Perth County farmers reel in memorable day on Lake Ontario

Enjoying another successful annual Lake Ontario fishing trip are, from left, Scott Dolson, Dave Standeaven, Dave Wideman (back), Hans Weber, Hans Pfister, Steve Dolson (back), Gary West and Geoff McMullen. Weber landed the largest Chinook salmon of the day, weighing nearly 28 pounds. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A group of Perth County farmers traded tractors for fishing rods last week, enjoying another successful day on Lake Ontario as part of a tradition that has spanned more than four decades.

The annual charter trip departed from Port Credit before sunrise, with eight farmers from across Perth County joining the captain and first mate for a day of Chinook salmon fishing.

The tradition began more than 40 years ago when dairy farmers Dave Wideman of the Atwood area and Glen Standeaven, north of St. Marys, decided farmers deserved a day away from the demands of the farm each July to relax, catch up with friends and enjoy some fishing.

With an early 6 a.m. start, the group headed into the deeper waters of Lake Ontario in search of salmon.

As the old saying goes, "An average day of fishing is always better than a great day of work."

The fish were biting early as the charter reached warmer water where baitfish were plentiful. The first Chinook salmon tipped the scales at about eight pounds before another, weighing more than 18 pounds, was landed shortly afterward.

By the end of the morning, seven impressive Chinook salmon filled the boat's cooler.

First-time Lake Ontario angler Hans Weber, owner of Stonetown Artisan Cheese near Rannoch, battled the largest fish of the day for more than 20 minutes before landing a Chinook salmon weighing nearly 28 pounds.

The catch was officially weighed as part of an ongoing salmon derby and finished 11th overall for the week, earning Weber a $200 cash prize and a $300 gift certificate from Custom Fishing Solutions.

Weber may call it beginner's luck, but the rest of the group knew it also took patience, determination and plenty of strength to land such an impressive fish.

Another first-time Lake Ontario angler, Holstein breeder Geoff McMullen, also enjoyed success, reeling in a Chinook salmon weighing about 25 pounds.

The outing once again proved that experience isn't everything when it comes to salmon fishing.