Expert-Guided Beginner Fishing on Lake Ontario

Published Date: July 23, 2025
Fishing

Fishing Charters Lake Ontario, A - Dock, Lighthouse Road, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
$699 price range

Summary

Looking to dip your toes into fishing? Captain Brent Bochek's 6-hour morning trip on Lake Ontario is tailor-made for newcomers. You'll cruise the calm waters while Brent patiently walks you through the basics – from casting to reeling in your catch. This laid-back outing is all about building your skills and confidence at a comfortable pace. Brent provides top-notch gear and plenty of know-how, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. You'll be targeting Chinook and Coho Salmon, along with Brown and Rainbow Trout. It's the perfect setting to land your first fish, with Brent there to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're completely new to fishing or just want to brush up on your technique, this trip offers a relaxed introduction to the sport. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to spend a morning on the water with friends or family, learning together and making memories.

Expert-Guided Beginner Fishing on Lake Ontario

Beginner's Catch of the Day

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Angler with fishing rod in St. Catharines

Catch of the day: St. Catharines fishing charters!

Two Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon, a great fishing catch in ON

Pro angler moments: St. Catharines charters

Hook Salmon with St. Catharines charts

Beginner's Guide to St. Catharines Fishing

Ready to dip your toes into the world of fishing? Captain Brent Bochek's 6-hour morning charter on Lake Ontario is the perfect starting point. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to brush up on your skills, this trip is all about learning the ropes in a laid-back setting. You'll be casting lines for some of Ontario's most sought-after fish, including Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. With Brent's know-how and top-notch gear, you're in for a morning of fun, learning, and hopefully, your first big catch!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're out on Lake Ontario as the sun rises, the water's calm, and you've got a hot coffee in hand. Captain Brent's got the boat prepped and ready to go. He'll start by showing you the basics – how to hold your rod, cast your line, and work the reel. Don't worry if you fumble at first; Brent's patient and used to teaching newbies. As you cruise to the best fishing spots, he'll share tips on reading the water and spotting where the fish might be hiding. You'll learn about different lures and why they work, and before you know it, you'll be setting up your own line like a pro. The best part? When you feel that first tug on your line, Brent's right there to coach you through landing your catch. It's a hands-on experience that's as fun as it is educational.

Fishing 101: Gear and Techniques

On this trip, you'll be using some of the best fishing gear out there. Captain Brent provides everything you need, from rods and reels to the latest fish-finding tech. You'll mainly be doing what's called trolling – that's when you drag lures or bait behind a slow-moving boat. It's a great technique for beginners because it covers a lot of water and increases your chances of hooking something. Brent will show you how to set up downriggers, which are devices that help get your lure down to where the fish are hanging out. You'll also learn about different types of lures and when to use them. By the end of the trip, you'll know your spoons from your plugs and understand why fish go crazy for them. Don't sweat it if all this sounds like gibberish now – Brent's got a knack for explaining things in a way that just clicks.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Ontario is home to some real beauties, and on this trip, you've got a shot at four different species. Let's break 'em down:

Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the heavyweights of the lake. These bad boys can weigh up to 30 pounds or more. They're fighters, so landing one is a real thrill. Spring and fall are prime times for Chinooks, but you can catch them all summer long. They're known for their rich, flavorful meat – if you're lucky enough to catch one, you're in for a tasty dinner.

Coho Salmon are the Chinook's smaller cousins, usually weighing in around 5-10 pounds. What they lack in size, they make up for in spunk. These fish are acrobatic and will jump and run, giving you an exciting fight. Cohos are most active in the spring and fall, and they're a favorite among anglers for their delicious, bright orange flesh.

Brown Trout are the lake's year-round residents. These guys are wily and put up a great fight for their size, which is typically 3-10 pounds. They love hanging out near structure, so Brent will likely have you casting near drop-offs or submerged logs. Browns are most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them any time of year if you know where to look.

