Archie Hoogsteen has been operating Archie’s Fishing Charters and Lighthouse Tours for 17 years on Lake Superior. His early childhood belongs to the Seine River near Atikokan, Ontario, and his love of fishing stems from early memories of water and boating there. His family relocated to Thunder Bay in 1963, and Hoogsteen began recreating on Lake Superior.
Hoogsteen fondly recalls the inception of his charter boating business. He and his brother had a boat docked at the Thunder Bay marina and received frequent inquiries from interested marina visitors seeking an opportunity to experience fishing on Lake Superior. The interest of prospective clientele, intertwined with his prior business experience operating ice fishing hut rentals on Lac Des Mille Lacs, aligned his passion and knowledge of fishing and boating. This resulted in Archie’s Fishing Charters and Lighthouse Tours as experienced today.
Hoogsteen describes the best part of his job as meeting people, and when kids catch their first fish! “It’s everything!” He also enjoys the scenery and beauty that we have on Lake Superior. “Many people are blown away at the rock formations and clarity of the water and vastness of Lake Superior”. Hoogsteen once took a client from Saudi Arabia out on Lake Superior and informed him that he could drink the water when you are far from shore. Hoogsteen’s client said, “No, no too salty!” Hoogsteen scooped some of the deep lake water into a cup and eventually convinced the professor to take a drink. The professor exclaimed, “This is more precious than gold, this is more precious than oil. You don’t know what you have here!” Hoogsteen assured his client that we do know what we have here. He agrees with pride that Thunder Bay and Lake Superior are precious and offer world class opportunities. Hoogsteen shared that sometimes locals do not recognize that the lake is largely calm and flat. The water does warm up, and both locals and visitors can enjoy its recreational benefits and opportunities.
When asked what his favourite fish to catch, and how it should be eaten, Hoogsteen replied, “salmon!” He recommends barbecuing both salmon and lake trout with an oil-base salad dressing such as Italian or sundried tomato dressing. Hoogsteen’s method involves finishing it off with a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to give some sweetness back and to always cook fish slowly.
Hoogsteen was asked what he would recommend to visitors to experience Thunder Bay. He recommends that they visit Fort William Historical Park, Mount McKay Scenic Lookout and the local Amethyst Mines. As well, Hoogsteen describes Porphyry Island as “breathtaking”. Visitors often return to experience it again and again. They “are always amazed at the history, the natural landscape and the unique fauna. Porphyry Island is a volcanic island and people are always amazed at the black sand.” Hoogsteen offers Porphyry Island Lighthouse Tours that run into September, with private tours for a minimum of 6 participants. Bookings are made through the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior website www.clls.ca. For fishing and other tours, visit https://www.archiescharters.com.
