About Us

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity -- Seneca

Fully Licensed, Fully Insured and Always Focused on your Safety

When you come out fishing, you deserve to know you’re stepping onto a properly run, professional operation. Behind every trip is real training, current certifications, and a commitment to doing things the right way — not just because it’s required, but because it matters.

Marine Training & Certifications

  • SVOP – Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (Western Maritime Institute)

  • ROC(M) – Maritime VHF Operator Certificate

  • SDV-BS – Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (Western Maritime Institute)

  • MBFA – Marine Basic First Aid (2024)

  • PCOC – Pleasure Craft Operator Card

  • RPAS Pilot Certificate – Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (Visual Line-of-Sight)

Professional Credentials

  • Licensed Insurance Broker (RIBO) – Province of Ontario

  • Fully licensed and insured for the size and type of vessel we operate

Professional Memberships & Community Involvement

  • Ontario Sportfishing Guides Association – Member (through 2026)

  • Niagara Fishing Charter Alliance – Member (2026)

  • St. Catharines Game & Fish Association – Member (through 2026)

  • Proud Sponsor of the Niagara Falls Canucks

  • Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce – Past Member

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Political Science – Western University (1998)

All of it adds up to a safe, organized, professionally run experience from dock to dock — so you can relax and enjoy your time on Lake Ontario.

The Captain Behind the Charter

My name is Captain John Mastrandrea, and I was born and raised in Niagara Falls. Lake Ontario has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent decades learning this water — watching how the wind pushes bait, how temperature breaks set up, how salmon and trout shift with current and light. The lake is never the same twice, and that’s what keeps me hooked.

Early on, I was fortunate to learn from my mentor, the late William Ball (1935–2023). Bill taught me that success on Lake Ontario isn’t about hype — it’s about paying attention, staying patient, and making thoughtful adjustments. He believed preparation mattered, details mattered, and how you treat people mattered just as much. That mindset still guides every trip I run today.

Salmon Limited Sportfishing Niagara is personal for me. When you step on the boat, you’re fishing with someone who genuinely cares about the experience. I’m constantly watching speed, temperature, depth, and boat control — small adjustments that often make the difference between a quiet rod and one that suddenly starts moving. Sometimes we relocate. Sometimes we adjust the spread. Sometimes we slow everything down. It’s all part of staying in tune with what Lake Ontario is giving us that day.

As a single dad to three great kids, patience and safety naturally come first. I want families, visitors, and experienced anglers alike to feel comfortable, involved, and welcome. The atmosphere is relaxed and hands-on — no pressure, no ego — just a focused day on the water where you’re part of the process from start to finish.

I’m fully licensed and insured in Ontario with all required marine certifications. I also bring more than 25 years as a licensed insurance broker, which likely explains why I plan carefully and respect changing weather. On Lake Ontario, preparation isn’t optional — it’s everything.

We don’t accept or solicit sponsors. Everything on the boat is there for one reason — because it performs and it works on Lake Ontario. No promotional obligations, no gimmicks, just equipment I trust and would run whether anyone was watching or not.

Around Niagara, my reputation has grown the old-fashioned way — by staying prepared, being honest, and treating people right.

If you join me on the lake, my goal is simple: give you a genuine Lake Ontario salmon and trout experience, share what I’ve learned over the years, and make sure you leave with a day that feels earned and worth remembering.

JUST A KID WITH A DREAM - 1983
...AND A LIFE BUILT AROUND IT - 2025

Why Salmon Limited Sportfishing Niagara Does It Differently

Built Specifically for Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout

Salmon Limited Sportfishing Niagara is dedicated exclusively to trolling for salmon and trout on Lake Ontario out of St. Catharines. Every rod, every setup, and every adjustment on board is selected with these fish — and these waters — in mind.

A Focused, Intentional Game Plan

This isn’t a “run and hope” trip. Each charter begins with a clear plan based on the time of season, depth range, and how fish traditionally position along the Niagara stretch of Lake Ontario. As patterns develop, refinements are made deliberately — not randomly.

Precision Without the Noise

The boat is rigged to fish efficiently and stay controlled in changing current and wind. Subtle speed control, depth tracking at the ball, and careful presentation management all work together behind the scenes so lines stay working properly.

Private Means Personal

With a maximum of three adults (or four with a child), every guest has room to move, learn, and stay engaged. When a rod fires, you’re not waiting your turn in a crowd — you’re in it.

Same captain, same standards, fully focused on multi-species fishing across Niagara and beyond.

Local Partners We Support

We proudly support Niagara businesses, conservation groups, and organizations that protect our waters and actively participate in growing a strong fishing community.