Family Fishing Adventure 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

Picture this: You and your family out on Lake Ontario for a 6-hour fishing adventure. Captain Brent Bochek knows how to make it fun for everyone, from kids to grandparents. You'll be after some big catches - Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Don't worry about gear; it's all provided. The morning waters are usually calm, perfect for those who might be new to boating. As you cruise along, take in the beautiful lake views. It's not just about fishing; it's about spending quality time together. Kids will love the excitement of reeling in their first fish, while adults can relax and enjoy the fresh air. Captain Brent's there to help, whether you're a seasoned angler or holding a rod for the first time. Remember to bring your camera - you'll want to capture those proud smiles when someone lands a big one. It's a day on the water your family won't soon forget.

Family Fishing Adventure on Lake Ontario

Family Catches & Smiles

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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

Family Fun on Lake Ontario's Fishing Hotspot

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! If you're looking for a top-notch family adventure on Lake Ontario, you've just stumbled upon a real gem. Captain Brent Bochek's 6-hour morning trip out of St. Catharines is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the thrill of the catch while making memories that'll last a lifetime. We're talking about reeling in some of the lake's most prized catches – Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout – all while enjoying the calm morning waters and breathtaking views. Trust me, this isn't just another day out; it's a chance to spark a lifelong passion for fishing in your little ones.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You and your family, out on the gleaming waters of Lake Ontario, the sun just starting to warm things up as you set out for a day of fishing. Captain Brent's got everything sorted – all the gear you need, from rods to bait, is ready and waiting. No need to stress about bringing your own stuff or figuring out what works best. This trip is all about ease and enjoyment for everyone, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. The boat's spacious and stable, perfect for kids who might be a bit wobbly on their sea legs. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like seeing a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. It's priceless!

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a technique called trolling, which is perfect for beginners and pros alike. Basically, we'll be slowly cruising along, dragging our lines behind the boat. It's a great way to cover more water and up our chances of hooking into something big. Captain Brent's got all the latest gear – downriggers, planer boards, you name it. He'll set everything up and show you the ropes. You'll learn how to watch the rod tips for that telltale bounce that means a fish is on. And when it happens, get ready for some action! Even if you've never fished before, you'll be reeling like a pro in no time. The best part? The calm morning waters make it smooth sailing, so you can focus on the fishing without worrying about choppy waves.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know, I've been guiding trips on Lake Ontario for years, and I still get a kick out of seeing families bond over fishing. There's something special about being out here together, away from screens and distractions. Kids who start out shy often end up being the most enthusiastic by the end of the trip. And parents? Well, they love seeing their kids so engaged and excited. Plus, the chance to catch some seriously impressive fish doesn't hurt! Lake Ontario's got a reputation for big salmon and trout, and for good reason. Even if you don't land a monster, the stories of "the one that got away" are half the fun. Many families make this an annual tradition, watching their kids grow up and become better anglers each year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's chat about what's swimming around out there. First up, we've got Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon. These bad boys are the heavyweights of the lake, often tipping the scales at 20 pounds or more. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps – when a Chinook hits your line, you're in for a real fight! Spring and fall are prime time for these giants, but we can find them throughout the summer too.

Next, we've got Coho Salmon. They might be a bit smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in feistiness. Cohos are known for their quick, darting runs and sudden direction changes that'll keep you on your toes. They're especially fun for kids to reel in because they're not too heavy but still put up an exciting fight.

Brown Trout are the lake's resident tough guys. They're smart, strong, and love to hang out near structure, which makes catching them a real challenge – and a big accomplishment! In the spring and fall, they come closer to shore, making them more accessible. Landing a big Brown is always a highlight of any trip.

Last but definitely not least, we've got Rainbow Trout, or Steelhead as we often call them when they're in the lake. These fish are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. When hooked, they'll often leap clear out of the water, putting on a show that'll have everyone cheering. They're fast, strong, and absolutely beautiful with their silvery bodies and pink stripes. Rainbows are active year-round, but spring and fall see some of the biggest runs.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about how great this trip is, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're looking to introduce your kids to fishing, hoping to land that trophy catch, or just want to spend quality time with the family, Captain Brent's 6-hour morning trip has got you covered. Remember, all the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to capture those big smiles and even bigger fish). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to book. Trust me, this is one family outing that'll have everyone talking long after you're back on shore. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you and your crew out on Lake Ontario for a fishing trip you'll never forget!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a real treat to catch. These fish typically run 2 to 8 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 aren't unheard of. You'll find them near rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged structures, especially in cooler water. Spring and fall offer the best action, but we catch them year-round. Browns are known for their cunning and hard fights - they'll often make several strong runs before coming to net. They're also fantastic eating, with a rich, buttery flavor. When targeting browns, I like to use minnow-imitating lures or nightcrawlers trolled slowly near bottom. Here's a local secret: try fishing at night during summer. Browns often feed more aggressively after dark, and you might just hook into a true trophy.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the giants of Lake Ontario. These bruisers average 15 to 30 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them in deep, open water during summer, moving closer to shore in fall as they prepare to spawn. Chinook are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights - be ready for a workout! They're prized for both sport and food, with rich, flavorful meat. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially near river mouths. When targeting kings, I like to use large spoons or cut bait trolled deep. Here's a pro tip: watch for diving birds. They often signal baitfish schools, and where there's bait, there's usually kings. These fish can strip line fast, so make sure your reel's drag is in good shape before hooking into one of these monsters.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. They usually run 8 to 12 pounds, though lake-run fish can top 20. Look for coho in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake, especially near structure or drop-offs. Late summer and fall are prime seasons as they start their spawning runs. Anglers love coho for their acrobatic fights - these fish can leap 6 feet out of the water! They're also excellent table fare with bright orange meat. When targeting coho, I like to troll with flashy spoons or cut-plug herring. A local secret: try fishing early morning with green/chartreuse lures. That color combo seems to trigger strikes when nothing else is working. Keep your drag set light - these fish make sudden, powerful runs.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers on Lake Ontario. These colorful fish typically range from 8 to 24 inches and put up an exciting fight when hooked. You'll find them in cooler, oxygen-rich waters, often near rocky shorelines or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic leaps and sudden runs, making them a blast to reel in. They're also great eating fish with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. When targeting rainbows, I like to use small spinners or flies that imitate insects. A local tip: try drifting salmon eggs or worms under a float near creek mouths after a good rain - that often triggers feeding frenzies as rainbows move in to spawn.

About the Setting The Hook

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 205

Ready for some family fun on the water? Join Captain Brent Bochek for a 6-hour morning fishing trip on beautiful Lake Ontario, right from St. Catharines. This laid-back adventure is perfect for kids and adults of all ages who want to try their hand at catching Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Don't worry about gear - everything you need is provided, so you can focus on making memories together. The calm morning waters offer a comfortable setting for everyone to enjoy, whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time holding a rod. Captain Brent's expertise ensures you'll have the best chance of reeling in some impressive catches while soaking in the gorgeous lake views. Remember to bring your camera to capture those proud smiles when someone lands a big one! This trip is all about having a good time, staying safe, and creating moments your family will talk about for years to come.

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