A Freshwater Report
from Swinging Bridge Reservoir &
Roy's Bait & Tackle

Starlite Marina is on the beautiful, nine mile long Swinging Bridge Reservoir, in Sullivan County. To get there, simply take Route 17 North to the Monticello exit & Route 17B (about 1 1/2 hrs. from Manhattan)...go west on 17B until you see Roy's Bait & Tackle on your left (if you hit White Lake, you've gone too far). This is a personal favorite, all around bait store...and I've been in more than I wish to count! Roy is an old time fisherman, he knows what the story is without the bull. He has everything crammed into this store. Every lure worth using...all the name brands...knives, flies, bow equipment, camping needs and a full assortment of live bait. Don't forget sawbellies, that is the key bait for the reservoir. Ask Roy how to rig up for what your going for and he'll hook you up. Roy is a special person, with a special store.





Once you've gotten everything you need, continue to the left onto Swinging Bridge Road and head down 3-4 miles til you reach Starlite Marina. This lake is hot, red hot if fished right. I was a fishing guide on this lake for a few years and I was chasing the state record Smallmouth bass for a long time. I caught hundreds of smallmouths, 6 lbs. and up. A common smallmouth there is 2 lbs. The lake has some of the best hybrid stripers around,which are the bluefish of freshwater...6 lbs. and up of pure fury. These fish would put a smile on any hardcore fisherman looking for a rush.





This lake also has crappies on steroids in the Spring...and the list goes on...channel cats, brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, muskies and now also walleye. But my favorite fish there is smallmouth...at early morning and at dusk. Starlite Marina has hotel rooms there and a great bar with a pool table for afterwards, if you like. They have great rental boats for four people or a pontoon boat for families. Go have a great time and get out of the city for a day with the family or buds. Tell them that Dave sent you. Good Luck!