Art Grayling & The Evolution of Port Stanley’s Fishing Industry

In this engaging presentation, historian Mike Baker shared an interview by George Thorman with lifelong Port Stanley fisherman Art Grayling. Through rare photos and firsthand accounts, the audience was given a deep look into the local fishing industry, its challenges, and how Art and his family navigated decades of change on water and at the dock.

You can view the full interview here: https://www.elginhistoricalsociety.ca/node/74

Key Points from the Presentation:

• Art began fishing as a young boy in small boats on Kettle Creek, later becoming a full-time professional fisherman.
• Over the years, he owned a series of boats: starting with a handmade wooden boat, then larger wooden tugs, and eventually metal boats like the Noskca-J, Stanley Clipper, and LeeJay.
• Gill nets were introduced after his father got a license. Nets evolved from cotton and linen to nylon and eventually microfilament, which didn’t rot when wet.
• Ice cutting was a crucial winter task. Ice was taken from the harbour and stored beside the fish house before Art installed an ice machine in 1964.
• In 1962, Art launched the Noskca-J by dragging it over the frozen harbour to reach open water, catching 12 tons of fish in three days.
• Art opened the Grayling Fish Store at 174 Main Street in 1973. Initially, customers picked whole fish themselves, but preferences shifted to pre-filleted fish.
• Fish were handled multiple times before sale, explaining the $3.00/lb price.
• Art discussed the decline of whitefish and herring populations due to poor survival rates without hatchery support. Perch have better spawning conditions.
• A mercury scare in 1970 devastated local fish sales, despite no actual contamination in the Great Lakes.
• The high cost of fishing tugs and equipment was detailed—highlighting economic challenges.
• Art’s daughter Heather and grandson Jason shared family stories and contributed many of the historic photos used in the presentation.