Be sure to always abide by the laws and daily limits
Above : Our writer on a muskie charter Middle : Jack Baillargeon and Alex Simon fishing on the shore of Lake St . Clair
Below : Jack puts a minnow on his hook
give the fish a rest before releasing it or the odds are it won ' t live long after throwing it back .
" The best way is to have a live tank where you can revive it in freshwater . If you don ' t have that , you have to put it over the end of the boat and hold it gently by the tail in the water and move it back and forth until it comes back and has had a rest ," says Moynahan .
Fishing within your legal limit is important , but catch and release is a huge part of muskie conservation . " The motto is catch , photo , release ," said Moynahan . Fishing is an important part of keeping our waters and fish population healthy and thriving so be sure to always abide by the laws and daily limits . You have to have a fishing license , which can be purchased at any Canadian Tire , many bait shops and variety stores . You can also purchase one at Service Ontario locations as well as online . They are available in single day , annual or multi-year versions . Children 17 and under do not need a fishing licence .
There are two types of licenses : sports fishing and conservation . With a conservation license the full limit on perch or other fish is lower . With a full sports license the limits are higher . On a daily license , it may be a good idea to purchase the full sports fishing license to be sure you are covered for the fish you may catch throughout your day . A conservation license is good for those that live in the city and are going to casually fish here and there . It is also important when picking up your license to grab a copy of the Ontario fishing laws and regulations booklet . This booklet is free and available anywhere licences are sold .
If you are interested in getting out on the waters to conquer a giant muskie , Lake St . Clair is where you want to be .
" Lake St . Clair has the healthiest muskie fishery in the world by far , hands down ," said Moynahan . If you want a 50-inch fish , it ' s Lake St . Clair , if you want numbers , it ' s Lake St . Clair ."
Heading out onto the lake for muskie the first time ? Consider chartering a boat with some family and friends . You can get a fun , relaxing experience catching giant fish without all the work . You can also learn from professional anglers before you decide to head out on your own . Charters are also a good way to fish for people who do not have a boat .
" Well some people don ' t have a boat , so you can lie back and all the work is done for you ," said Moynahan . " It ' s a lot of work running the lines . A charter is a good way to introduce yourself to fishing , to learn and be introduced to the sport from professionals ."
Terry VanDeWauer and his wife Debbie are the owners of