Ready to make some unforgettable memories with the family? This 6-hour Lake Ontario salmon fishing charter is tailor-made for groups of 3 to 4, perfect for introducing kids and beginners to the thrill of trolling for big fish. You'll be cruising aboard a spacious 28' Baja, decked out with all the gear you need to land some serious salmon. Captain Dan's your go-to guy, walking you through every step from rigging lines to reading the water. By the time you're done, you'll be talking like a pro about downriggers and dipsey divers. And the best part? There's a good chance you'll be heading home with some fresh salmon for dinner!
Picture this: you're out on the vast blue of Lake Ontario, the Toronto skyline just a speck on the horizon. The sun's warming up, there's a light chop on the water, and you've got lines in at multiple depths. Captain Dan's at the helm, keeping an eye on the fish finder and adjusting course to stay on the bite. He'll show you how to set lines, explain why we're using certain lures, and give you the lowdown on how these big lake salmon behave. When a rod goes off, it's all hands on deck! Even the kids can get in on the action, reeling in their very own Lake Ontario monster (with a little help, of course). And don't worry about the mess - Captain Dan offers free fish cleaning, so you can focus on the fun part.
If you've never tried trolling before, you're in for a treat. It's like setting a trap for fish, but the trap is moving. We use downriggers to get our lures deep - these are basically weight systems that let us control exactly how far down our bait is swimming. Then there are dipsey divers, these cool disc-shaped devices that take your line down and out to the side of the boat. It's all about covering more water and presenting your bait where the fish are hanging out. Captain Dan's got the boat rigged with beginner-friendly setups, so you don't need to stress about tangled lines or complicated gear. He'll show you how to watch the rod tips for that telltale bounce that means a fish is checking out your lure. When a salmon hits, trust me, you'll know it - these guys fight hard!
Lake Ontario is home to some real bruisers, and on this trip, we're targeting two of the heaviest hitters: Chinook and Coho Salmon. Let's break 'em down:
Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the big dogs of the Great Lakes. These guys can top 30 pounds, and when they decide to take your lure, hold on tight! They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Chinooks are most active in the cooler months, but we can find them all season long if we know where to look. Landing one of these is a real trophy, and they make for some fantastic eating too.
Coho Salmon might be a bit smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. These silver bullets are fast and furious, often putting on a show with multiple jumps and quick direction changes. Cohos usually run in the 5-10 pound range, perfect for younger anglers or those who want a more manageable fight. They're also delicious on the grill, with bright orange flesh that's packed with flavor.
While we're focused on salmon, don't be surprised if we hook into some bonus species. Lake Ontario's also home to some hefty Rainbow Trout (we call 'em Steelhead out here), Brown Trout, and Lake Trout. Each of these puts up a unique fight and adds some variety to the day's catch.
There's something special about fishing Lake Ontario that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance at landing a personal best salmon. Or the way the lake can change from glass-calm to choppy in a matter of minutes, keeping you on your toes. For many, it's the family time - watching a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line is priceless. And let's not forget the bragging rights that come with a cooler full of fresh-caught salmon. Whatever your reason, a day out here with Captain Dan is bound to create some stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This 6-hour charter is a steal for families or small groups looking to get their feet wet in the world of Great Lakes salmon fishing. You're getting top-notch gear, an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, and a real shot at bringing home some world-class fish. Everything you need is included - rods, reels, bait, and even fish cleaning. Just remember to bring a cooler for your catch, some snacks, and maybe a camera to capture the moment when you land that monster King.
Now, a word to the wise: these trips book up fast, especially during peak salmon season. If you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to pull the trigger. That deposit might be non-refundable, but trust me, it's worth it to lock in your date. Give Relentless Charters a call and get ready for a day on Lake Ontario you won't soon forget. Who knows? You might just find yourself hooked on salmon fishing for life!
Brown trout are a challenge that keeps anglers coming back. They average 2-8 pounds in Lake Ontario but can reach 20+. You'll find them in cooler parts of the lake, often near shore or around structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Browns are known for being wary and selective, making them a true test of skill to catch. Anglers love their hard fights and the satisfaction of outsmarting these clever fish. Their golden-brown color with red spots makes for beautiful photos too. When targeting browns, try trolling with stickbaits or spoons near shore. A local tip: night fishing can be incredibly productive, as browns often feed more aggressively after dark.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the giants of the salmon world. They average 15-40 pounds but can top 50 in Lake Ontario. You'll find them in deep, cold water, often near structure or drop-offs. Late summer through fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run. Kings are prized for their powerful fights - they'll test your gear and your arms. Their size and rich, flavorful meat make them a top target for both sport and table. When trolling for kings, go deep with downriggers or dipsy divers. Use large spoons, plugs, or whole herring as bait. Here's a local trick: early morning and dusk are often the best bite windows, so be on the water at first light for your best shot at a trophy.
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch. They typically run 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30 in the Great Lakes. Look for them in calmer areas of big rivers and near shore in the lake. Fall is prime time as they move in to spawn. Cohos are known for their acrobatics - they'll jump repeatedly when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights and excellent eating. Their orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor. When trolling for cohos, try using flashy spoons or cut bait like herring. A tip from the locals: troll slower and shallower than you would for kings, especially early in the season. These silvers can be finicky, so mix up your presentations until you find what's working.
Lake trout are the true giants of the trout world, often hitting 15-40 pounds in Lake Ontario. They're typically found in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake. Spring and fall are best for catching them near the surface, while summer finds them down deep. Lakers are prized for their size and stamina - hooking one means you're in for a long, powerful fight. Their firm, orange flesh is excellent for smoking or grilling. When targeting lake trout, jigging or trolling deep with large spoons or cut bait works well. Here's a tip from the pros: use your fish finder to locate schools of baitfish in deep water. Where there's bait, you'll often find the lakers nearby, suspended and ready to feed.
Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers, known for their colorful looks and acrobatic fights. They typically run 8-24 inches long and 2-8 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 20+. You'll find them in cool, clear waters - streams, rivers, and lakes. They like to hang out near structure like logs or rocks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Rainbows put up an exciting battle, often leaping clear out of the water. Their pink flesh is delicious too, making them popular for the dinner table. When targeting rainbows, try drifting egg sacs or small spinners through deeper pools. A local tip: on bright days, go with flashy lures to catch their attention in the clear water.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Chevy
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 302