^^^^
||||
this

Seriously - its the CARB. Its ALWAYS the carb
Take it off, spray down the carb with carb cleaner after thanking out the needle.
Put it back together.

Sounds like a needle issue from your description.
Depending on the carb it may be cheaper to get a new carb than a new needle if cleaning doesn't work

Once you do - DRAIN THE GAS and the CARB before you put it away in the fall. It will then start right up come spring