pacman

Operating a charter boat in the summertime on Lake Ontario your comments regarding charters are off the mark, normally I'm pleasantly surprised at the respect most people have for the resource and the concern when releasing fish that its successful. In addition the people are usually out for the whole experience and in Lake O seldom do my customers keep fish unless they're mortally wounded or as I recommend, a few small ones as per the consumption guide. I know there are exceptions and its not always the case and there are always going to be meat fishermen. The real harm in my opinion is inexperience handling and releasing fish and unfortunately that cannot always be taught or bought, it comes with experience. That being said a two fish limit for steelhead everywhere absolutely! Why anyone would want or be able to keep five steelies each is beyond me and why when I'm in my boat fives okay and in my waders its two (I know the argument but don't agree). As far as salmon, if someone wants to keep five and they don't waste them Bon Appetite (the salmon population is healthy on lake Ontario) but its not the norm on lake O in my boat or the other guys I work with (speaking from experience not conjecture). So despite the misleading cooler and dock shots (used for promo) most crews in my firsthand experience keep very limited amounts of salmon and trout on Lake O and generally have respect for our resource. All that being said as a charter captain, a two steelie limit would be welcomed and I believe would have absolutely no affect on the Lake Ontario charter business IMO.

Most likely botulism, last year I witnessed the exact same thing and after speaking with a friend at the MNR he told me it was normal (botulism in fish) especially in the whitefish family. Testing confirmed it and apparently if cooked properly no health risk to humans. Heard of more this week in the same area

If you are in the Grey Bruce area and you are looking for a repair Bill Morrison who owns Morrison's Marina fixes them. Does a good job and is very fair and a good dude. As to your question about going to a four blade it depends what you are looking to achieve, typically you will get a better hole shot but lose a bit at WOT in saying that if you are going to stainless from aluminum you might gain all around (in my experience). That being said another ding will be more painful with stainless $$$ so if your not looking to tweak performance and in the G/B area I'd see Bill with a few twenties and you will be back in business.

Thanks mercman, been around the site for a few years just haven't done a lot of posting.

Had a crew out for some western basin jumbos now that they have pretty much wrapped up their matrimonial duties. Had to move around but managed to locate them with limits for all(mostly minnies in around the 25' mark) . Averaged around 10/11" with some 14 and 15. Had time to drag some harnesses over a few of my spots on the way in and managed to add a couple of eyes to the menu. Looking forward to a great season!

What time of year are you planning? There are excellent opportunities for most species - walleye/pike/bass/lake trout/perch and whitefish. It definetly pays to have a little knowledge of the lake for more consistent fishing as there is a lot of water spread over many bays channel etc. Dannys bait is a good starting point as he will provide you with some good info. I fish Dog lake every summer usually the end of July and have great success usually targeting walleye. In addition there are some giant lakers hiding in the deeper areas. If you want some general areas shoot me a pm.