CBC spends a day with the crew of a Lake Erie fishing boat

When it comes to southwestern Ontario, there's no place fishier than Wheatley.

That's because the community — located in the extreme southwest corner of Chatham-Kent, right beside Leamington — is home to the world's largest freshwater fishery.

Perch and pickerel (also known as walleye) are the most prized catches. A few years ago, I had a chance to see the processing side of the industry — how fresh fish turn into the fillets and other cuts we get at the store.

However, I still wanted to see how the fish get caught in the first place.

That's why I found myself at the Wheatley harbour last week at 4:15 a.m., staring sleepy-eyed at this boat.

The Kimmy Sue is owned by brothers Claudio and Paul Adragna. One of the smallest operations in the area, the two are nevertheless well known in Windsor-Essex because of their presence at almost every local farmers' market, selling their catch under the name — Dockside Fisheries.

After the crew quickly loaded nets and other gear from shore, I climbed aboard as the boat headed into the darkness of Lake Erie.

Tap on the audio player to hear my experience.

A look at life on Lake Erie

After an hour in the water, the crew start pulling in the nets they cast in the lake the day before.

Can't see the GIF? Click here.

Because the day's catch was low, nets were cast in a different area of the lake in the hopes of a better yield the next day.

Can't see the GIF? Click here.

Fish from Dockside Fisheries can be found at most farmers' markets in Windsor-Essex, as well as at 913 Drovers Rd. in Wheatley. The brothers also supply fresh fish to dozens of restaurants in the region.