The Most Frequently Asked Fishing Charter Questions and Answers.
Q. Do I need a fishing license?
A. Yes, everyone who would like to fish between the ages of 16-65 years old must have a valid Ontario Fishing license.
If you do not have a current valid fishing license you can purchase a single day sport fishing license the day before your charter. Remember a Conservation Fishing License allows you to keep 2 salmon per day. A Sport Fishing License allows you to keep 5 salmon per day.
You can get a fishing license at some Canadian Tire’s customer service counters or you can get one online at the link below:
Click Here To Buy Your Fishing License Online
Q. I never really fished before. Do I need experience to come on a fishing charter?
A. No experience needed. We can take any one fishing whether it’s your first time or you are an avid fisherman, our staff is there every step of the way. You will learn how to catch and play a fish. Our crew will help land your fish. If you prefer we will even clean and prepare the fish for you to take home.
Many times we get avid fisherman booking charters as well. They get to see and learn the tricks and techniques to be successful at catching large fish first hand.
Q. Do I need to bring any fishing equipment?
A. No. We supply all your top of the line fishing rods and reels, tackle and bait to help you catch the big ones.
Q. What if the weather is bad the day of our charter?
A. We constantly monitor the weather. If the captain feels it is unsafe to go out, we will notify you prior to your arrival. If your charter is cancelled due to unsafe water conditions, we will be glad to reschedule your trip. If you group is not able to reschedule, your deposit will be refunded in full
Q. Is there a washroom on board?
A. Yes. There is washroom on board for your comfort.
Q. Do I need to bring anything?
A. Here is a list of what to consider bringing.
• Jacket. Remember it is usually cooler on the water.
• Your muscles to reel in the “Big One”
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Soft sole shoes (No hard soled shoes please)
• Camera
• Cooler to take your fish home
• Your favorite music
• Sandwiches and snacks (if not catered)
• Pop, bottled water is supplied by us on each charter
What should I bring?
There are a few essential items we highly recommend you to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Extra layer, keep in mind it is colder on the water than on shore (sweater, rain jacket or windbreaker)
Camera
Close toed shoes are recommended
Snacks and Light lunch (pop and water provided)
Q. Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, depending on the type of fishing license you have. You are allowed to keep 5 fish per sport license and 2 fish per conservation license. We will also clean, fillet, and bag all fish you wish to keep.
Q. What are the main species?
We primarily target Chinook (King) salmon, Coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Steelhead and Lake Trout. Although these are the main species that we target, Lake Ontario is home to nearly every freshwater species available in Canada. You can see the full list of species in Lake Ontario from the link below:
http://www.ontariofishspecies.com/index.html
Q. What is included in the price of a charter?
As our guests on board, your charter includes:
All fishing equipment you will need including top of the line rods and reels and choices of over 1000 lures on board
Fishing instruction- our professional crew will guide you on how to bring in your fish to the boat if you wish.
There is no experience necessary. Take advantage of our daily experience in these Lake Ontario waters to help you bring it in!
Great Ontario Salmon Derby ticket entry for each customer on board ( a $100 value per person)
Experienced Captain and first mate
FREE refreshments during your charter (soda, pop & water)
Q. What times are the charters?
Our departure times are flexible but we regularly schedule 2 x 6 hour charters per day, 7 days per week. The morning charter normally departs at 6:00 AM and the afternoon charter departs at 3 PM. If 6:00 AM is too early for you we can be flexible.
Q. How long is the fishing season?
Our fishing season is from May until early September. Please book in advance to get your first choice date. Some Derby dates still remaining!
Q. What size are the fish will we catch?
Small salmon and trout in Lake Ontario start at 1 LB and go all the way up to and over 40+ LBS! The fish we usually catch range between 4 and 27 pounds with some going over 30LBS.
Q. What should you bring?
Dress for the weather that day:
sunglasses, hat, sunblock
a sweater or light jacket- it’s always a 5 to10 degrees cooler (celcuis) out on the water, especially early morning or evening.
rain gear
soft soled shoes (preferably non-marking soles)
a camera to show everyone your prized catch!
a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh on your trip home.
Q. I don’t have much fishing experience. Is this a problem?
Not at all. We will offer you as much or as little assistance as you need. All equipment set up is provided for you. Allow us to pass on our daily experience to you so you can land your fish. The fun & challenge is yours!
Q. Do I need a Great Ontario Salmon Derby ticket?
No. It is included in the price of your charter for each customer.
Q. Gratuities?
Always appreciated. Many groups customarily choose to leave a gratuity for a good, professional charter service, top customer care and the bonus of professional fish cleaning.
Q, Do you have a washroom on board?
Yes. We have a very clean washroom on board with a flush toilet.
Q. Is motion sickness a problem?
Not usually. It really depends on the individual and is mind over matter. If you know that you are susceptible to motion sickness (if you get car or air-sick) you should take motion sickness pills 30-60 mins before your charter. We also carry motion sickness pills on board, so if you forget, don’t worry. Try ginger pills or bringing along candied ginger or ginger tea. A thermos of fresh, sliced ginger in hot water has worked well for most or even motion sickness bracelets.
Q. Do you have a lifejacket on board?
Safety is number one. Each customer has one Department of Transport certified lifejacket in case of emergency. A personal flotation device can be comfortably worn if desired. We also carry a Ministry of Transportation approved 10 person life raft that can be deployed if a serious emergency were ever to occur on the water.
Q. How can bad weather affect my charter?
We monitor the weather very closely by means of VHF marine weather, coast guard and environment canada reports and radar. If the weather conditions create un-safe water conditions we will, postpone, gladly reschedule or even cancel the charter before departure. Rain is ok on the lake but lightning is not. We care greatly about customer and staff safety.
Q. Do you have information on a good taxidermist?
Yes. If you catch that trophy fish, we work with one of the best master level, world championship & award winning taxidermists.
Ready to go fishing ? Simply click the button below to book your Lake Ontario Fishing Charter.
