The Reel Mistress: One of the Best Lake Ontario Fishing Charters!
Get out fishing on Lake Ontario with the Reel Mistress fishing charter!
I’ve been called many things in my life, but “adept fisherman” certainly isn’t one of them.
However, during this period in which I’m prioritizing Ontario travel, I figured that now is the time to experience what I haven’t previously in this province, and maybe, just maybe, earn that aforementioned title.
Understanding how woefully prepared I was to organize my own Lake Ontario fishing experience, I turned to the guidance of Captain Steve Tuck, and his fine boat, The Reel Mistress.
Before heading out the door to meet Captain Steve, I felt like I was prepping for a beach day. I lathered on the sunscreen, packed my sunglasses, and wore something I wouldn’t have minded getting wet in, while our captain for the day was tasked with prepping the rods, boat, bait and more. I suppose this right here is why you pay for an experience such as this.
If I had prepared the boat myself, lord knows I wouldn’t have caught a 17 pound salmon later in the day…but more on that later.
Far too often, I believe that we falsely assume that, for some reason, we must board a plane to truly access the world of adventure and new experiences. We feel we need to get far away from wherever we’re from to justify bringing out the camera And, to be blunt, that attitude is dull and lacks imagination.
As we bobbed in Lake Ontario’s mighty waters with the summer sun high up above, and our were rods taut and ready, but our shoulders were loose and relaxed, there wasn’t another place on the planet I’d have preferred to be.
The Adventure Started at Port Whitby Marina
Port Whitby Marina is widely regarded as one of the best natural harbours on Lake Ontario. It’s a year round facility that those interested in doing some top-end Lake Ontario fishing are probably quite familiar with, but it was my first visit (which adds up when you consider my general fishing acumen).
Lake Ontario, unfortunately, continues to have a reputation as a lake that’s polluted, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the misguided accusations. However, while that may have rung true in the past, that’s simply not the case in the present. That’s not an opinion, that’s objectively true.
It’s a lake that you can feel absolutely comfortable swimming in, and many fish species that are considered a marker of clean water (such as walleye) have returned to its waters in droves.
The Port Whitby Marina itself has a 5 diamond rating on the boating ontario clean marine environmental audit program, which makes it one of only 12 marinas in the province of Ontario with this rating.
So, let’s first take those unfounded preconceptions, and bury them at sea.
Port Whitby isn’t a tourist beacon like Port Stanley, but it was a lovely little spot from which to board The Reel Mistress, and set out for a day on the water.
Fishing Near Toronto Aboard The Reel Mistress
Steve Tuck, the captain of The Reel Mistress, is the sort of guy where, if he was seated beside you at a table at someone’s wedding, you’d feel like you hit the jackpot.
He’s figured out exactly how he’d like to spend his days (hint: it’s on the water), yet seems to have all the time in the world to listen to how you spend yours.
We were on the water together for perhaps 5 or 6 hours, and in that time I felt I got to know him pretty well, and part of the reason I’m writing this article is because I feel like almost anyone would have a great time aboard his boat.
The Reel Mistress has all the bells and whistles. It’s a 24 foot NorthCoast with twin engines that have some serious kick. Of course, it’s registered and insured for Ontario charter fishing as well and, as Steve says, “it’s fully equipped for trolling Lake O!”
But, the reason I think this is one of the best lake Ontario fishing charters around isn’t because of all the technology and the gear aboard the boat (and there’s plenty, trust me), it’s in the end because of the captain himself.
After I’d had a cold beer out in the sun, I remember turning to Steve and asking just what it was that he loved about fishing. Without hesitation, he laughed, pointed to the land and simply said, “It’s better than being on there!”
How’d the Lake Ontario Fishing Go?
And here’s the 17 or so pound salmon that I caught! Don’t ever let anyone tell you Lake Ontario salmon fishing isn’t a thing!
I’d gone fly fishing in York Durham Headwaters previously, but, as I mentioned, this was my first go at deep water fishing in Lake Ontario.
I was joined in the boat by two other members of the Toronto Bloggers Collective, Andrea and Emily, who made the experience all the better with their positive energy and excitement. If you’ve read my work before, you’ll know that I’m one of the Cofounders of the TBC, and that’s something I’m proud of, but let’s get back to fishing, shall we?
We cruised around at about 2 kilometres per hour, and had 6 rods set up - 4 off the back of the boat, and 2 off the side. In front of the steering wheel, Steve was monitoring the sonar sensors, while we stared off the back and examined the rods to see if there was any action.
Andrea struck pay dirt first when she reeled in a 3 pound salmon. Speaking to her after, it was clear that it took some strength and persistence to actually get that fish to the boat. She spoke candidly about her arms burning, and I think we all collectively had a new appreciation for what it takes to pull off successful salmon fishing in Lake Ontario.