Rainbow Trout, or Steelhead as they're called when they migrate, are the high-flyers of Lake Ontario. Known for their spectacular leaps when hooked, these fish will test your skills and provide an unforgettable experience. They average 5-10 pounds and are most active in the spring and fall. Rainbow Trout are prized for their fight and their light, delicate flavor.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing on Lake Ontario that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of not knowing what you'll catch next – will it be a hard-fighting Chinook or a acrobatic Rainbow Trout? Or perhaps it's the peaceful moments between catches, when you're just soaking in the beauty of the lake and the shoreline. For many, it's the chance to disconnect from the daily grind and connect with nature. And let's not forget the pride that comes with landing your first big fish – that's a feeling you'll want to chase again and again. With Captain Brent's expertise, even complete beginners have a real shot at experiencing that rush. Plus, St. Catharines is just a stone's throw from some of Ontario's best wineries, so you can turn your fishing trip into a full-on getaway.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you've been on the fence about trying fishing, this is your chance to dive in with both feet. Captain Brent's 6-hour beginner-friendly charter is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course). You'll learn the basics, enjoy some fresh air and stunning views, and hopefully reel in a trophy-worthy catch. Remember, this trip is limited to just 4 guests, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. Whether you're looking for a unique way to spend a morning, want to pick up a new hobby, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, this trip's got you covered. So why not give it a go? Who knows, you might just get hooked on fishing. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot now and get ready for a morning of learning, laughs, and hopefully, some impressive catches to brag about!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a treat to catch, typically ranging from 5-10 pounds but sometimes topping 20. You'll find them in cool, clear waters, often near structure or drop-offs. They're crafty and prefer cover, making them a fun challenge. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can target them year-round. Anglers love browns for their hard-fighting nature and delicious, mild-flavored meat. They're known to be selective feeders, so matching your lure to local baitfish is key. Try trolling near piers or casting small spinners in shallower areas. Here's a local tip: browns feed aggressively at night, especially in fall. If you're up for some night fishing, you might hook into a real monster. Whether you're after a trophy or just a good fight, brown trout deliver on both counts.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the giants of Lake Ontario. They can top 30 pounds, with most in the 15-25 pound range. These powerhouses prefer cooler, deeper waters and are often found near the thermocline. Late summer and early fall are prime seasons as they start their spawning run. Anglers target kings for their impressive size, hard-fighting nature, and excellent table fare. They're known to make blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Early morning or evening are best times to fish for them. Here's a local trick: use weighted baits, as chinooks are light-sensitive and often stay near the bottom. Downriggers and trolling with plugs or spoons work well. Landing a king salmon is a true trophy experience - be ready for an arm-wrenching battle and a fish that'll barely fit in your net!

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also known as silvers, are a blast to catch here on Lake Ontario. They typically weigh 8-12 pounds but can get up to 30 in the Great Lakes. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in large rivers connected to the lake. These fish are famous for their acrobatic fights - they can jump up to 6 feet vertically! Fall is prime time for coho, as they start their spawning run. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and tasty orange-red meat. When fishing for coho, try swinging spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding water. Here's a local tip: bright lure patterns like chartreuse, pink, and fuchsia often work well, especially on overcast days. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler, landing a coho is always a thrill.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite on Lake Ontario, typically running 2-8 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them in cooler, oxygen-rich waters, often near gravelly shorelines or downstream flows. In summer, they head to deeper, cooler depths. These fish put up an exciting fight, known for acrobatic jumps and sudden bursts of speed. Their pink flesh makes for great eating too. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. When fishing for rainbows, try keeping your bait off the bottom - they prefer to feed in the water column. A local trick: use bright-colored lures on sunny days and darker ones when it's overcast. Whether you're after the thrill of the catch or a delicious dinner, rainbow trout won't disappoint.

About the Setting The Hook

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 205

Captain Brent Bochek's fishing charter is a great way to dip your toes into the world of angling. Aboard his comfortable boat, you'll cruise the calm waters of Lake Ontario for a 6-hour morning adventure. This trip is tailor-made for newcomers, with Brent offering patient guidance on everything from casting techniques to reeling in your catch. You'll have the chance to try your hand at landing Chinook and Coho Salmon, as well as Brown and Rainbow Trout. With top-notch equipment provided and a relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect setting to build your fishing skills and confidence. Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to brush up on the basics, this charter offers a laid-back and fun introduction to fishing. With room for up to four guests, it's a great opportunity to learn alongside friends or family while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of St. Catharines.

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