Joshkerzner

I hope I can help you guys out. You may see pike, Bass, Bowfin, Carp, and if lucky Gar. But the fish that you want to catch you can't see. The big pike hide out in the weed beds, around 8-15 feet of water, in between the islands. Ive heard of people catching trout in those waters as well. You should complain about seeing the fish because it doesn't matter unless you catch em. Pike in-between the island may i recommend the X-rap with a perch pattern. 

Not familiar. I have seen people fish there. normally people get a boat an cast. Ive heard that there is a pike infested weed bed. and people have caught muskie there aswell. If you end up going let me know how it goes.

Never even heard of fly fishing for carp. its about scent, and carp like things that float or on the bottom.

Your not going to catch much pike in zone 17. Just harder to find. If you want to wait then go to zone 18. Gananoque has some great pike fishing once the season opens. If you are insistent on fishing for pike in zone 17. Trent river. Just a guarantee good day. from either a dock or launching a boat. Ive had friends pull in large pike, crappie, bass, and fluke muskie. 

Good luck

Know that you are in toronto i would go and try fishing near the marinas at the islands. Ive seen Monster carp and people catch them all the time. They will pretty much eat anything at any time

Types of bait to use. Ive seen a lot of weird carp baits. People normally use corn. Ive used corn dunked in maple syrup which works. Ive used hotdogs, sausage and anything else with a funky smell. But the funniest and best bait is a good piece of marshmallow sandwiched between pieces of corn. It floats and carp LOVE it. Just you have to make sure it has a smell. Carp will pretty much eat anything. 

I would fish just a hoot and bait, no floats or sinkers. At the islands, once you catch a carp in one spot. you have to change your spot. the carp spin and fight and spook the rest of the fish. You have to walk around and find a group of carp. Then throw a couple pieces of chum in the water. Then toss your bait while they eat the chum. 

Good Luck with the fishing. Let me know if you catch anything. and by the way, its way too cold to start fishing for carp. If i were you, wait till may, they are more active then. If you need to know some good spots, feel free to gimme a shout.