A sign of spring as Wheatley fish tugs begin setting nets

By Greg Coulter

WHEATLEY — As spring returns, so does a vital industry to the local economy. As the ice cleared from the western basin last week, commercial fishing vessels out of Wheatley and Kingsville ports began setting their nets.

Monday morning the Doretta L, captained by Todd Loop, rounded Point Pelee and prepared to set nets out of Kingsville for predominately walleye with some test nets for perch.

“With the COVID restrictions relaxing, the food service markets in Ontario look forward to a healthy rebound,” said Captain Loop. “The US market remained steady last year and at this point demand is high for our freshwater products.”

Quotas for the year will be set in late March.

The Doretta L and Taylor Maid sit in the Wheatley Harbour, ready for spring fishing.

SUN photo by Greg Coulter

Last year’s hatch showed signs of a robust pickerel catch subject to winter survival.

John Hyatt of Taylor Fisheries looks forward to processing this year’s catch as the markets are ramping up. Taylor’s popular outdoor onsite fish and chip wagon helped to weather the COVID shutdowns last year and he hopes all Ontario restaurants can return for a successful rebound.

Like all industries, the recent fuel price increases are front and centre among the concerns.

Captain Loop is currently facing an 80% increase as they set sail compared to their last trip of 2021.

Ever-changing wind and weather patterns, along with last year’s algae bloom, are affecting Lake Erie marine life.

Commercial fishing is highly scientific, according to Loop. “It’s a lot more than simply setting out nets randomly and hauling in your catch,” he says.