Fish TV's Favourite Shore Lunches

Grab your batter, beans, and fresh fillets for the best lunch lakeside

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.

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

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

Bobber Down

You’ll double your hook-up ratio and find yourself constantly yelling, "Bobber down!"

The Ultimate Social Distancing Getaway

Lots of wilderness, space, and fresh air in Ontario.

Cranking Up The Heat in Northern Ontario

Tips for Using Crankbaits When Fishing Bass

Blue Heron Resort

Incredible smallmouth bass fishing on the lower Spanish River.

Topwater Bass

Targeting Spring Bass at Dog Lake Resort

Best WhiteFish Tactics

In Part Two, Learn Best Rods, Reels and Lure Presentations for Whitefish

Pat’s Muskie Academy

Nik learns the art of trolling for giant muskie on the French River and Lake Nipissing

Twitchbait Smallies

Your guide to open water smallmouth fishing in Atikokan.

Cooking Shore Lunch

Try This Tried and True Recipe

Legendary Walleye at Hawk Lake Lodge

Experience the hospitality and fishing of Northwestern Ontario

Talon Lake Lunge

This 3500-acre lake holds trophy muskies and should not be ignored!

Taming Trout

A new year brings a new lake trout ice fishing season

River Bass Bonanza

Fishing Mistinikon for Smallmouth Bass

’Tis The Season

Get ready for ice fishing with these tips for landing panfish.

Run and Gun Your Way Through Canada

Experience the incredible thrill of musky fishing across Ontario, Canada.

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

Test Your Fishing Smarts

And get some hot tips on fishing spots.

The Northern Walleye Dream

A Dream Fishing Vacation on the English River Watershed

Double Trouble for Fall Crappies

Check out this expert trick

Ghost River Lodges

Remote, Boat-in Fishing on Marchington Lake