Each time I head out on the water, I usually have some fishing goals in mind. Maybe it’s targeting a particular species, aiming for quality-sized fish, or catching on specific techniques. It’s been a whirlwind summer and I wanted to enjoy a relaxing day in good company. I invited my friend, Jenn, along for the day in Quinte West on the Bay of Quinte. This is one of my favourite fisheries, and Jenn was on board right away. I still couldn’t resist setting a few goals. On a recent outing on the Bay, I got into a big freshwater drum. I was hoping that we would get into some more on this trip. I also wanted to get Jenn into some fish, and a few different species. This trip checked all the boxes, and then some. It was a day that was good for the soul, as they say!
Thank you to the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board for hosting us on this outing. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase the amazing fishing this region has to offer. It’s a special place!
Our Day on the Water in Quinte West
Quinte West is a city situated at the mouth of the Trent-Severn Waterway on the Bay of Quinte. If you’re not familiar with the Bay of Quinte, it’s located on the north side of Lake Ontario. I grew up in this region, and although I moved to Ottawa over 10 years ago, I still visit often. I love the year-round angling opportunities found here.
Launching at Centennial Park Boat Launch
Jenn and I hit the road early and made our way to the Centennial Park Boat Launch on Ontario Street. This boat launch was updated a few years back and it is free to use. There’s multiple lanes and docks to accommodate boats of all sizes. Visit here to learn more about the boat launches on the Bay of Quinte.
Photo: Docking up at Centennial Park Boat Launch at the end of our day.
Multi-Species Action on the Weedlines
It was a cloudy cool morning to start. We began fishing in 10-15 feet of water, along a weedline close to shore. I set Jenn up with a Ned rig, and I threw a small tungsten jig. As hoped, I spotted some deep-bodied fish on LiveScope. It wasn’t long until I confirmed they were drum by catching a couple. The second was quite large and can be seen in the cover photo! Between the sounds of my drag peeling from the drum, and our giggles, it was a great start to the morning. Add in the calls of Canada geese and mute swans nearby, and it made for a great soundtrack. This is just what I imagined for the day. Jenn checked off yellow perch, white perch, and a largemouth bass. I also had a nice smallmouth bass jump off and throw the hook.
Photo: My friend, Jenn, with a yellow perch.
As the sun peeked through the clouds and it warmed up, I moved shallow to focus on cover and docks. I picked up my punch rig set-up to fish through the matted vegetation formed along shore. I set Jenn up with a ChatterBait to run over the weeds. She was new to using a baitcaster, and picked it up instantly, landing herself another largemouth!
Photo: Jenn with her first ChatterBait largemouth.
A Quick Stop for Lunch
Photo: Takeout pasta dishes from Tomasso’s Italian Grille. From left: Penne Diavolo, Fettuccine California, and garlic bread.
By early afternoon, hunger set in, so I called in an order to Tomasso’s Italian Grille for takeout. I went with the Penne Diavolo, Jenn ordered the Fettuccine California, and both came with garlic bread. Compass Court, at the base of the Trenton Bridge, has 2 free public docks. It’s a short walk from various restaurant and takeout options. It was nice to grab lunch conveniently without having to pull the boat out of the water. We docked briefly, picked up our food, and then found a nice spot to anchor and enjoy our meal.
Photo: My boat docked at Compass Court public docks.
A Cool Treat to Close Out the Day
Photo: Myself with a largemouth bass caught on a punch rig.
After lunch, we continued fishing mats and lily pads where I picked up my nicest bass of the day on a punch rig. I set Jenn up with a hollow body frog to run over the cover. The bite slowed and the wind picked up in the afternoon. We moved out to some deeper weeds, where I had another smallie come unbuttoned. It was getting quite bumpy out there by this point. We decided to head back to shore after what was already a great day! With the Quinte West Summer Pop-Ups open right by the boat launch, we treated ourselves to ice cream and sorbet. Then it was time to hit the road for home.
Photos from left: the Banana Splitz Pop-Up, and our ice cream and sorbet, gone in minutes!
Watch the Video Recap of Our Adventure
Learn more about fishing opportunities on the Bay of Quinte.
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