Quinte Fishing

Good Morning Gentlemen. Thanks for all the great information this fourm provides.
I have never fished in the big Lake but would like to take my boys 4 and 6 Laker fishing. Any advice you could provide me would be greatly appreciated.
I have a 16 foot boat with no down rigger equipment.
Thank you kindly.
Evans

Watch the weather!!!!!!!!

At this time of year, I don't think downriggers are req'd

David aka Superdad

Honestly, You should consider a charter for your first time out and see how everything goes from there. It would make things a lot easier after that.

I have been taking mine out since they were that age and it can be very challenging by times out there with them on board. Having another adult makes it way easier. Dress them warm and pick your day carefully. I won't take mine out if there is even the chance of a south or west wind over 15 km\h.

I have caught lakers flat lining and on dipsys but the big majority is on downriggers. When I get one on, I reel in all other lines, stop the boat grab the rod and then sit them down with me. I hold the rod but they have a hand on it to let them feel the weight and let them crank them in. It can be a real handful out there with them by times, but it can also be very rewarding.

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HUNT, FISH and RIDE

This thread honestly scares the crap out of me reading it!! First time on Lake Ontario....16' boat....4 & 6 year old children....cold water....please pick your day correctly. I don't want to hear about this in the news I swamped my boat one day and just barely made it to shore. It's amazing how fast westher can pick up out there. Don't piss off Mother Nature!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

Thanks For the information. I will look at finding an experienced Laker fisherman to join me for my first outing and will certainly watch the weather carefully. I appreciate your words of caution and wisdom.

Stay safe out there and good luck!!!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

My dad used to take me out in a 14 foot fiberglass bowrider with a 33 HP Evinrude. I'm sure others will tell you about fishing the big lake in a tinny...

I would hope anyone considering going out into Lake Ontario has good boating experience first. And like both Superdad and I said, watch the weather carefully and don't go if it is even questionable. But that goes for everytime and anywhere you go out. Rice Lake was my scariest ride in a boat (on freshwater).

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HUNT, FISH and RIDE

On a East wind off of Wellington it can be done in a small boat , and light North winds , but I don't go out on any West wind. And my boat is a 19 footer and is fairly wide . I would do like mentioned before wait for the right day and watch here for reports to maximize your time on the water . Don't risk it out there.

http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=298

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/greatlakes/?c=map&l=lo&p=a

http://www.fishweather.com/en-us/Search ... 7.422,10,2

Consider using these sites as part of your decision making process when considering a trip.

My dad took us out in an old plywood punt with an old green 50's 25 horse Johnson, we left from the Murray canal and would go all the way out to Nicholson island and the bonnet, then when he could afford a new boat it was a 14 foot sea nymph and a 9.9 Evenrude, early 70's. The plywood punt sunk while we where on Nicholson one time, I was about 5 and my sister would be 8 and we were scared we would never get home. My dad was scared he was going to have to tell the island owner he was trespassing. He bailed like crazy with a 5 gallon pail and managed to get it back above water. Thinking back now some of the seas we ended up in it's a wonder I'm still alive, I guess he really knew how to handle a boat. I still regard them as great times on lake O with my dad. Be smart, be safe and make life long memories with you kids.

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I haven't fished lakers in years but when I did we usually went some distance and left the Wellington area for the small boats, so question is can't he just pick a day when the waters flat and fish right out front of Wellington and not have to run all over the lake.

All great advise in the above posts.

I would add one thing. Take a buddy first a couple of times and then take the kids when you have more experience. The big Lake can be a very scary place when you least expect it.

I have fished it and duck hunted it over 40 years. Had a few close ones.
No problem with 16 footer. Pick your days.

Late April and early May the best Laker fishing.

Al

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Captain - Team ATOMMIK/Rockets

I was having luck up till about mid June without having to have a deep lure presentation. Took a good number of lakers on leadcore with inline boards and spoons.

With my last boat I fished the bonnet area a few times. 16.5' single console. Be prepared to pack up and head in early to save a bumpy wet ride home.

My only experience with a child on board didn't go well. A coworker brought his son along. We had similar plans as you. We powered to west point. Worked the area then began working west. We ended the trip when we had some "chum" being put out. No fish. And I got to scrub the deck at home. Conditions were nice rollers no breakers.