Ready for an early morning thrill on Lake Ontario? Hop aboard with Over The Rail Sportfishing for an 8-hour charter that'll have you chasing salmon and trout as the sun rises over Pulaski, NY. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a full-on pursuit of Lake Ontario's top gamefish, guided by the expert hand of Captain Justin Irving. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this charter is your ticket to experiencing the legendary morning bite that keeps fishermen coming back year after year.
We'll push off from the dock at 5:30 AM sharp, so have your coffee in hand and be ready to roll. As we head out onto Lake Ontario, you'll feel the anticipation build – this is prime time for Chinook and Coho salmon, along with some hefty brown trout. Captain Justin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll be putting you right on top of the action. We're talking about using top-notch gear and proven trolling techniques to maximize your chances of hooking into something big. And trust me, when that rod bends and the reel starts screaming, you'll be glad you got up early.
If you're new to trolling, don't sweat it – Captain Justin will walk you through everything. We'll be setting up a spread of lines, using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover different depths and distances from the boat. The key is to mimic the movement of baitfish, enticing those big predators to strike. We'll be using a variety of lures – spoons, plugs, and cut bait – to see what's working best on any given day. It's a bit of an art and a science, and half the fun is figuring out what the fish want for breakfast.
Chinook Salmon: Known as 'King Salmon' for a reason, these bruisers can top 30 pounds. They're most active in the cooler morning hours, making powerful runs that'll test your arms and your gear. Landing a Chinook is the highlight of many anglers' seasons, and for good reason – they're like submarines with fins.
Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you; Cohos are acrobatic fighters that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They're known for their sudden, explosive strikes and aerial displays. These silver missiles are a blast to catch and make for some excellent table fare.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are a whole different ballgame compared to their river cousins. These lake-run monsters can easily push past 20 pounds, and they fight with a bulldog tenacity that'll have you wondering if you've hooked the bottom. They love the spring and fall seasons, but can be caught year-round with the right approach.
Steelhead Trout: Chrome-bright and full of energy, steelhead are the athletes of the salmonid world. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Hooking into one of these in the open lake is like tying into a lightning bolt – hold on tight!
Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers are the natives of Lake Ontario. They might not leap like their cousins, but they'll give you a dogged fight all the way to the boat. Lakers are often found in cooler, deeper waters, so we might need to adjust our tactics to target them specifically.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. There's something special about being out on Lake Ontario as the sun comes up, with the possibility of a trophy catch on every pass. Captain Justin doesn't just put you on fish; he shares his knowledge, helping you become a better angler with every trip. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie that builds when you're all working together to boat that big one. Whether you're out with family, friends, or making new fishing buddies, these 8 hours on the water are bound to create stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Look, Lake Ontario isn't giving away her secrets to just anyone. But with Over The Rail Sportfishing, you've got an inside track to some of the best salmon and trout fishing you'll find anywhere. This 8-hour morning charter is more than just a fishing trip – it's your chance to tangle with some of the biggest, baddest fish in the Great Lakes. Captain Justin's got the know-how, the gear, and the passion to make sure you have the best shot at a cooler full of fish and a day you won't forget. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book now, and get ready to make some waves (and maybe break some personal records) on Lake Ontario!
Lake Ontario's browns are a real treat. These golden beauties average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. They're known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. We find them near shore in spring and fall, often relating to rocky structure or creek mouths. Browns are less common than other trout, making them a special catch. Their orange flesh is delicious, similar to salmon. Try trolling with stickbaits or spoons in the top 30 feet of water. A local trick is to use scented plastic worms when the bite is tough. Landing a big brown is always a highlight – they're smart fish that'll keep you on your toes.
King salmon are the heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. These brutes average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. They're powerful fighters that'll make long runs and really bend your rod. We find them in deeper, cooler water during summer, often near bait balls or structure. Fall is prime time as they stage for spawning runs. Chinooks are prized for their rich, red meat. To hook into one, try downriggers with cut bait or large spoons. A local secret is to use glow lures early and on overcast days. Nothing beats the thrill of battling one of these giants – it's an experience you won't forget.
Coho salmon are a favorite target on Lake Ontario, typically running 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30. These acrobatic fighters put on quite a show when hooked. We find them suspended in the water column, often near structure or temperature breaks. Fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run. Cohos are prized for their orange-red meat and mild flavor. To entice a strike, try bright-colored spoons or plugs that mimic baitfish. A local trick is to troll with flashers and flies, varying your speed to trigger reaction bites. The morning bite can be explosive, so get out early for your best shot at these silver bullets.
Lakers are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario. These big char can top 20 pounds, with some real monsters lurking in the depths. They're slow-growing fish that put up a stubborn, grinding fight. We find them near bottom structure, often in 80-150 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime, when they move shallower. Lake trout have rich, oily flesh that's great smoked. To hook one, try jigging with tube baits or trolling deep with downriggers. A local tip: use scent attractants on your lures to entice bites in cold water. Battling a big laker from the depths is a unique experience – it's like winching up a submarine.
Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Ontario. These sea-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. They're lightning fast, leaping acrobats that'll test your gear and skills. We target them near shore in spring and fall as they stage for their river runs. Look for them around creek mouths and along shoreline drop-offs. Steelhead fight hard and taste great, with firm pink flesh. Trolling with stick baits or spoons is effective. For a real thrill, try casting hardware from shore during the fall run. A local tip: downsize your leaders and use fluorocarbon to fool line-shy fish in clear water. These chrome rockets are a blast to catch and will keep you coming back for more.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 260