhand on the rugged charter docks of New Jersey. While most children were discovering weekend hobbies, he was already mastering the nautical crafts—learning the intricate language of the tides, the nuances of boat handling, and the relentless work ethic required to run a successful vessel. This lifelong apprenticeship under seasoned captains instilled a deep-seated respect for the water, eventually leading him to earn his USCG Captain’s license and launch his own operation, fueled by a genuine passion that has only grown stronger over the decades. Today, Captain Jim is a cornerstone of the Sodus Point, NY fishing community, where he has traded the salt for the deep blue expanses of Lake Ontario. His approach to guiding is rooted in the belief that the best days on the water are defined by the people you share them with. He finds his greatest reward in witnessing the "multi-generational hookup"—watching a grandfather, father, and son share a single rod as a heavy King Salmon screams line off the reel. For Jim, it isn't just about the catch; it’s about fostering those family traditions that bring guests back to his dock year after year, often returning as adults with their own children to relive the magic they first experienced on his deck. What truly sets Captain Jim apart is his commitment to the future of the fishery and the comfort of his guests. He is deeply involved in local conservation, volunteering his time to raise thousands of young salmon in net pens to ensure Lake Ontario remains a world-class destination for years to come. Whether he is helping a traveler find the perfect local lodging, picking up guests from a nearby RV park, or meticulously filleting the day's catch into ready-to-cook portions, Jim treats every person like a neighbor. He prioritizes a hands-on experience, encouraging you to grab the rod, net the fish, and immerse yourself in the technical, light-tackle sport fishing that makes this region so unique. <h3>The Diamond J: A Premier Fishing Platform</h3>Your day on the water takes place aboard a meticulously maintained 37-foot Trojan, a vessel renowned for its stability, spaciousness, and fishing prowess. With a wide 14-foot beam, the boat provides a rock-solid platform that minimizes rock and roll, ensuring a comfortable environment for both seasoned anglers and families with young children. The expansive back deck offers plenty of "elbow room" for multiple hookups, while the enclosed cabin provides a clean, private restroom and a sheltered place to take a break from the sun or wind. Equipped with the latest sonar, GPS, and high-performance trolling gear, the Diamond J is more than just a boat—it is a sophisticated fishing machine designed to get you to the "Silver Ghost" safely and in style.

A Lifetime On The Water Guiding Unforgettable Trips

Meet Captain Jim Del Real

Captain Jim Del Real

Frequently Asked Questions for Diamond J Charters﻿What is included in a Diamond J Charters fishing trip on Lake Ontario?Every outing with Diamond J Charters is a fully equipped experience. We provide all professional-grade rods, reels, and tackle specialized for Lake Ontario salmon and trout. Your trip also includes the expertise of Captain Jim, who utilizes advanced sonar and GPS to track the best bites. Once we return to the dock at Sodus Point, we provide complimentary fish filleting and packing for your entire catch at no extra charge. What is the best time of year to fish in Sodus Point, NY?The best time depends on your target species. April is the peak for our Spring Special Brown Trout sessions along the shoreline. May through September offers the most consistent action for King Salmon, Coho, and Steelhead as they move into deeper water. For those seeking the largest trophy King Salmon, the late summer months of August and September are traditionally the most productive in the Sodus Point region. How much does a full day fishing charter cost in Sodus Point with Diamond J Charters?Our full day (8-hour) fishing charter is priced at $680 for up to three people or $750 for four people. If you have a larger group, additional guests can be added for $100 each. These rates are comprehensive, covering the boat, fuel, and all necessary equipment for a complete day of sport fishing on the New York side of Lake Ontario. Do I need to bring my own fishing gear for the trip?No, you do not need to bring any personal fishing equipment. Diamond J Charters provides top-of-the-line trolling gear and light-tackle setups specifically tuned for the species we target. However, if you have a favorite lucky rod you’d like to use, you are welcome to bring it along—just let Captain Jim know so we can integrate it into our spread. Is a fishing license included in the Diamond J Charters trip price?A New York State fishing license is not included in the trip rate and must be purchased separately. You can easily buy your license online or at a local bait shop once you reach town. Please ensure every angler in your party has a valid license before we depart from the marina, as this is a requirement for fishing the New York waters of Lake Ontario. What should I bring with me on my Sodus Point fishing charter?To stay comfortable on the water, you should bring non-marking shoes with soft soles, a hat, sunglasses, suntan lotion, and rain gear just in case. Most importantly, bring a large cooler to transport your filleted catch home. We also recommend bringing any snacks or beverages you’d like to enjoy during your five or eight hours on the lake. Is cleaning and filleting included in the fishing trip?Yes, professional cleaning and filleting are included at no additional cost. Captain Jim or the crew will expertly fillet and pack your Salmon and Trout at the end of the trip, so they are ready for the grill or freezer. This service is a standard part of our commitment to providing a premium guided experience for our guests. Do I need a passport for a Diamond J Charters trip?A passport is not required for any of our excursions. Even though Lake Ontario borders Canada, all Diamond J Charters trips stay strictly within the New York side of the lake. We depart from and return to Sodus Point, ensuring you stay within US territory throughout your entire fishing session. How can I prevent motion sickness during my Lake Ontario trip?If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend beginning medication 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Taking the first dose the night before allows the medicine to be fully in your system by the time we leave the dock. This is the best way to ensure you spend your time focusing on the fishing rather than feeling unwell.

Sodus Bay Fishing Report on 16th Apr, 2026 - 2

AUTHOR

Jim Del Real

NOTES

Sodus Point, New York

Sodus Bay

Light tacke and stick baits

STATS

CATCHES

7 Total Catches

Total catches7

brown trout

Catch - 7

Diamond J Charters Available Trips

Navigate