FAQ

HAVE QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS.

Answers to the most commonly asked questions can be found here. Don’t see what you are looking for? Reach out, Capt. Pete is happy to answer all your questions.

Reach us at info@portfrankscharters.com

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel up to 2 weeks before the charter or the Captain cancels the charter for any reason, your deposit will be refunded, or you will be given an opportunity to reschedule.

How do I pay the remaining balance?

Payment can be made in advance using etransfer (info@portfrankscharters.com) or credit/debit card using our self-checkout,

Or payment can be made at the time of boarding.                      
On board,
- we accept cash,                      
- debit card,                    
- credit card

What do I bring on the charter with me?

See our what to bring section for a full list.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, we have a toilet on board in an enclosed private area.

Will you clean the fish?

Yes, fish cleaning is included in the charter cost. We will package the fillets in ziplock bags and provide you a cooler bag and ice to take your fish home in.

What should we expect the day of the charter?

Arrive 15 minutes early, so there is time to load the boat and leave the dock on time. You’ll be sent an information package when your trip is confirmed that includes where to meet the boat, where to park, etc... We fish anywhere from close to shore in the spring to 10 miles out later in the summer. Once at the fishing spot, the Captain will rig the gear and get the lines in the water. If you’d like to learn more about fishing, Capt. Pete is happy to explain the process there will be plenty of time to ask questions after the lines are set. Once the lines are in the water, we normally troll (under power at 2 – 3mph) for the duration of the trip.

Do I need a fishing licence? How do I get one?

YES. If you are between 18 and 65 you require a valid fishing licence for the date of your trip, you can purchase a one-day sports fishing licence online through ontario.ca or at Canadian Tire Stores.
Non-Canadian residents can find more information here.
There are a few dates where a licence is not required, so if your charter falls within these dates, you’re all set.

Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without buying a fishing licence during:
- Mother’s Day Weekend in May (May 11th – 12th, 2024),
- Father’s Day Weekend in June (June 15th – 16th, 2024),
- Family Fishing Week (June 29th – July 7th, 2024).

It is your responsibility to ensure everyone on the trip has a valid licence on the day of the trip. Full details for Canadian residents can be found here and for non-residents of Canada here.

Is fishing better in the morning or in the evening?

Some days the fishing is better in the morning, some days it's better in the evening, it depends on the day but, I prefer fishing in the morning. A good time to fish is when you are available and the weather allows for it. Remember, it is called fishing, not catching.

What time of year is the best fishing?

This is a difficult question to answer as there is no one best time, but what we target and where we fish changes throughout the fishing season, here is what we target and when.

- Spring (May and 1st half of June) - we mostly target Salmon (Coho, Chinook and Atlantic), Lake Trout, and we will see the odd Steelhead and/or Walleye.
- Early Summer (~3rd week of June+)- we start seeing Walleye in higher numbers and the Steelhead are more common. This continues through to the 2nd half of July when the Walleye fishing will peak.
- Late Summer (August and September) - we see the Salmon, Steelhead and Lake Trout really turning on again. Walleye are still biting strong too!

So the short answer is it depends...

In 2024, we will also be offering October and November fall trips on the Saint Clair river (vertical jigging) where it is common to finish with boat limits of Walleye. It's a very different and fun experience, it can be chilly... it's not for everyone.

They call it fishing, not catching for a reason! Come out with an open mind, a sense of adventure and a positive attitude and I can guarantee a fun trip.

Weather: How do I make the go/no-go decision

Weather is a crucial factor when planning trips on the Great Lakes. I use several apps and check up to eight different weather models, including two subscription-based ones. One of these gives me a daily wind forecast from a human meteorologist.

People often mention apps like Windy or WindFinder, saying they work well for them. While that’s good to hear, relying on just one model doesn't give me the confidence I need to decide whether to go out. The weather on the Great Lakes can be unpredictable, so having more information is always better. If I cancel a charter, it’s because the overall data suggests that being on the water could be unsafe or very uncomfortable.

Usually, the forecasts don’t align, and I have to use my experience to make the final call. Most of the time, I make the right decision, but there are occasions when I’m not correct. What’s most important is that I prioritize safety. We might skip fishing on a day that may be enjoyable, but we will never go out when it’s unsafe.

Conditions that may result in a cancelled charter
- Wind 10 knots or greater in any direction
- Waves exceeding 1.6' as measured on the South Huron Buoy
- a high probability of lightening
- significant rainfall
- unstable or unpredictable conditions

If children or elderly will be on board then I am a bit more cautious, in that case
- wind should not exceed 8 knots
- waves should not exceed 1.2'