Big fish story: Here's the one that didn't get away off Toronto's shoreline

Article content

When Will Sampson reeled in a huge muskie on Lake Ontario last Sunday, it was a victory for him and other fishing enthusiasts — and a tremendous coup for this city.

The elusive muskellunge caught by Sampson, a fishing guide here in Toronto, is a first in probably 200 years. He released the fish after taking a few pictures.

The fish’s presence signals a whole new chapter in the health of Toronto harbour and the islands.

Will Sampson’s father, Don Sampson, said his son sent photos immediately on Sunday afternoon after making the historic catch, “And I was ecstatic.”

Sampson and son operate Detour Fishing Charters  (detourfishingtoronto.ca) and take people out for salmon, pike and bowfin fishing, as well as birdwatching and sightseeing tours.

Sampson Sr. has nothing but praise for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and their efforts to clean up the city’s waterways and natural habitats.

“It’s just great what they’re doing,” said Sampson, elaborating on the cleaned-up harbour area, Don River changes and the fact that walleye are being stocked now in the lake.

“When you see fish start hanging out here, that’s a good sign.”

Recommended video

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

Will Sampson is a professional fishing guide and competitive angler. He said Tuesday, “I’ve put a lot of time and energy into that harbour, but I’ve never heard of muskie — let alone caught one — here before. 

“We caught a unicorn!” 

Toronto waters were full of muskie 200 years ago, and the fish are found all over the Great Lakes — but not near the city. Muskie fanciers generally have to head north, particularly to fabled Eagle Lake or Lake of The Woods in northwestern Ontario.

When Sampson posted his Sunday muskie catch on Instagram (at outer_harbour_angler) fishing enthusiasts were beside themselves.

“Awesome fish Will. That’s a rare catch for the harbour,” posted one. “Congrats!! I’m a Toronto-based angler, as well; this is bonkers,” was another comment.

Asked for his reaction upon realizing what he’d caught, Sampson said that since he fishes regularly for pike, “which are in the same family and are quite large,” he initially assumed he was reeling in a bigger pike.

“Not until the fish was right beside the boat, and we could see the pattern and colours did we realize what we had.”

He knew right away, and yes — it was thrilling. Sampson did not have a weighing sling on board to record the weight of the fish, so he just took measurements, and the muskie was 109 centimetres long.

“I just hope we see more of them in the future.”