Charter the Berkshires LLC, Great Barrington

From spring through fall, the 24-foot Kenner bay boat owned by Charter the Berkshires navigates the lakes of western Massachusetts, taking passengers on fishing excursions among mountains. The staff outfits guests with everything they need—from rods and reels to flies and bait—ensuring the equipment suits the type of fish they'll encounter, such as northern pike, bluegill, and bass.

Come winter, the company's guides continue to work, leading ice-fishing trips complete with tip-ups and jigging shanties. And their guidance seems to pay off: Almost every year, clients catch fish that earn them a gold-pin win from MassWildlife, with one person setting a new line-class world record by catching a 32-pound carp.