Patriot Fishing Charters

Patriot Fishing Charters USCG Master Captain John Mathena provides Striper fishing charter services on SML.

People often ask if I’m still running fishing charters because they rarely see me post.The answer is yes—I’m still here....
08/30/2026

People often ask if I’m still running fishing charters because they rarely see me post.

The answer is yes—I’m still here. I’m just a fishing guide, not a content creator. I make memories, not videos with dramatic music, slow-motion fish releases, and 14 different camera angles.

Today was a perfect example. I had the blessing of taking Jason and his family fishing. Jason told me how his uncles, now in their 80s, used to take him fishing when he was a kid. Today, he got to return the favor and take them.

Uncles, cousins, and nephews all piled aboard. They caught fish, laughed, told stories, and probably stretched the truth about the size of a few fish. In other words, it was a successful fishing trip.

That’s what fishing is really about—spending time together, making memories, and giving everyone a story that gets a little better every time it’s told.

That’s what we do at Patriot Fishing Charters—even if I forget to post about it. Our goal is not


Summer jig-and-spoon fishing is at its peak!Live-bait fishing can be fun, but waiting for your turn to reel one in can g...
08/20/2026

Summer jig-and-spoon fishing is at its peak!

Live-bait fishing can be fun, but waiting for your turn to reel one in can get boring. On a summertime jig-fishing trip, every angler holds a rod and does the fishing.

It’s active, exciting and fun for all ages. Book your trip today!

Last-minute opening this Saturday!Due to a cancellation I have  an immediate opening for this Saturday. The weather is l...
08/12/2026

Last-minute opening this Saturday!

Due to a cancellation I have an immediate opening for this Saturday. The weather is looking great, and the fish are biting—grab this spot before it’s gone!

Message us now to book your trip on Smith Mountain Lake.

Quick trip jigging this afternoon. Had a ball with my buddy Robert.  I have openings in the calendar.
07/24/2026

Quick trip jigging this afternoon. Had a ball with my buddy Robert. I have openings in the calendar.

LAST MINUTE OPENING Saturday just opened up… and you don’t want to miss this A last-minute cancellation means Saturday f...
07/23/2026

LAST MINUTE OPENING

Saturday just opened up… and you don’t want to miss this

A last-minute cancellation means Saturday fishing is AVAILABLE!

Get out on the water, chase some stripers, and make it a day to remember

Book now to lock in a Saturday full of fun and fishing!

Spot won’t last long! Call now 304-520-2100 to claim it!!

🎣

If you’ve been waiting for Smith Mountain Lake to fill back up before you go fishing… the fish didn’t get that memo.Yes,...
07/06/2026

If you’ve been waiting for Smith Mountain Lake to fill back up before you go fishing… the fish didn’t get that memo.

Yes, the lake is a little lower than normal. No, that doesn’t mean the fishing has stopped. And before you ask—we’ve got plenty of water at our dock, so you won’t need hip waders to get on the boat.

The stripers are still eating, the sun is still rising, and we’re still putting clients on fish. Let everyone else debate the water level while you’re busy making memories and reeling in your next big catch.

Don’t let a few feet of water keep you from a day you’ll be talking about all year. Book a trip with Patriot Fishing Charters, climb aboard, and let’s go catch some stripers. 🎣

Happy birthday to the one that bought my first fishing rod, taught me how to operate a boat as well as work on it. Happy...
07/05/2026

Happy birthday to the one that bought my first fishing rod, taught me how to operate a boat as well as work on it. Happy 84th birthday, Dad. Best luck in 84-year-old guy I know.

07/04/2026
Me when I see Clints Striper Guide Service fishing the same area.
06/28/2026

Me when I see Clints Striper Guide Service fishing the same area.

06/12/2026

It’s time to kiss a fish! Tomorrow is our 5th Annual TAKE A KID FISHING event! Thank you to our community partners, donors, volunteers and SML Fishing Guides, it takes a village to make this event possible!

Lake Christian Ministries
Rock Outdoors
Visit Smith Mountain Lake
Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater
Smith Mountain Striper Club
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Lady Bugg Embroidery & More
Sea Tow Smith Mountain Lake

Address

2200 Old Salem School Road
Union Hall, VA
24176

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