We didn’t catch much for a good period after that - though the views were spectacular and the conversation was flowing, so none of us minded. A little while later we saw one of the rods tense up, and I popped out of my chair and prepared for battle. I could sense right away that this was a big fish.
I used some of the techniques that Steve had taught me earlier in the day, and put in work until my forearms felt like they were going to burst. But, I wasn’t about to lose this fish.
I could see that I was reeling in the fish closer and closer, and so I dug deep into an extra reservoir of energy I didn’t know I had to make sure I didn’t lose him. Steve came to the back with a net, and I gave one final push and, just like that, the fish was mine.
I thought I’d just do a little fishing in Lake Ontario, and perhaps go home with a fish that was a couple of pounds, but in the blink of an eye, all of a sudden I had a trophy fish!
There’s a small part of me that already knows that no matter how much fishing in Ontario I do, I’m never going to top that 17 pounder, but, based on how I enjoyed this experience, I will probably try again in the future, and perhaps even with Steve.
Afterwards, the captain himself showed me how to clean the fish, and, suffice to say, Bri and I had our dinners covered for the next few nights.
Fishing in Ontario is Made Better With…
If you know my brand, you’ll probably guess what I feel can make an Ontario fishing trip better, or any trip better for that matter, and that’s good food and quality beer.
Quality Beer from Brock St. Brewing Company
Of course, you don’t need beer specifically from Brock St. Brewing Co. to ensure your fishing trip is better, but since we were setting sail from Port Whitby Marina anyway, this was the local Ontario brewery it made sense to support.
We brought a few beers on board, and there’s no doubt it added to the day. Their Blonde Ale is perfect if the weather is nice and toasty, but I’d venture to say that their Bohemian Pilsner is the one worth trying, especially if you’re a huge pilsner fan like me.
Please note that there are specific laws when it comes to consuming alcohol while boating. To do so, the boat must be anchored or docked, and be equipped with a permanent toilet, as well as cooking and sleeping facilities. And, of course, the operator of the vehicle should be steering clear of any booze.
Delicious Food from 12welve Bistro and Tapwerks
Once again, I’m not suggesting you need food only from 12welve to enjoy your Ontario fishing, but it worked for us since it’s the restaurant that operates at Brock St. Brewing. If you know you’re going to be out on the water for a significant period of time, it’s important that you’ve brought food with you, since the sun can wreak havoc on you without the proper amount of food and water.
If you don’t want to go the more fancy and fun route, at least have some sandwiches and water. That being said, Captain Steve was well aware of all that and was armed to the teeth with water and so forth.
I had the Buddha Garden to-go from 12welve, which included organic greens, wild rice, chickpeas, cucumbers, grilled halloumi, edamame, avocado, dried berries, pine nuts, pistachios, and sesame dressing. I loved it, largely because I can’t stand meals that aren’t filling, and this was more than filling, but also jam-packed with healthy foods I appreciate.
Do You Need An Ontario Fishing License?
Since our goal was to be out on the water with one of the best Lake Ontario fishing charters and, in my case especially, to do some salmon fishing in Lake Ontario, the answer is yes.
But it’s easy.
If you’re just going out for one day of fishing in Ontario, here’s what you do.
Select “Buy License.”
Buy a 1 day sport fishing license (and you won’t need an Outdoors Card if you’re only fishing for one day)
And that’s all really. They’ll email you a copy. I took a screenshot of the license in case we had a run-in with OPP or anything of that nature, but thankfully it was smooth sailing.
And That’s A Half-Day on a Private Fishing Charter in Ontario!
I know that Steve is looking for just about any excuse to get out on the water, so if you’d like more information on doing your own little Lake Ontario fishing trip, you can reach him on his site, or also on Instagram at @reelmistresssportfishing.
What I particularly appreciated about this experience is that, especially lately, I’d fallen into a routine, and largely one that was based on incessant work, and rarely seeing others.
Getting out on the boat, in the outdoors, was a way that I could safely interact with others again, and be anywhere but my office. Of course, catching an enormous Ontario salmon didn’t hurt either, but I can say genuinely that my day would have been wonderful whether I had caught that fish or not.
In Toronto, we don’t often even consider that we’re only about a 45 minute drive away from being at a marina like this which affords us the opportunity to do some deep water fishing, and the chance to catch a nearly 20 pound fish. But now is the time we get to reconceptualize what we can do in this province.
And I’ll tell you, bottled up in my office for months, little problems and annoyances seemed larger than life, but out on the water, bobbing on the waves, I couldn’t be bothered to feel anything but bliss.
I want to humbly thank York Durham Headwater for hosting me as media for this experience. All opinions are completely my own. Below, I’d love to know in the comments if you’ve visited York Durham Headwaters before, and if there’s any spot you feel I should explore next! Or, just your general thoughts on fishing in Ontario, or Lake Ontario fishing charters! I personally respond to each and every comment.