Ready to hit the big water for some serious fishing action? Over The Rail Sportfishing's 6-hour afternoon charter on Lake Ontario is calling your name. Leaving from Pulaski, NY at 1 PM, this trip is perfect for anglers who want to sleep in a bit but still chase trophy salmon and trout. You'll be fishing with Captain Justin Irving, a local pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand. He's got all the gear you need, so just bring your license, some grub, and get ready to battle some of the lake's biggest fish.
As soon as you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement in the air. The afternoon sun glimmers off Lake Ontario's surface as we motor out to the honey holes. Captain Justin's boat is decked out with top-notch electronics and fishing gear, so you're in for a real treat. We'll be trolling for salmon and trout, using a mix of downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to cover all depths. The afternoon bite can be hot, especially as we near evening, so keep those eyes peeled for bent rods!
On this trip, we're not messing around with tiny panfish - we're after the lake's giants. We'll be using a variety of lures and baits, from flashy spoons to cut bait. Captain Justin will show you the ropes of Great Lakes trolling, a technique that's been refined over decades to consistently put fish in the boat. You'll learn how to read the fish finder, set lines at the right depth, and most importantly, how to fight and land these powerful fish when they strike. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - the captain's got patience in spades and loves teaching newbies the tricks of the trade.
Lake Ontario is home to some of the most sought-after gamefish in the Great Lakes region. Let's break down what you might encounter on your afternoon adventure:
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these brutes are the prize of Lake Ontario. Averaging 15-25 pounds, with some monsters topping 30, Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most active in the summer months, making your afternoon trip prime time for hooking into one of these silver bullets.
Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than their Chinook cousins but no less exciting, Cohos are known for their lightning-fast strikes and tasty fillets. These fish typically range from 5-10 pounds and are a blast on light tackle. They tend to school up, so when you find one, get ready for more action!
Steelhead Trout: These lake-run rainbows are the athletes of the salmonid world. Steelhead are famous for their spectacular aerial displays and long, drag-screaming runs. You'll find them in Lake Ontario year-round, but they're especially feisty in the cooler months. A 10-pounder will give you a fight you won't soon forget.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are a special breed - they grow big and fight hard. These fish love to hang in slightly shallower water, often closer to shore. Browns are known for their cunning nature, so outsmarting one of these 5-15 pounders is a real accomplishment.
Lake Trout: The true natives of Lake Ontario, lake trout are the deepwater specialists. They're built like torpedoes and fight like them too. While they average 5-15 pounds, trophy fish pushing 20+ pounds aren't uncommon. Jigging for these bottom-dwellers can be a nice change of pace from trolling.
Fishing Lake Ontario isn't just about catching fish - it's about the whole experience. The vastness of the lake, the thrill of the hunt, and the camaraderie on board make for an unforgettable day. Captain Justin's wealth of knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're learning. Whether it's picking up new techniques, understanding fish behavior, or hearing local fishing lore, you'll walk away with more than just a cooler of fish. Plus, the afternoon timing is perfect for those who want to avoid the early morning rush or have other plans earlier in the day.
If you're itching to tangle with some of Lake Ontario's finest, don't wait to book this 6-hour afternoon charter. With a maximum of 4 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and rod time. Remember, peak season fills up fast, so lock in your date now. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Lake Ontario giants to your list or a newbie eager to learn from one of the best, this trip has you covered. Bring your A-game, a good attitude, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. The fish are waiting - are you ready to get over the rail with Captain Justin?
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a whole different ball game from their stream-dwelling cousins. These lake-run browns can grow massive, often hitting the 10-20 pound range. You'll find them cruising the nearshore waters, especially around rocky points and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's cooler. Anglers love browns for their challenging nature and tasty, pink flesh. To hook into one, try trolling with stickbaits or spoons near shore, especially at dawn or dusk. Here's a local secret: after a good rain, focus on areas where creeks enter the lake. Browns often stack up here to feed on baitfish washed in by the runoff. Remember, these fish can be finicky, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation if you're not getting hits.
Chinook, or King Salmon, are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with most falling in the 15-25 pound range. You'll find them cruising the cooler, deeper waters, often following bait schools. Late summer and early fall are prime time as they start their spawning run. Anglers love Chinooks for their hard-fighting nature and rich, flavorful meat. To target these giants, try trolling with downriggers using cut bait or large spoons. Early mornings and evenings are usually most productive. Here's a local tip: keep an eye on your sonar for bait balls – where there's bait, there's often Kings nearby. And when you hook one, hang on tight! These powerful fish are known for their long, screaming runs that'll test both your gear and your stamina.
Coho salmon are a scrappy, acrobatic fish that'll give you a run for your money. Typically 8-12 pounds, these silver-sided beauties can reach over 30 pounds in the Great Lakes. You'll find them suspended in the water column, often near structure. Fall's the prime time to target cohos as they start their spawning run. Anglers love 'em for their fight and tasty orange-red meat. To boost your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs in chartreuse or pink. These fish have great eyesight, so fishing on overcast days or during low light conditions can really improve your odds. One local trick: if you're casting from shore, focus on river mouths where cohos stage before heading upstream. Remember, they're not called "silvers" for nothing – their chrome sides flash brilliantly when hooked!
Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Ontario, and they grow big here. We're talking 15-30 pounders, with some topping 40 pounds. These deep-water lovers hang out near the bottom, often at depths of 60-120 feet during summer. Spring and fall are your best bets when they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their fight and their rich, oily meat that's perfect for smoking. To target them, vertical jigging with big spoons or cut bait is the go-to method. Here's a tip: watch your sonar closely. Lake trout often suspend just off the bottom, so keeping your bait in the strike zone is crucial. And when you hook one, be ready for a battle. These fish might be slow-growing, but they pull like a freight train when they realize they're hooked!
Steelhead are like rainbow trout on steroids. These sea-run fish spend years in the ocean before returning to freshwater, growing to impressive sizes of 24-45 inches. You'll find them in Lake Ontario's deeper, cooler waters during summer, moving into tributaries come fall. Steelhead are famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps – hook one, and you're in for a real battle. Anglers prize them for both their fight and their delicious pink flesh. Best fishing's usually from fall through spring when they're in the rivers. If you're looking to land one, try drifting egg sacs or swinging flies in deeper pools. Pro tip: when river fishing, focus on the seams where fast and slow water meet. Steelhead often hold in these spots to conserve energy. And remember, patience is key with these wary fish!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 260