Fish TV's Favourite Shore Lunches

Grab your batter, beans, and fresh fillets for the best lunch lakeside.
2015-06-10_11.25.40.jpg

In Ontario, there are thousands of lakes and rivers that are just loaded full of fish. I believe there are more than 2200 fishing lodges and resorts that are booked most of the time for summer vacations, but has anyone ever had a five-star meal at lakeside or riverside or right on the lake? Well, in this story, I want to share a couple of five-star shore lunches that I have had the opportunity to experience.

1. Shore Lunch on the Ice

One that sticks out in my mind is a day of ice fishing on the Bay of Quinte when Jeff and I were onto the walleye big time and decided to have lunch right on the ice. Jeff brought out his portable BBQ, some beans, and some buns. In the bay, you’re allowed to keep four walleye per person for your limit, but we had kept two that day and were going to have a shore lunch on the ice.

Now, when you clean your fish right on the ice, make sure you keep the skin from the fish in case a conservation officer decides to check you for your license and your limit, because that fish that you eat for lunch will be a part of your limit. It was around noon when Jeff fired up the BBQ, and I cleaned the two fish for lunch. They were about 2 pounds each, just enough for our lunch and what a lunch it was…BBQ walleye and pork and beans—nothing but first class on the ice!

Shore Lunch on The Ice

2. A Shore Lunch in Algoma Country

The next shore lunch I will never forget was in Algoma Country, where we were fishing for pike, and our guide said, "Do you guys want a shore lunch today?" Well, that was an easy decision, so we packed up the Pike action and he took us to a spot where we caught our lunch in about 10 minutes. Then we headed for a comfortable area that looked like an outside restaurant with tables and chairs, a great fire pit, and a nice area where you could fish offshore while waiting for lunch to cook.

Well, out come the taters, then the onions, then the beans, and finally the fillets of fish that were as white as snow. The guide made this dry batter that was to die for, and after it was all said and done, there isn't a restaurant in the world that could have made a meal like that... not even for a million dollars. So the next time you head to a lodge or a resort in Ontario, with or without a guide, make sure you have yourself a five-star meal somewhere along a shoreline. It is something you will never forget!

Shore Lunch 1
Shore Lunch 2
Shore Lunch 3
About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

The Best Of Times in Northern Ontario

A guide to the best time of day to hit the ice while fishing this winter.

Walleye World in Northern Ontario

Ontario’s Premier Walleye Fishing

Difficult Day Walleye

Learn a few techniques to address the sometimes challenging fishing conditions for walleye.

Summertime Walleye

Fish for Walleye, Muskie or Smallmouth on the Indian Lake Chain.

Trophy Fishing in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario offers anglers a variety of choices of species and fishing options.

Flying in for Ontario Northern Pike

Kaby Lake is a phenomenal lake for both Walleye and Northern Pike fishing.

3 Secret Tips for Landing Ontario Muskies

Muskies aren’t easy to catch. So here’s a simple formula to change that.

Creatures on the Fly: On the Hunt for Brook Trout

Angling in Algoma Country means a chance to reel in some of the best brook trout in the world.

Bear Creek Cottages

Multi-Species Fishing on Lake Nipissing

The Inside Scoop

The fall is the perfect time to hit the water when the fish are starting to feed.

Whopper Walleye

Discover the 3 lodges in Ontario’s Sunset Country that offer trophy walleye in big waters.

Drive-to Ontario Lodges

Ontario has the perfect easy-to-access fishing oasis for every angler!

Dream Fishing Trips

These two Ontario lodges, just across the border from Minnesota, offer anglers the chance to fish multiple species.

Different Strokes

From jigging and buzzing to chunking' and windin', there's no right or wrong way to work a fishing lure.

Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Kesagami Lake has just under a million acres of fishable water that is chock full of pike and walleye.

First Time Walleye Fishing for Beginners in Ontario

I was lucky to share that experience with first-time anglers twice last week. 

Pike and Walleye: Ontario’s One-Two Punch

Walleye and the northern pike reside in the same bodies of water. When one's not biting, the other might!

Kashabowie Bass Blast

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Bass in Ontario's Superior Country

Fishing On The French

Fish TV Stay At Bears Den Lodge

Sandy Beach Cottages on Lake Clear

Pet-friendly cottages and everything you need to have a worry-free holiday!