We stopped and parked at a lot just past the bridge and past the tackle shop. There is a foot path here where we could walk along to a series of quiet spots and cast in for the kids. We worked our way backwards along the point catching and releasing small fish and caught the most closest to the road at this spot:
Each of the kids caught at least one fish, small sunfish and bass - great excitement and for one of the kids it was the first time puting a worm on a hook. We fished bobbers and hooks, nothing complex. My daughter was especially excited with the anticipation of each catch. Bouncing around with her rod in hand and probably missing another six fish due to the movements of her hook.
Directions to Petrie Island from the MNR website:
Extra plus is the help and advice from the tackle shop staff, now called the Oziles'. They also have a concrete boat ramp for public launching, and you can rent a small cottage there as a daily rental. http://www.oziles.com/Take Highway #417 east to the 417/174 split, continue east towards Orleans on Highway #174. After the Place D'Orleans Mall exit on Trim Road. Follow Trim Road north to Petrie Island. Boat Launch located at Petrie Island Bait and Tackle.
Interesting historical note is that the entire island was originally owned by the family that now runs the tackle shop/boat rentals and marina, they gave over the portion that is now the public beach to the city of Orleans in the 1980s. My family has also enjoyed that beach on several occasions.
